Stem Cell Therapy & Orthobiologic Injections

What Is Stem Cell Therapy?

Stem Cell Therapy is a cutting-edge regenerative treatment that harnesses the power of your body’s own stem cells to repair and regenerate damaged tissues. This therapy is particularly effective for treating orthopedic and sports injuries, including those affecting the shoulders, knees, and elbows.

How Stem Cell Therapy Works

1. Stem Cell Extraction: Stem cells are harvested from your bone marrow or adipose (fat) tissue using a minimally invasive procedure.

2. Processing & Concentration: The extracted cells are processed in our lab to concentrate the stem cells and enhance their healing potential.

3. Targeted Injection: The concentrated stem cells are injected directly into the injured joint or soft tissue, where they release growth factors and signaling molecules to stimulate tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation.

Conditions Treated with Stem Cell Therapy

• Osteoarthritis: Helps regenerate articular cartilage and reduce joint pain.

• Tendon Injuries: Promotes healing in chronic tendonitis and tendon tears.

• Ligament Injuries: Aids in the repair and strengthening of ligaments.

• Joint Pain: Provides long-term relief from chronic joint pain and inflammation.

Please note: The injection of cultured mesenchymal stem cells is not legal in the U.S. Ensure you consult with qualified healthcare providers to understand the right stem cell therapies available for you.

What Are Orthobiologic Injections?

Orthobiologic Injections encompass a range of regenerative treatments that utilize natural, tissue-derived compounds to support the body’s healing processes. These therapies include Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC), and Adipose-Derived Medicinal Signaling Cells (MSCs).

Orthobiologic Injection Therapy, popularly called “Stem Cell” therapy, is an emerging science that continues to be highly effective in treating joints with significant arthritis, including knees, ankles, shoulders, spine, and more.

At SageMED, we utilize adipose-derived medicinal signaling cells (MSC) therapy. These MSCs are derived from fat cells, known as adipose, in your body. We use liposuction to remove a small amount of fat from your body and then filter the tissue in the lab to focus on these medicinal signaling cells. These cells attract stem cells and other growth factors to the area needing healing. We also often combine this preparation with PRP and Hyaluronic Acid (your body’s natural joint lubricant) to optimize the effects of the injection.

Clarifying Terminology: We believe it is crucial to use the correct terminology for our treatments. When someone refers to getting a "Stem Cell injection," it typically implies an injection containing only mesenchymal stem cells (the precursors to bone and cartilage). While orthobiologics can be rich in these stem cells, it is not the same as true stem cell therapy. Currently, the injection of cultured mesenchymal stem cells is not legal in the U.S. Be cautious of clinicians claiming to offer “Stem Cell” therapy without proper terminology or legal authorization.

Our dedicated physicians perform a physical exam to determine the nature of your pain or injury and provide education on your regenerative treatment options.

Types of Orthobiologic Injections

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections:

What It Is: PRP is derived from your own blood and contains a high concentration of platelets, which release growth factors to accelerate healing.

Benefits: Enhances the body’s natural ability to heal, reduces inflammation, and promotes tissue repair.

Best For: Tendon injuries, ligament sprains, and muscle tears.

Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) Injections:

What It Is: BMAC is obtained from your bone marrow and is rich in stem cells and growth factors.

Benefits: Supports cartilage repair, ligament healing, and reduces joint inflammation.

Best For: Joint cartilage repair, ligament injuries, and degenerative joint conditions.

Adipose-Derived MSCs:

What It Is: MSCs are harvested from your fat tissue and have strong regenerative properties.

Benefits: Promotes tissue regeneration, reduces pain, and improves joint function.

Best For: Severe arthritis, joint instability, and chronic pain.

Stem Cell Therapy vs. Orthobiologic Injections: Which is Right for You?

While both Stem Cell Therapy and Orthobiologic Injections aim to enhance your body’s natural healing processes, they serve different purposes based on the severity and type of injury:

• Stem Cell Therapy is ideal for patients with significant joint degeneration, such as advanced osteoarthritis or large-scale tendon injuries.

• Orthobiologic Injections are best suited for mild to moderate joint pain, tendonitis, and patients who have not responded to traditional therapies.

Our experienced practitioners at SageMED will evaluate your condition and medical history to recommend the most appropriate treatment option tailored to your needs.

How SageMED Optimize Your Treatment

• Comprehensive Evaluation:

  • Medical History Review: A detailed analysis of your health history, including past treatments and current conditions.

  • Laboratory Testing: Accurate hormone and cell level assessments through blood, saliva, or urine tests to determine your specific needs.

• Personalized Treatment Plan:

• Custom Therapy: Based on your evaluation, we create a tailored treatment plan using either Stem Cell Therapy or Orthobiologic Injections.

• Treatment Modalities: Options include BioTE pellets for sustained hormone release, custom compounded topical creams, patches, pills, and more.

• Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustment:

• Regular Follow-Ups: Continuous monitoring of your hormone levels and treatment progress to ensure optimal results.

• Adjustments as Needed: Fine-tuning your treatment plan based on your body's response and any changes in your health status.

Our approach ensures that your treatment is maintained within optimal ranges, promoting overall health and well-being.

Safety and Legal Considerations

At SageMED, patient safety and legal compliance are our top priorities. BioTE® pellets are natural hormones and do not require FDA approval. We use only the highest quality pellets with consistent potency and purity, administered by the most experienced providers in the state. SageMED is recognized as one of the top 10 clinics in the nation for pellet therapy, having administered thousands of doses over the last 10 years. Custom compounded topical hormones are formulated to meet your specific needs, ensuring targeted and effective treatment.

Important Notice: THIS NOTICE MUST BE PROVIDED TO YOU UNDER WASHINGTON LAW. This healthcare 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 stem cell therapy.