by Moriah Byrd
Stem Cell Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis
There are two main categories when it comes to stem cell treatment. The stem cells that come from your own body, from your bone marrow, blood, etc.(autologous transplant). The other type is when the stem cells come from a donor (allogenic transplant). Stem cell transplants have been proven to significantly improve knee joint pain levels and joint function.
Stem Cell Treatment Post-Op Care
In the first 4 weeks of recovery it’s best to avoid NSAIDs because they could potentially restrict stem cell growth, preventing them from doing their job. If tolerable, try to limit intake for 6 weeks. Physical Therapy can start as soon as 4-6 days after stem cell treatment has been done.
Weeks 1-4: This is the time to do gentle stretching, myofascial release, Kinesiology taping techniques, and massage to help with pain tolerance since the goal is to avoid NSAIDs within this time frame. They can also begin walking, biking, using the elliptical and swimming about 50% less than what they were doing prior to the treatment and withing pain limits. You’ll want to avoid doing forceful rotational movements, repetitive loaded exercise, adding shear within the joint, use of US/STIM/Tens, traction and manual manipulations.
Weeks 5-6: You may continue with biking, swimming, and walking exercises. Trying yoga and Pilates at this time is also beneficial. Increasing loads with weightlifting is okay but be careful and listen to your body. Continue to be cautious and limit compressive loads, shear forces, and uneven terrain. Hiking for example may feel fine on the way up but could be very unstable on the way down.
Weeks 7-8: Now’s the time to start to push it a bit, getting back to normal exercise routines if there’s no pain during the activities. Start trying run, on even terrain! You can increase your weight, try biking or running for a what a “normal” training session would be for you. Continue working on core and joint stabilization exercises but still try to avoid shear and over compressive forces for the time being. As time goes on feel free to introduce some different movements little by little and see what’s tolerable to you. Listen to your body!
Physical Therapy After Stem Cell Treatment
Physical therapy can begin as soon as 4-6 days after stem cell treatment and can help with pain post-op, and allow you to ease back into physical activity under the supervision of a trained Physical Therapist. To make an appointment for physical therapy following stem cell treatment for knee osteoarthritis, give Capital Area PT a call at (518) 289-5242. We have physcial therapy offices in Malta, Saratoga Springs, Delmar and Queensbury NY.
References
Xie RH, Gong SG, Song J, Wu PP, Hu WL. Effect of mesenchymal stromal cells transplantation on the outcomes of patients with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Res. 2024;42(4):753-768. doi:10.1002/jor.25724
“PRP/Stem Cell Therapy Post Management Care”. Seattle Sports and Regenerative Medicine. Reviewed September 28th ,2021. Accessed June 23, 2024. https://seattlesportsclinic.com/regenerative-medicine/prp-stem-cell-therapy-post-management
Centeno C, Sheinkop M, Dodson E, et al. A specific protocol of autologous bone marrow concentrate and platelet products versus exercise therapy for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial with 2 year follow-up. J Transl Med. 2018;16(1):355. Published 2018 Dec 13. doi:10.1186/s12967-018-1736-8
