stem cell therapy

the what, the how, THE METHOD & the who.

What is STEM CELL THERAPY?

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Stem cell treatments have been a major buzzword in the world of medicine for the past several decades, and were assumed to be only available to a select few. However, in last several years, these therapies have become readily available to almost anyone. 

 

Stem cell therapy is a type of regenerative injection therapy that utilizes the patient’s own stem cells and supportive cell types as a natural treatment for many different types of conditions. In fact, stem cell therapies are currently being studied in several different areas of medicine: degenerative neurological diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s Disease, certain types of cancer, endocrinology disorders such as type 1 diabetes, musculoskeletal conditions and injuries, and more! Dr. Bhandari’s use of stem cell therapies is in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, injuries, and pain.

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how does STEM CELL
THERAPY work?

Stem cells are involved in the tissue repair and healing process in the body. They can direct the process and action of other cells in the tissue environment, and can also differentiate into multiple types of cells as needed, all to coordinate the optimal healing response. When referring to stem cell therapies in the area of musculoskeletal conditions, the type of stem cells that we are primarily discussing are called mesenchymal stem cells (MSC’s). These cells, once activated at the site of injury or tissue damage, can recruit more stem cells from other parts of the body, secrete growth factors and signaling molecules that direct cells in the area to either die off, repair and regenerate, or produce a specific immune response. They can also induce an anti-inflammatory response, as needed. In essence, these cells respond to the injured tissue by assessing the current environment and evaluating what is required for an optimal healing response, followed by a coordinating attempt at providing it.

“Stem cells” can mean many different things, and unfortunately, there is a lot of individuals and clinics out there that are taking advantage of unsuspecting patients and consumers by inaccurately describing their procedures as “stem cell” therapies. It is important to find a clinic that is providing REAL stem cell therapies that are approved to be provided clinically. The primary types of stem cell therapies available to the general public in the United States are bone marrow aspirate concentration (BMAC) and adipose-derived tissue stromal vascular fractions and adipose-derived cellular stromal vascular fractions (AD-tSVF & AD-cSVF). This is because these are the areas – bone marrow and adipose – that have the most abundant populations of mesenchymal stem cells in the body. In fact, the adipose tissue is the most abundant!

Beyond these biocellular therapies, there are stem cell product therapies available, which either use some form of amniotic or umbilical tissue, or use a type of stem cell secretion called exosomes. All of these therapies are acellular: they DO NOT contain stem cells. This does not mean they are not useful or effective, but they are different, and as such, need to be discussed, conversed about, and used in the appropriate manner.

THE METHOD

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Dr. Bhandari’s procedures use the patient’s own adipose tissue (fat) as the source for stem cells, specifically, adipose-derived stem cells. Using a minimally invasive, small liposuction-like procedure, the adipose tissue is collected. This primary collection of tissue is referred to as the adipose tissue complex (ATC). The ATC is centrifuged, followed by the removal of inflammatory oils and blood, and then is mechanically emulsified to turn the lipoaspirate into microfat and nanofat. The resulting biocelluar product, most accurately referred to as an AD-tSVF, is what is used for the treatment of various musculoskeletal conditions. This biocellular fat graft, rich in not only the patient’s own mesenchymal stem cells, but also perivascular cells, immune cells, and endothelial cells, provides an ideal scaffold for tissue repair, growth, and regeneration. 

In many cases, this biocellular fat graft (AD-tSVF), can also be combined with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to provide an even more robust healing response. To read more about PRP, check out the description of this therapy.

Can STEM CELL THERAPY work for me?

THIS NOTICE MUST BE PROVIDED TO YOU UNDER WASHINGTON LAW:

This health care practitioner performs one or more stem cell therapies that have not yet been approved by the United States food and drug administration. You are encouraged to consult with your primary care provider prior to undergoing a stem cell therapy.

AD-tSVF stem cell therapies have been safely and effectively used to treat a number of conditions, including: 

  • Spine degenerative joint disease, such as osteoarthritis
  • Rotator cuff tears 
  • Ligament tears and sprains
  • Low back pain, such as sacroilitis, facet syndrome, facet arthropathy, and more
  • Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
  • Jumper’s knee and runner’s knee
  • Meniscus injuries 
  • Acromioclavicular joint injuries
  • Osteoarthritis of the knees, hips, ankles, shoulders, hands, and fingers

LET'S CONNECT

LOCATION

12600 SE 38th St. #130
Bellvue, WA 98006

CONTACT US

Phone : (425) 679-6056

info@drashokbhandari.com

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dr. ashok bhandari