StemCell Therapy

Medical professionals debate whether or not stem cells therapy is an effective treatment for sports injuries, such as ACL tears and chronic tendonitis. It is a controversial subject and research is ongoing.

See Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears

The theories behind stem cell therapyResearchers theorize that when applied to a sports injury, stem cells might:

See Knee Cartilage Repair, Regeneration, and Replacement

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Future research will help show if none, all, or a combination of these processes is at work. In the meantime, doctors debate whether or not stem cells are a good treatment option for sports injuries.

The challenge facing researchersThere is no standard recipe for stem cell therapy. The stem cell therapy in one study is not necessarily the same as the stem cell therapy in another study. The differences can include:

Because of these differences, it is difficult for researchers to draw conclusions or make generalizations based on existing studies.

Many sports medicine doctors use stem cell therapy in combination with another regenerative medicine therapy, platelet rich plasma (PRP). These physicians believe that PRP can make the most of the stem cells potential effects.1,2

See Types of Regenerative Medicine for Sports Injuries

PRP is derived from a sample of the patients blood. In the bloodstream, platelets secrete substances called growth factors and other proteins that:

See Are PRP Injections Effective?

PRP can be used alone to treat sports injuries, such as elbow tendinopathy.

See What Is the Difference Between Tendonitis, Tendinosis, and Tendinopathy?

Like stem cell therapy, PRP therapy is a not a standard therapy and may not be covered by insurance.

See Pros and Cons of Using PRP for Tendon Injuries

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