If you’ve discovered stem cell therapy this post might help you: learning all you can about the process of joint cartilage regeneration is a great idea!
Stem cell therapy is a new and exciting medical technique with a wealth of possibilities primarily in the field of Sports Medicine and Orthopedics. Although the details depend largely on the specifics of your case, the following aftercare concerns are likely to arise after receiving regenerative treatment:Immediately after treatment:Your first priority is to obey all postoperative restrictions set by your physician.
In general, you should stay away from anti-inflammatory medications, rest the affected area for a day or two, and prepare to begin physical therapy once your doctor says you are ready for it. Pain at various levels is absolutely normal in the first 7 days after stem cell treatment. This should become less of a problem as time goes on.
The first two weeks: You will most likely see significant swelling in the treated area. This is a normal side effect of increased immune system activity. White blood cells and other critical regenerative substances begin to accumulate in the treated area. This is a standard issue that primes the pump for the stem cells to begin functioning. After the rest period recommended by your doctor has passed, the treated area may be ready to support light daily movement. Pay attention to what your body is telling you and don’t force anything that feels uncomfortable or painful. It’s a good idea to limit the amount of trips you take on stairs and not lift more than necessary during this period. (These precautions are especially important if you received treatment on any of your joints: hips, knees, shoulders, etc.) Exerting yourself to walk a little can help relieve pain, especially in spinal cases. The best way to treat muscle spasms or aches during this period is with heat. Inflammation should be treated with ice. Exercise moderation with your heat treatments, especially if you have a high pain threshold – you don’t want to accidentally hurt yourself one bit!
Anti-inflammatory drugs mostly impair stem cell function. This means that you will want to avoid the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs during this period. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. Be on the lookout for natural remedies and supplements that may have an anti-inflammatory effect should be avoided. Examples include arnica and turmeric. You may find kinesiology tape and other therapeutic tools helpful for pain management in the first few weeks after your treatment. Talk to your doctor in advance about which aids are best for you.
The Third and Fourth Weeks: At this point, your doctor will probably recommend starting a non-impact exercise regimen designed to improve your range of motion. Sample activities include gentle walking, jogging in the pool or using an elliptical machine. The importance of keeping this activity gentle should be emphasized. The stem cells in your body need time to develop into specialized cells. You do not want to impede this process by pushing yourself too hard too fast.
Weeks five and six: Once you have reached this stage, you may feel ready for more ambitious physical therapy. Don’t overestimate your capabilities! This is the time to start adding very light resistance to your workouts, not to jump into new and arduous routines. At this point, your stem cells have begun to build new tissue. The increased blood flow brought on by low-impact exercise is helpful, but the cells don’t need excess stress. This may be the right time to extend your therapy routine to include moderate stretching activities (such as Pilates or yoga).Do not add any exercises that cause compression, such as squats, leg lifts, calf raises, twists, etc.
Weeks seven and eight: At this point, you can safely begin aerobic exercise without putting your stem cells at risk. Continue to pay special attention to the treatment area and discontinue your workout if you feel any pain. Heat and ice are still best for treating pain and inflammation at this stage.
After the third month: The stem cells introduced into your body will be most potent between the third and sixth month after treatment. Continue to support your work by protecting them from undue stress. You can exercise to strengthen your joints, but don’t overexert yourself at the gym or overexert yourself at home. Communication is always vital.
Stem cell therapy is so new that it will almost certainly be a first experience for almost all patients. Both the treatment and recovery process are significantly different from ordinary surgery. Do not hesitate to ask many questions before and after treatment.
If you have a physical therapist helping you, take the time to verify that they understand the proper postoperative protocols for stem cell therapy. This is important because many of the joint exercises in the physical therapist’s toolkit are less helpful or even harmful. If you have discovered that stem cell therapy might help you, learning all you can about the process is a great idea!
Stem cell therapy is a new and exciting medical technique with a wealth of possibilities.
