What Is Stem Cell Therapy?
Stems cell therapy is a cutting-edge treatment that is being used in orthopedic and sports medicine. The procedure involves using a patient’s own stem cells, which have the unique property of being able to develop into many different cell types, to treat sports injuries and arthritis. Patients can experience significant pain relief and improved function after the procedure.
Stem cells can be taken from the bone marrow or from a small amount of fat tissue, which is known as bone marrow aspirate or lipoaspirate respectively. The aspirate (containing the stem cells) is then injected into the site of injury so the cells can help repair the injured or degenerative tissue. In some case it may better to use stem cells from a different source, such as a 1st or 2nd degree blood relative or from Wharton’s Jelly (umbilical cord tissue). Wharton’s jelly is DIFFERENT from umbilical cord blood. Umbilical cord blood CANNOT be used for orthopedic conditions under current FDA guidelines. After a thorough examination and MRI review, Dr. Carter can best determine the type of treatment that is best. The procedure is minor and can be done in the office with minimal down time. Patients often return to work the next day.
In 2017-18, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) significantly restricted the practice of stem cell procedures. The FDA does still allow for same dayprocedures of bone marrow aspirate and lipoaspirate as long as certain strict criteria are met: there must be minimal manipulation of the bone marrow or fat tissue and centrifugation is allowed only for the removal of debris from the sample tissue. Dr. Carter’s New York City practice operates in full compliance with the FDA standards.
How Does Stem Cell Therapy Work?
Stem cell therapy is a cutting-edge treatment that is offered in Manhattan by Dr. Carter that is used in orthopedic and sports medicine. The procedure involves using a patient’s own stem cells, which have the unique property of being able to develop into many different cell types, to treat sports injuries and arthritis. Patients in the New York area can experience significant pain relief and improved function after the procedure.
The body is comprised of many different types of cells, each with a unique purpose. For example, there are liver cells, brain cells, bone cells, and more. The cell type that has the most significance to therapy of orthopedic conditions is called a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC).
Hear CBS Sports Analyst and former NFL Linebacker Brian Jones describe his response to PRP for a rotator cuff tear in his shoulder and stem cell therapy for a meniscal tear in his knee. Both treatments were done by Dr. Alicia Carter.
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Dr. Alicia Carter’s patient, respiratory therapist Robert M., describes his response to a stem cell treatment for knee arthritis done in March 2015 – and still going strong after just ONE treatment!
Dr. Carter offers a complimentary phone consultation for New York City patients interested in stem cell therapy.
Call Us to learn more: 833-794-7040
The Power of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Mesenchymal stem cells have a variety of unique qualities that make them an excellent reparative and restorative treatment option for multiple joint conditions. Some of their abilities include:
- Reduce inflammation
- Self replication
- Interchangeable between multiple tissues such as muscle, fat, cartilage, and bone
- Fight against cell death
Their Purpose
The overall goal of stem cell therapy is to focus on the body’s natural healing process and take advantage of its regenerative abilities. By injecting a concentrated dose of these specific cells into a worsening joint, the process is accelerated to help regenerate vital components and functions of the joint. Several studies have shown that this treatment method has yielded results of:
- Lowered pain levels
- Lessened use of opioids and other highly addictive painkillers
- Fewer interventional treatments for the individual’s joint pain
Autologous Stem Cell Therapy
Multiple sources also cite an increased likelihood of success when using mesenchymal stem cells from the patient’s own body. MSCs can be harvested from multiple areas of the body, though the most frequently used point of access is iliac crest of the hip.
This access point is used to gather the patient’s own bone marrowIt is also possible to derive this sample from the person’s, though bone marrow is typically when treating orthopedic conditions.
Once the injection is ready, it is delivered to any areas of the body that require treatment for a variety of injuries and degenerative conditions.
What Are The Risks Associated With Stem Cell Therapy?
Although stem cell therapy has been used for decades, it is still considered experimental for most orthopedic indications. Stem cell therapy is usually not used as the first step in treating orthopedic conditions. Associated risks of include infection, prolonged bleeding, pain at the aspiration or donor site.
