by Mike Reeves, SPT
Knee Osteoarthritis (OA) & Stem Cell Therapy
Knee Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs in the aging adult causing the cartilage on the joint surface to degenerate. As the cartilage gradually wears away individuals often experience pain, loss of motion and loss of function.
Knee Osteoarthritis Facts:
- Affects over 32.5 million adults worldwide
- OA is leading source of chronic pain and disability in US
- Knee OA accounts for 80% of OA cases
- Affects 19% of Americans age 45 and older
- Knee OA has doubled in prevalence since the mid 20th century
Current Treatment Options
- Conservative Treatment
- Increasing physical activity
- Weight loss
- Pain medication – Injections, OTC and prescription meds
- Supportive / Assistive devices – crutches and canes
- Physical Therapy
Non-Conservative Treatment
- Surgery – Total KneeArthroplasty (knee replacement ) when conservative treatments are rendered ineffective
- STEM CELL THERAPY
- Non-conservative treatments are followed by physical therapy
What is Stem Cell Therapy?
Stem Cell (SC) Therapy is a type of regenerative therapy that is currently classified as an experimental procedure that most health care plans do not yet cover. Specialized physicians will harvest, prepare and inject stem cells to the treatment area in hope of regenerating lost cartilage and slowing or reversing cartilage degeneration.
The initial research on stem cell therapy for treatment of knee osteoarthritis is encouraging. Although there is not yet a standardized protocol for the type or quantity of stem cells used, the majority of early research has shown a significant reduction in pain symptoms, increase in knee function, improved quality of life, and increased cartilage thickness.
Pros:
- Less invasive than a TKA (knee replacement)
- Less recovery time than a TKA
Cons:
- Not covered by most insurance plans (out of pocket expense)
- Not enough research on the best standardized treatment protocols
Physical Therapy
The research shows that just 2-3 treatments of combined manual physical therapy and exercise can reduce pain and stiffness by 20-40%. Our physical therapists will work with you side by side through the series of injections to reduce pain, increase knee function, and quality of life. There are currently no restrictions on return to activity with stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis. Patients will be prescribed exercises aimed to improve strength, stability, proprioception, and neuromuscular control to return to work, activities and life!
