What is a Stem Cell
Stem cells are remarkable undifferentiated cells with the unique ability to transform into specific cell types as required by the body. This versatility is attributed to two key characteristics:
- Self-Replication:Stem cells possess the capability to replicate themselves, ensuring a sustainable source for potential therapeutic applications.
- Multilineage Differentiation:Stem cells can differentiate into a wide array of specialized cell types, including bone, cartilage, muscle, nerves, and connective tissue. This transformative ability makes them invaluable in regenerative medicine.
What is an Exosome
Exosomes are not cells but are micro-vesicles, which are a minute fraction of the size of a cell. They contain no nucleus or DNA and are regarded as the purest form of cellular therapy available, as their function is to direct tissue and wound healing by activating the patient’s own regenerative cell response. Exosomes, derived from MSC Stem cells found in the umbilical chord, have shown the ability to reduce inflammation which is a central component to the treatment of autoimmune, inflammatory and degenerative conditions. These Exosomes have also shown to be effective at decreasing fibrosis and minimizing the risk of scar formation in wounds as well as stimulating the production of collagen for deposition into healing skin as well as the stimulation of new articular cartilage in joints.
What is Platelet Rich Plasma
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is produced from a person’s own blood. Several tubes of blood are collected and then spun in a centrifuge to separate the white and red blood cells. PRP is a concentration of one type of blood cell (platelets). These platelets are activated and injected into an injured or diseased part of a person’s body to accelerate the healing. The activated platelets also release growth factors that stimulate and increase the number of repairative cells your body produces. This significantly enhances the body’s natural healing process.
Cell-based healing therapies have been used in treatment for a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
- Muscle/skeletal/joint injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Skin disorders
- Non healing wounds
- Diabetes/neuopathy
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Crohn’s disease/colitis
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Parkinson’s disease
- Many more…
Additional Therapies
Extra Corporal Shock Wave Treatment
Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) is the transcutaneous application of high-energy acoustic waves to break down tissue or to promote healing and repair. Focused ESWT involves the application of acoustic waves transmitted in a narrow or focused pattern. It has also been used to reduce pain and promote healing in bone, tendon, ligament and fascia in patients with musculoskeletal disorders, and to reduce spasticity in patients with neurological disorders.
Cold Laser Therapy or Low Level Laser Therapy
Cold Laser Therapy or Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a treatment that utilizes specific wavelengths of light to interact with tissue and helps to accelerate the healing process. It can be used on patients who suffer from a variety of acute and chronic conditions in order to help eliminate pain, swelling, reduce spasms and increase functionality. The laser is placed directly over the injured area for 30 seconds to several minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated and the dose provided by the cold laser unit. During this time, the non-thermal photons of light that are emitted from the laser pass through the skin’s layers (the dermis, epidermis, and the subcutaneous tissue or tissue fat under the skin). This light has the ability to penetrate 2 to 5 centimeters below the skin. When cells absorb this light energy, it initiates a series of events in the cell that result in normalizing damaged or injured tissue, a reduction in pain, inflammation, edema and an overall reduction in healing time by increasing intracellular metabolism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between exosomes and stem cells?
In contrast to stem cells, exosomes cannot self-replicate or differentiate into various cell types in the body. Exosomes are extremely small vesicles, produced by cells that are responsible for cell-to-cell communication. Exosomes can also be processed for long-term frozen storage as well as storage at room temperature after lyophilization. On the other hand, stems cells are living cells that can self-replicate and therefore, must be kept in liquid nitrogen until they are thawed and ready to use. Mesenchymal stem cells, (MSCs), derived from the umbilical chord are recognized for their multi-potent nature, allowing them to transform into various cell types with therapeutic potential.
Where do our stem cells and exosomes come
We source our stem cells from Human Umbilical Cord Tissue, specifically utilizing stem cells with a rich concentration of Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). This choice is driven by the heightened efficacy of MSCs in addressing systemic autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, as well as their pivotal role in cellular signaling for tissue repair and regeneration.
What is the process stem cells are obtained
Step 1 Umbilical Cord Collection: The umbilical cord is collected in accordance with the stringent standards set by the American Association of Tissue Banks (AATB). Approximately four weeks before a scheduled cesarean section, the mother is given the option to either store or donate her unborn child’s umbilical cord. If she chooses donation, a thorough review of her medical and social history, along with a blood test, is conducted. Once the mother is deemed an acceptable donor, an experienced technician, during the cesarean section, clamps the umbilical cord and places it into a sterile collection bag and it is processed by the lab. A sample of the umbilical cord tissue undergoes testing at a third-party independent FDA registered lab. The testing, following United States Pharmacopoeia rule 71 (U.S.P. 71), checks for known communicable diseases.
