In the line of duty, our military heroes are faced with extreme conditions, push through aches and pains, and are often expected to play injured. There isn’t time to rest and recover, and this type of stress put on the body can cause a variety of issues — including knee pain, shoulder pain, PTSD, and more. Stem cell therapy can now be used to help treat many of these active-duty injuries.
What is stem cell therapy?
Stem cell therapy uses stem cells from your own body to replicate and reproduce healthy cells in places that need repairing. A small section of fat is removed from the body, put through a centrifuge, added to a solution, and re-inserted into the body in the location of a wound.
Unlike other methods, using your own fat and stem cells to repair tissue and cells is safer. That’s because:
- Your cells don’t cause a reaction or rejection when given back to you
- Your cells are best at regulating your immune system
- Other types of stem cells — from umbilical cords or blood cells — expose you to possible genetic and infectious diseases
What are the most common military injuries?
When thinking of our veterans and active military members, the first wounds that come to mind tend to be lost limbs, gunshot wounds, and other gory injuries. But, there are a bunch of injuries that aren’t so obvious. Some common military injuries include:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Head or brain injuries
- Tinnitus and hearing loss
- Strains and sprain
- Limited range of motion — especially in ankles and knees
These injuries can restrict the jobs they’re able to take after serving and create challenges in normal everyday living. From playing baseball with their children to walking their pets, everything can come with obstacles that are difficult to overcome with their injuries.
Can stem cells cure PTSD & other injuries?
One of the more recent developments in stem cell therapy is the ability to repair neuropathic conditions. Neurological damage in the brain can cause mental health issues — including PTSD. By removing stem cells from fat and giving the cells IV with special medicine to help them enter the brain, where they can replicate and reproduce healthy cells, stem cell therapy can significantly improve neuropathic conditions. The stem cells also communicate with the receptors to reduce swelling and inflammation — two significant symptoms of traumatic brain injuries.
The same applies to other conditions categorized by nociceptive pain. This includes strains, sprains, and other repetitive injuries that occur in training or combat. The stem cells are inserted into the knee, ankle, or other targeted areas of the body, and begin providing support and communicating with the pain receptors. Read more at Stem Cell Therapy for Muscle Injuries.
What to Expect Post-Procedure
The stem cell therapy procedure is minimally invasive, and patients are often able to go home immediately. How quickly patients see results depends on the severity of their condition, but some see improvements within a few days. Others see gradual improvements over a couple of months. Lifestyle can play a big role in the progression of improvement. To ensure your treatment and recovery go smoothly, you should:
- Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking 24 hours before your treatment
- Avoid drinking alcohol or smoking 48 hours after your treatment
- Take it easy for a few days following the procedure
- Avoid taking baths or soaking underwater for a week following the procedure
Contact Innovations Medical for Stem Cell Therapy
If you served in the military and sustained injuries like PTSD, Innovations Medical is here for you. Our skilled professionals help you decide which stem cell therapy treatment is best for you – keeping you informed and confident in the next steps. We’ve been helping our patients look and feel their best since 1984, and even our most advanced procedures are often minimally invasive.
To find out if stem cell therapy is right for you, and to learn how Innovations Medical can improve your life, call us at (214) 643-8665 or schedule an appointment.