Best Practices in
Providing Stem Cell Procedures
Learn More on How Stem Cell Therapy Works
How Stem Cell Therapy Can Treat Pain & Injuries
thriveMD offers specialized therapy for joint, soft tissue, and disc and joint related back pain utilizing a minimally invasive stem cell procedure with autologous adult stem cells which are harvested from the patient’s own body. If you are determined to be a good candidate for a stem cell procedure, this is a safe and often effective way to support your body’s natural repair mechanisms in recovering from injury, surgery, and the degenerative aging process.
Addressing damage to your joints, discs, tendons, and other soft tissue in the earlier stages of breakdown is ideal when trying to maximize the benefits of a stem cell procedure. That said, most orthopedic conditions often respond quite well to stem cell procedures even in chronic stages. This is especially true in degenerative disc disease causing severe low back pain. Contact us today to learn more about how stem cell therapy is carried out by our expert regenerative physicians and why it might be an ideal solution for you.
An In-Depth Look at the Stem Cell Therapy Process
1) Your Initial Consultation
2) Stem Cell Harvesting
3) Stem Cell Injecting
4) Post-Procedure Expectations
5) One-Month Follow-up
6) The Regenerative Process
How Does Stem Cell Therapy Work? Hear More from Dr. Brandt.
Harvesting the Biologics
Processing the Biologics
Injecting the Biologics
Meet Our Providers
thriveMD is proud to offer exceptional service by leading practitioners in the field of regenerative and longevity medicine. Their extensive and diverse experience in multiple areas of medicine allows them to quickly adopt newer, ever-evolving, technology-rich treatments to identify and treat health concerns using the most advanced therapies available today.
Learn more about our doctors who are dedicated to helping patients not just feel better, but stay healthier, longer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take the first step toward feeling your best.
What is stem cell therapy?
Stem cell therapy, also referred to as stem cell treatment or cell therapy, helps the body repair itself naturally by stimulating your body’s own natural healing processes. This technique begins by harvesting a patient’s own stem cells found in both adipose (fat) tissue and bone marrow, concentrating the cells into a small injectable volume and then reintroducing the cells into the area of concern. The process, backed by research, stimulates the body to repair and replace tissue that has broken down over time or has been traumatized from injury or overuse.
Where do stem cells come from?
Harvesting biologics (cells) during stem cell procedures can be done via different processes:
- Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is harvested through a peripheral blood draw.
- Bone marrow is obtained from the patient’s iliac crest (pelvic bone) under live x-ray guidance. The cells are then concentrated using a centrifuge process. Local anesthetic is utilized.
- Adipose (fat) tissue is obtained through a mini liposuction procedure. Adipose tissue is the most abundant source of adult stem cells, with the highest concentration of stem cells per volume (up to 1,000 times as much as bone marrow).
How is fat tissue collected?
We collect the stem cells through a minimally invasive liposuction procedure that uses light oral sedation to help you relax for the procedure. No general anesthetic is required. The procedure takes about an hour and involves extracting abdominal fat using Nutational Infrasonic Liposuction equipment (trademarked Tickle Lipo in the US). The Tickle Lipo cannula allows for gentle emulsification of the fat, which helps separate the stem cells from the fat particle, thus improving stem cell yields. There is little discomfort associated with the procedure; most patients report feeling only a mild tickling or pressure sensation.
How is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) collected?
PRP is collected from the peripheral vein (usually in the arm). 60-120cc of blood is extracted and processed using a centrifuge to separate out the platelet rich fraction of the plasma, which is dense in platelet-derived growth factors. This results in a small injectable volume.
How is bone marrow collected?
First, the area is easily anesthetized using local anesthetic. Bone marrow aspirate is then collected from the posterior iliac crest. The area is easily anesthetized using local anesthetic and a needle is placed painlessly into the center of the crest. We usually harvest the bone marrow and centrifuge the aspirate into a small injectable volume of bone marrow concentrate.
Am I a candidate for stem cell therapy?
thriveMD determines whether you are a candidate for stem cell therapy during a one-on-one consultation at one of our Colorado facilities. Steps such as careful physical examination and review of appropriate imaging (x-ray and/or MRI) take place.
To learn more about what can make your condition suitable, please view one of the specific sections below.
Is stem cell therapy safe?
Yes. The risks of stem cell therapy are minimal and often misunderstood. By using adult stem cells from your own adipose (fat) tissue and bone marrow, the body accepts the new tissue as its own, eliminating the risk of rejection. Also, because the stem cells are from your own body, there is no risk of contracting a transmittable infectious disease from a donor patient. Other risks associated to joint replacement surgery, such as the increased risk of heart attack in the first month post knee and hip replacement procedures, is avoided as well.
Like any procedure, there is a minute risk of infection at the liposuction site of the fat collection and at the injection site. To minimize that risk, you will be provided with 7-day course of antibiotics.
How much does stem cell therapy cost?
Pricing depends on your individual treatment plan and will be determined with your provider. Financing is available through Cherry. Please contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss stem cell therapy rates.
Take the Next Step in Your Healing Journey
If you believe you or someone you care about could be a candidate for soft tissue, elbow, or Achilles tendon stem cell therapy, please contact us today.