Stem cell therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that promotes healing by reducing inflammation and modulating the immune system using drugs based on cells. Due to the increasing popularity of the method, many clinics claim to be the legitimate providers, however, only a facility run by a licensed physician, with trained staff, and ethical stem cell sourcing can verify the legitimacy of their intervention in addition to other factors.
Let’s take a deeper look at the prospects of stem cell therapy, treatment options, top-rated stem cell clinics around the world, and a guide on how to find a legitimate regenerative therapy center for your loved ones.
Stem cell treatment, and why has it become popular?
Stem cells are multipotent cells with self-renewal, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and differentiation capabilities. Their regenerative properties and minimally invasive procedures make the treatment most popular and effective as compared to conventional therapies or traditional surgical procedures.
Patients with what diseases may benefit from cell-based therapy?
Stem cell therapy is effective for a wide range of diseases, like:
Cardiovascular diseases
Adult stem cells can effectively repair damaged blood vessels and heart tissues through their regenerative healing abilities that release growth factors.
Heal wounds and scars
The latest discovery shows that stem cell therapy is effective in enhancing collagen production, stimulating hair growth, and healing scars by replacing them with new tissues.
Treating neurodegenerative diseases
Adult stem cells have been found to treat neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease, autism, and Huntington`s by forming new neurons, cells, and synapses.
Autoimmune diseases
With stem cells’ immunomodulatory characteristics, the treatment can reverse autoimmune diseases and help modulate the immune system to its healthy state. This approach is most effective for diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Orthopedic conditions
Stem cells can effectively treat low back, and neck pain, osteoarthritis diseases, joint pain, tennis elbow, etc. by promoting muscle and tendon healing.
Countries where stem cells are used most efficiently for medicine
Stem cell health centers widely research and practice stem cells as regenerative medicine. Countries, where this approach is widely used, are:
- The United States
- Mexico
- India
- Brazil
- Thailand
- U.A.E
- Panama
- Colombia
In Europe, some of the leading destinations for regenerative medicine are:
- Spain
- Italy
- Poland
- Lithuania
- Ukraine
- Czech Republic
- Serbia
Criteria for choosing a stem cell center for the treatment
Many clinics claim to be certified stem cell treatment providers, but how do you verify their legitimacy and successful treatment history? Here are some key characteristics to help you find the best stem cell clinics in the United States or anywhere around the world:
Owned by a licensed physician
Look for clinics that are operated by licensed physicians and MDs. A reputable stem cell care center also has the necessary equipment for these kinds of procedures. Beware of illegitimate clinics owned by chiropractors with no licensed physicians and necessary equipment.
Trained staff and injection specialists
An illegitimate stem cell treatment-providing clinic is usually run by untrained nurses and injection specialists. However, only a licensed and trained staff utilizes precision techniques and has full knowledge of the best practices in the field. You can also check the qualifications of the physicians and staff to ensure you are in safe hands.
Regulations
Check if your desired clinic is certified by the relevant drug-related authorities of the state. A legitimate clinic is certified, registered, and uses the right type of stem cells for their treatments.
Use of autologous cellular sources
A certified clinic derives cells from the patient also known as autologous cellular sourcing. This prevents immune reactions and ensures that these cells are accepted by the body without complications.
Utilizes live stem cells
Certified clinics ensure that stem cells are derived live from the bone marrow or other sources and injected into the patient. Bone marrow-derived stem cells have maximum healing capacity and are ideal because:
- They are FDA proven.
- They are safe to use and are sourced from the patient themselves if required.
- Bone marrow has the most clinical research available that proves its safety and effectiveness.
Make sure, that if donated cells or cells from other sources are used for therapy, they are also certified.
Performs image-guided procedures
A registered stem cell facility uses imaging to ensure cell-based drugs are injected precisely during each stage of the procedure. Most illicit clinics forego this step due to equipment cost, lack of training, and expertise.
Patient reviews and case studies
Lastly, a trusted health care provider will always have patient reviews and a detailed case study of past patients. A review of the best stem cell clinics in the world highlights how documenting case studies help a clinic monitor results and improve its procedures. Hence, a reputed certified clinic will always document and present their previous cases to help you decide.
Why is stem cell treatment so expensive?
A stem cell treatment cost depends entirely upon the following factors:
- Diagnosis
- The type of cell-based drug administered
- The quality of cells
- Location of the laboratory and the clinic
- Source of cells (umbilical cord, adipose tissue, bone marrow, etc.)
For example, the cost of a site injection for orthopedics largely differs from intravenous inpatient treatment for an autoimmune condition.
In conclusion
Stem cell treatment is a minimally invasive and rather effective treatment approach for most autoimmune, inflammatory, neurological, and orthopedic disorders. Certified stem cell clinics have licensed physicians, injection specialists, and qualified experienced staff to ensure the best and safe treatment practices to improve symptoms in many health conditions.
