FAQS

Stem cells are found throughout the body within various tissue sources and organ systems. Their primary role is the replacement of damaged, old or sick cells and the regeneration of tissues. Of particular interest are the mesenchymal stem cells, which have the ability to differentiate into fat tissue, cartilage and bone.

Because Mesenchymal cells are repair cells they stop growing once they have made physical contact with each other.

In most cases patients are interested in a non-invasive alternative to surgery. At OTHW we aim to keep individuals informed so that they are able to decide whether or not stem cell treatment is suitable for them. Also, because this is a non-invasive procedure, you will only be kept in hospital up to one day. Recovery time is shorter than having to undergo an invasive procedure.

Firstly, we would like to make it clear that we do not use stem cells from embryonic tissue. Apart from the current legislation, there are various factors that prohibit the use of embryonic stem cells. These involve ethical considerations as well as the associated tumour formation and tissue rejection observed with embryonic stem cells. Mesenchymal cells are not associated with any of the complications.

• We only use autologous stem cells (patient’s own cells, which means that your body will not reject the stem cell therapy). These cells are retrieved from bone marrow extracted via needle aspiration from your hip bone or fat tissue.

Stem cell procedures can be performed with local anaesthesia, where the surgeon numbs the skin and area of extraction. Occasionally, oral or intravenous medication may be used to relax the patients during this procedure.

We adhere to strict sterile techniques throughout the handling of the sample. The laboratory is also located onsite which limits the exposure of the tissue sample to possible external contaminants.

Stem cells are administered through a variety of different methods. Upon the initial consultation, the doctor will decide on a suitable treatment protocol. Common methods include intravenous administration or intra-articular (within the joint). All methods are considered minimally invasive.

Healing from regenerative therapy takes time. Because each patient is unique and reactions may vary, recommended therapies are personalized. We believe in the regenerative capabilities of stem cells and their innate healing properties. We are committed to supporting and informing our patients and will be apart of the process every step of the way. Patients are therefore advised to allow a 4-12 week period before any final conclusions to the success of the therapy can be made. Thus far our patient success rate has been exceptional and improvements are often reported within the first 4 weeks!

All patients undergo a full medical screening, during which a complete patient history, general health, well-being and the severity of the current condition is evaluated. This is done to medically ensure that the patient is suitable to undergo the harvesting procedure. In some cases patients may be refused due to the severity of the injury or certain medical conditions (e.g. cancer)

Specific solutions of dextrose and local anaesthetic (NO steroids) are used to stimulate your body’s own repair system. This solution is injected into your ligaments, tendons or joint capsules. Follow-up treatments recruit additional tissue growth to further restore and strengthen affected areas.

•  A personalised plan will be offered to patients, typically scheduled every two to six weeks, or until healing is complete. Patients can return to normal activities.

The appointment takes approximately 45 minutes. This includes an assessment, injury site preparation, treatment and recovery time once the procedure is completed. Prolotherapy is non-invasive so all of the possible risks accompanied by invasive surgeries are eliminated. This procedure is performed in the regenerative doctors’ office, without anaesthesia or lengthy hospital stays.

Temporary, mild swelling and stiffness may initially occur around the treated joint/s and area/s. After the procedure has been performed the regenerative doctor will provide the patient with guidelines to promote optimal recovery.

We run a state-of-the-art regenerative facility and utilize specialized equipment to offer you the highest quality of platelet concentrate. Each patient’s samples are prepared in our lab to create the correct volume of concentrated platelets for each application. Our manual and tailored lab processes results in a highly successful treatment that requires fewer follow-up sessions.

PRP therapy’s natural healing processes intensifies the body’s efforts by delivering a higher concentration of platelets to promote your body’s natural healing signals.

Unlike a Cortisone or Voltaren injection that provide rapid but temporary relief, PRP treatment takes a few weeks and gradually increases as the healing progresses, but provides long term relief