Step 2. Stem Cell Processing: While disease testing is in progress, stem cells are harvested from the umbilical chord and processed, meticulously removing all red blood cell products.
Step 3. Sterility Testing: A sample of the finished stem cell product is sent to another third-party independent FDA registered lab for rigorous sterility testing.
Step 4. Final Approval:
Stem cells are only made available for distribution after receiving “clean” reports from both independent labs, ensuring they meet and surpass regulatory requirements. Our stem cells and exosomes are of the highest quality in the industry as verified by independent laboratories for cellular viability. They are also preservative free, decreasing any risk of negative reactions.
What is the difference between Stem Cell therapy and PRP therapy
Stem cell therapy is a more advanced treatment compared to PRP Therapy. PRP Therapy recruits growth factors in the injured area to aid in healing an injured area faster that is capable of healing on its own given enough time. Stem Cell Therapy not only does the same thing that PRP offers, which is initiating the body’s repair response, it also enhances stem cell activity for regeneration. It is capable of regenerating damaged tissues, making Stem Cell Therapy ideal for treating degenerative diseases, such as arthritis, tendon or ligament tear, low back disc bulging due to torn fibers, etc. Most patients report pain reduction immediately after injection and significant restoration of damaged or diseased tissues (joints, ligaments, tendons and cartilage) and further pain relief within a month.
Is Regenerative Medicine covered by my insurance?
With very few exceptions, the answer is no. Some intravenous therapy may be partially reimbursed by some carriers for very specific conditions, e.g. Hydration IV and anti-nausea medicine if you are vomiting and are dehydrated. We do not bill insurance; however, you are free to submit your receipt for consideration by your carrier.
How do I perform a 6-hour urine collection?
If you are getting your first or your last IV chelation treatment, you will be given a urine collection kit. Once your IV is completed, you will collect all your urine output for exactly 6 hours in the container provided. Once the 6 hours have passed, you will collect a sample of your total urine output and place it in a smaller container. All forms and shipping labels as well as the shipping container will be in the kit. You must get the shipping package to the appropriate mailing drop off before their last pick up of the day. We usually will only do first and last chelation appointments no later than 10 am to make sure you have at least an hour to process and drop off your kit to either UPS or Fed Ex.
How long does an IV take. Can I get one on my lunch hour?
This depends on the IV and yes you can. Most treatments are completed in about 30-45 minutes. Some IVs such as High Dose Vitamin C, Phosphatidylcholine, and NAD drips can take 2-3 hours.
What are the Dos and Donts after getting an IV infusions?
Bandage: Once the IV catheter has been removed, a bandage will be applied to the IV site. This bandage should be left in place for 30 minutes before it is removed.
Activity: You may resume normal activities with the exception of heavy weightlifting. As a general precaution, we suggest you wait 24 hours.
Fluid intake: There is no need to push fluids unless you are told to by your IV tech or provider. Over hydrating after a larger volume IV can lead to electrolyte disturbances. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours.
Medications/supplements: You may resume all medications and vitamins unless you have had a chelation treatment. You want to avoid all vitamin/mineral supplements the day of and the day following chelation therapy.
Why cant I schedule some IV infusions such as High Dose Vitamin C (HDVC) on my first visit
Some IVs require close medical supervision, and you have to be cleared prior to treatment. If you have a condition called G6PD deficiency, HDVC could be harmful to you and the amount you can safely receive will be limited. This condition is diagnosed by a simple lab test that takes 48-72 hours to get back. We have other IV therapies that you can enjoy and benefit from that do not require medical clearance first.
What is you policy on cancellations for stem cells and IV therapy
We ask that you call to cancel before 4 pm the day prior to your scheduled appointment. We will confirm your appointment the business day prior as a courtesy. IVs are usually mixed the morning of your appointment based on confirmed appointments and your estimated time of arrival to make sure that we can be efficient with your time for your treatment. Once an IV has been mixed, it must be used that day. With the exception for true last-minute emergencies, once an IV has been mixed, you are responsible for it. If it is part of a set of a prepaid package, that unit will be be deducted from your package.
Stem cells/exosomes are not taken from Cryo-preservation or prepared until your actually arrival.
What payment sources do you accept
We accept cash, most major credit cards with a 3% surcharge as well as cashier’s and personal checks. For personal or business checks over $1000 we ask that you prepay 48 hours in advance to allow the check to clear. At this time we do not accept cash app, zelle, apple pay or cryptocurrency.