The best way to determine if you are a candidate for stem cell therapy is to have a thorough evaluation by a licensed, physician (MD or DO) experienced with stem cell therapies AND board certified in Regenerative Medicine. There are a growing number of chiropractors, nurses and other practitioners, who market themselves as providers of such therapies, but are no way qualified to do stem cell treatments.
Why Choose Dr. Carter?
- Dr. Carter has almost a decade of extensive experience with regenerative medicine procedures and has passed a rigorous test to become Board Certified in Regenerative Medicine – this is in addition to her board certifications in Sports Medicine and in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation.
- Dr. Carter’s does a comprehensive 1-hour orthopedic evaluation. She takes the time to thoroughly understand the patient’s lifestyle and to determine why the injury or condition developed and why other treatments might have failed. Based on the patient’s goals and to ensure a successful outcome, specific exercises are often recommended.
- The success rate for patients receiving stem cell therapy for arthritic conditions in Dr. Carter’s practice is over 90%. Most patients experience complete pain relief and significantly improved function after just ONE treatment. Many other doctors require multiple treatments.
- Dr. Carter has been consistently rated a Top Doctor by numerous state and national organizations.
- Complimentary car service is provided to and from Dr. Carter’s office for patients receiving stem cell therapy.
Am I a Good Candidate for Treatment?
It is possible for any person to complete stem cell therapy, though this course of treatment is specially designed to assist individuals with the following wounds or conditions:
- Osteoarthritis
- Non-union fractures
- Cartilage defects
- Osteonecrosis
- Avascular necrosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- A meniscus tear
- Tendonopathies
The best way to learn more about stem cell therapy and whether or not you may benefit from it is to speak with someone who specializes in this particular type of treatment. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Alicia R. Carter, please call (212) 794-7040 today, or submit a request online using our form.
FAQ - Stem Cell Therapy
Q: Can stem cells be used to treat spine and joints?
A: Yes. Dr. Carter can treat almost all orthopedic and sports conditions, including disorders and injuries of the spine with stem cells.
Q: Where do stem cells come from?
A: One source of stem cells may be recommended over another depending on several factors, such as age, the condition being treated and other factors. Stem cells can be obtained from one’s own bone marrow/pelvic bone or from a small amount of abdominal fat. In some case it may better to use stem cells from a different source, such as a 1st or 2nd degree blood relative or from Wharton’s Jelly (umbilical cord tissue). Wharton’s jelly is DIFFERENT than umbilical cord blood. Umbilical cord blood CANNOT be used for orthopedic conditions under current FDA guidelines. Dr. Carter can best determine the type of treatment that is best for you after a proper evaluation and MRI review.
Q: What is the down-time after stem cell therapy?
A: This can vary significantly depending on the condition being treated and the patient’s occupation. Most patients are able to return to work the next day. Athletic activity is often limited for a few weeks after treatment.
Q: Is stem cell therapy covered by insurance?
A: Depending on your condition, partial reimbursement may be possible. Reimbursement questions can be answered in more detail after your consult and once we know more about your condition and your insurance coverage.
Q: How much does stem cell therapy cost?
A: The expense of stem cell treatments depend on the condition and the source of the stem cells.
Our Services
Each new patient receives a one hour initial consultation. This allows Dr. Carter to better understand the patient’s condition and provide a specialized recovery plan. Learn more about our services we offer here.
Dr. Carter’s holistic approach to treatment combines natural remedies with the most cutting edge treatments in traditional medicine such as stem cell therapy and plasma rich plasma injections. Learn more about our services.
Dr. Alicia Carter’s clientele includes college and professional athletes, Broadway performers, professional dancers, musicians, as well as weekend warriors. Many physicians and other health professionals seek her care for their own orthopedic conditions.
NY office
425 Madison Ave, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10017
Tel: (212)794-7040
Miami Office
2800 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 1010
Miami, Florida 33137
Tel: (833)794-7040
Copyright © 2019 Alicia R. Carter, MD