What to Expect After Your Stem Cell Therapy Procedure

Stem cells are one of the major repairing mechanisms of the body. During stem cell therapy, healthy stem cells are infused into the body so that they replenish the damaged ones, marking the beginning of the healing process. However, just like any other procedure, side effects are a part and parcel of this treatment. At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we understand that patients may not know what to expect following their stem cell therapy treatment, so we’ve laid out some information to help:

1. How difficult and long is the recovery period?

You can expect improvement quickly following stem cell therapy. However, that does not mean you should expect immediate results. It can take anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks for you to feel a noticeable difference. From there, improvement only continues for many patients.

If you’ve undergone the procedure for a joint injury or disease, you may feel soreness for a week or more, due to “micro injuries” caused by the injection. It is advised to avoid anti-inflammatory drugs, like aspirin, for at least two weeks, as it can adversely affect the function of stem cells.

2. When can I resume my normal routine?

For successful completion of the procedure, you’ll be asked to keep the site of injection as still as possible for an hour maximum. Limited activity will be allowed on the day following your procedure.

Typically, you’ll need to wait for a week before resuming lighter activities but will be able to return to vigorous activity within 6-8 weeks.  Continuous improvement will be noticed throughout this period. Movement will most likely become less painful with each passing day.

3. Are there any side effects of the procedure?

Side effects associated with stem cell therapy vary from patient to patient. However, most side effects are mild and typically pass within a week after the procedure. You may notice soreness or mild pain after your stem cell therapy, but this should reduce dramatically as the stem cells work to heal the treated area. However, those experiencing any unusual side effects should speak to their Pearland, Texas, orthopedic doctor.

Stem cell therapy is a promising procedure for those suffering from joint pain in Pearland, Texas. However, it’s important to know what to expect during the recovery process. For more information on using stem cell therapy to get back to a pain-free life, give Dr. Burke Orthopedics a call at (713) 436-3488.