Stem cell therapy is a type of regenerative medicine which uses the body’s own natural healing mechanisms to promote repair at the cellular level. It uses stem cells, which can self-renew and mature into virtually any tissue type to help with healing across a broad range of medical concerns, including orthopedic, autoimmune, and neurodegenerative conditions.

For several issues which are challenging to treat, stem cell therapy is proving to be effective and well-tolerated. If you’re considering the treatment as an alternative to surgery or other methods that have yielded subpar results for your condition, you may have some questions before getting started. Here’s what you should ask as you prepare for treatment.

What Type of Background Do Your Providers Have?

When you’re considering stem cell therapy, you’ll want to make sure that you receive care from a licensed professional. A U.S. board-certified provider is the only trustworthy source from which you should receive treatment, and this provider should closely evaluate your medical history, as well as any medications and supplements you’re currently taking. A reputable clinic will also have quality control measures in place to ensure patients receive the highest quality of treatment.

Have You Helped Patients With Similar Conditions?

Stem cell therapy is being used to treat a wide range of medical conditions. For your peace of mind, you’ll want to make sure the clinic you’re considering is well-versed in the condition for which you’re seeking treatment. Whether it’s a neurodegenerative, autoimmune, orthopedic, or any general wellness concern you may have, make sure the clinical team is knowledgeable, experienced, and ready to answer your specific questions regarding how the treatment can help you.

How Are Stem Cells Acquired?

There are several ways stem cells can be acquired, including from donors and the patient themselves. One of the most common ways to retrieve stem cells is by extracting them from tissue sources such as bone marrow or adipose (fat) tissue. Stem cells may also be derived from the Wharton’s Jelly, or vessel linings in the umbilical cord, which holds an extremely potent concentration of mesenchymal stem cells. Be sure to ask your clinic which options are available so you know what to expect.

Where Are Procedures Performed?

While some clinics perform procedures only outside of the U.S., others offer treatment stateside. Regardless of where treatment is performed, your chosen center may be able to assist with accommodations and transportation to ensure a hassle-free experience.

What Should I Expect From Treatment?

Factors such as success rates, treatment duration, number of sessions needed, and the amount of time that passes before seeing results can all vary from one patient to the next, especially since stem cell therapy is administered for so many different types of conditions. The clinic should be able to explain a comprehensive pathway specific to your medical history, indicating the cell types and methods of injection for the best approach.

This post was written by Becky Palmer, a medical professional at Stemedix Inc. At Stemedix we offer Regenerative Medicine, also known as Stem Cell Therapy in Tampa, this therapy naturally acts to rebuild and regenerate neural tissues that are lost from the progression of all different types of diseases.