Adipose Tissue Arthritis Treatment

What is adipose tissue?

Adipose tissue is another name for body fat. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are adult stem cells with self-renewing properties. Adipose tissue therapy is a type of stem cell therapy that leverages your body’s own natural healing mechanism to treat various conditions.

What types of conditions are treated with adipose tissue therapy?

Adipose tissue therapy is often used to treat arthritis. Damage to bones, tendons, ligaments and articular cartilage throughout the body’s musculoskeletal system may also be treated with adipose tissue therapy. It promotes the natural healing of damaged tissues without the risk of immune system rejection, is very safe and may help you avoid surgery.

How does adipose tissue therapy work?

Your doctor begins by extracting adipose tissue from the fatty area in your abdomen with a type of liposuction procedure. The tissue is then spun in a centrifuge to separate the adipose-derived stem cells. The sample is concentrated and then injected into the affected area.

Is adipose therapy covered by insurance?

Adipose tissue injections are not covered by health insurance at this time.

How quickly can I get back to my regular routine after adipose tissue therapy?

Adipose tissue injections may initially cause mild swelling or stiffness within the first week after your injection. You will need to refrain from strenuous activity and air travel during this week as well. Physical therapy is typically recommended to begin one week after treatment.

Are there any side effects to adipose tissue injections?

Adipose tissue therapy is safe because your own blood is used in the treatment, which eliminates the chance of a blood-borne disease or other related side effects. As will all injections there is a very small risk of infection at the injection site.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact West Coast Orthopedics today.

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