Shoulder osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that is characterized by wearing of the cartilage that covers the bones in the shoulder. The medical field has seen various advancements over the past decade. Regenerative treatments are one such orthopedic therapies that are gaining huge popularity in the current world. Stem cell therapy for shoulder osteoarthritis is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that avoids the need for elective surgery. Along with stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma therapy aids in the natural healing of the injury.
Normally, a smooth cartilage tissue surrounds the surfaces of the shoulder ball and socket joints. This cartilage prevents the friction or rubbing of the two bones. Osteoarthritis of the shoulder is a progressive loss of the cartilage that surrounds the bone and joint capsule of the shoulder. Degeneration of the cartilage increases the friction between the two joints, which leads to severe pain, stiffness, and disability. Shoulder osteoarthritis is not as common as that of the knee and hip osteoarthritis.
Some of the common factors that increase the risk of developing shoulder osteoarthritis are age, genetics, the weight of an individual, history of a shoulder injury or dislocation, and joint infection. Osteoarthritis can cause deliberate pain that might lead to depression and activity limitation that has a significant impact on performing activities on a day-to-day basis.
Regenerative medicine is a booming treatment option for various medical conditions, including orthopedic problems and sports injuries. It is currently being practiced in most of the developing nations across the world. Regenerative treatments carry numerous advantages over conventional treatment methods in terms of healing, recovery, and rehabilitation.
Treatment of shoulder osteoarthritis with the help of stem cells is a novel treatment option that accelerates the body’s natural healing from within. Stem cell treatment for osteoarthritis is a non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure that involves stem cell injections. Stem cell treatments are the same-day, outpatient procedures that do not require a hospital stay. Stem cells heal degenerative arthritis of the shoulder with the need for surgical intervention.
Regenerative therapies for shoulder pain
Shoulder pain is one of the most common problems that occur due to the overuse or tremendous stress that is imposed on our shoulder joints. Shoulder pain causes difficulty in performing regular tasks with ease. Many underlying medical conditions can result in shoulder pain, which can only be identified by proper diagnosis. Conventional treatment options would ease the shoulder pain and reduce the inflammation. But, in some chronic cases, a permanent healing option is essential to address the shoulder pain.
Stem cell treatment for shoulder pain is a minimally-invasive therapy that helps to alleviate shoulder pain resulting from various underlying medical conditions. Stem cells are the specialized cells that heal the damaged tissue that is causing shoulder pain. Also, in some instances, a super concentrated platelet (SCP) injection is administered to promote the release of the growth factors that are needed for tissue regeneration.
Treatment of shoulder arthritis
Initially, the doctor would suggest non-operative methods of treatment, such as the use of anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroid injections. However, healing is entirely dependent on the extent of the damage. In severe cases where non-operative management of shoulder osteoarthritis is not possible, surgery is indicated. Surgical options to treat shoulder arthritis involves lengthy recovery and rehabilitation.
Treatment of shoulder arthritis is often challenging as the shoulder is one of the most important parts of the body that involves regular movements to perform the daily tasks. An affected shoulder should be immediately diagnosed to proceed with the required treatment to avoid further damage and complications.
Stem cell therapy for the shoulder is an advanced orthopedic therapy where a person’s autologous biological cells are used to enhance the healing of damaged tissue. Stem cell injections used in the treatment contain biological factors that reduce pain and inflammation at the site of damage, thereby helping to treat shoulder osteoarthritis.
During the procedure, stem cells are collected from the patient’s bone marrow and are processed in the laboratory before they are injected at the site of injury. The stem cell injections are customized as per the extent, and severity of the damage occurred. The stem cells, when injected into the shoulder, begin to repair and replace the damaged cells that enable the body’s own healing mechanism. Apart from healing the injury, the stem cell prevents further damage of the tissue and protects the health of the surrounding tissue.
Besides stem cell therapy, Super concentrated platelets (SCP) therapy helps in promoting the growth of healthy tissue. The platelets drawn from the patient are centrifuged to obtain a desired platelet-rich concentrate. The concentrated blood platelets are 5 to 10 times rich in the blood platelets when compared to the normal plasma.
Stem cell therapy – An alternative to shoulder replacement
The shoulder joint is susceptible to a wide range of injuries, which can become chronic over time. Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons for an individual to prefer shoulder replacement surgery. The pain resulting from osteoarthritis, which is due to the wearing of the shoulder joint cartilage results in tremendous pain as the condition gets worsened.
Some of the most common signs, such as chronic pain, joint stiffness, reduced or loss of range of motion, and pain in the shoulder despite being inactive are the common reasons to opt for a shoulder replacement surgery. Shoulder replacement surgery requires longer periods of recovery and rehabilitation that interfere with everyday activities for a certain period of time.
Stem cell therapy is an effective non-surgical, minimally-invasive treatment option for those who choose an elective surgery for shoulder replacement. Stem cells repair the damaged cartilage tissue and regenerate healthy tissue in the injured area.
Our clinics can help you get rid of orthopedic pain with advanced stem cell treatments. Do visit our clinic in Hyderabad and Mumbai or contact us at 7306070809 for more information.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can stem cells help in shoulder osteoarthritis?
Stem cells are the unique cells in the body that can transform into various cell types according to the requirement at a particular site of injury or damage. When concentrated stem cells are injected into the shoulder, they begin to differentiate into the required cell type and accelerate the body’s ability to heal the damage. Apart from treating the condition, stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis of the shoulder protects the health of the surrounding tissue and prevents further degeneration of the cartilage.
How successful is stem cell therapy for shoulder osteoarthritis?
Stem cell therapies have been an ideal non-surgical treatment option for over the past decade. Stem cells treatments have helped the patients in pain relief and in improving the function of the shoulder. Stem cells contain growth factors that aid in the development or formation of the new cartilage in the shoulder. Stem cell therapy for shoulder osteoarthritis is a non-operative procedure that offers great hope of recovery in patients suffering from shoulder arthritis.
Do we need multiple SCP (Super concentrated platelets) injections to address shoulder pain?
Shoulder pain can be acute or chronic pain, depending on the underlying medical condition. Upon diagnosis, the doctor will estimate the extent of damage or injury based on which he would suggest the treatment. Although one set of SCP injections are sufficient to ease mild to moderate shoulder pain, in some cases, a patient would require another set of SCP injections after a few weeks from receiving the initial SCP injections.