Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cells are the body’s ultimate building blocks. They are undifferentiated cells that have the ability to transform into a variety of different cells and have the potential of rebuilding damaged tissue, including cartilage, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Stem cells are present in significant numbers in bone marrow and adipose (fat) tissue. Trained physicians can safely and legally obtain adult stem cells in a medical office procedure room with sterile techniques, for use in same-day procedures.

In the office-based procedure suite, Dr. Swift can obtain bone marrow rich in stem cells with very little discomfort. This procedure takes about 45 minutes. Dr. Swift uses Emcyte Genesis Pure Bone Marrow Concentrating systems. The marrow is obtained from the patient’s pelvis (iliac crest), which is a common donor site for marrow. Bone marrow is then minimally processed with a sterile single-use kit to concentrate the cells. The marrow concentrate is then injected accurately into the treatment area with ultrasound or fluoroscopic (x-ray) guidance.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is frequently injected at the same time to provide additional growth factors to complement the stem cells. This combination is synergistic, like planting seeds (stem cells) with fertilizer (PRP growth factors). Stem cell injections are sometimes followed several weeks later with another PRP injection to maximize healing potential with another round of growth factors.