Stem Cell Therapy and PRP Treatment
Many cells in our body (heart muscle, nerve cells, cartilage cells, muscle cells) are formed when we are born. He does his job until he dies. From the day a person is born, aging begins in his cells. It gets damaged and dies over time. Scientists have sought methods to replace these damaged and dying cells.
What is Stem Cell?
Special cells have been discovered in our body, especially in the adipose tissue and bone marrow. These cells are undifferentiated main cells into cells such as nerve, bone, muscle. When these cells are transferred to the damaged tissues in our body, they can differentiate and turn into cells (cartilage, nerve, muscle and similar cells…) in that area. That’s why these cells are called stem cells.
How is Stem Cell Obtained?
Stem cells are generally found in bone marrow and adipose tissue. Obtaining stem cells from the bone marrow is more difficult for the patient. For this reason, it is preferred to use cells found in the fat tissue around the belly or hips.
In this method, fat tissue around the belly or hips is removed by liposuction. Stem cells in this adipose tissue are separated by two methods.
Stem Cell Separation Methods
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Method:
It is to extract the cells by passing the adipose tissue through special filters.
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Method:
It is the separation of cells from adipose tissue using special enzymes.
Method 1 is simpler. However, since it is a mechanical method, most of the extracted stem cells are damaged during the procedure.
For this reason, method 2 is preferred. In this method, stem cells from the fat tissue taken from the navel with special needles are collected using special enzymes.
In this way, it is possible to apply unstressed stem cells to the damaged area.
Where Are Stem Cells Used?
Stem cell therapy is used in treatment by cardiologists, neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons and orthopedic doctors. In orthopedics and traumatology, stem cells are generally used in joint cartilage damage, ligament damage, nonunion fractures. Stem cells applied to the damaged connective tissue undergo changes and form new connective tissue cells.
It allows the tissue to heal faster. As a result of cartilage damage in the knee, ankle and hip, the joints go to arthrosis (calcification). The self-renewal capacity of the damaged cartilage is very low.
For this reason, treatments using stem cells were found to be more successful in researches. Union can be achieved by using stem cells in fusion fractures. The application can be completed in a period of 2 hours.
What is PRP Treatment?
PRP treatment is not stem cell. In PRP treatment, the person’s own blood is taken. By turning the blood at a certain speed in a special machine, the substances that accelerate tissue healing are extracted. It is given to the damaged area. The existing cells in the damaged area are stimulated and healing occurs earlier. If the damage in the joint is very advanced, PRP treatment may not benefit the patient.
Unfortunately, in some clinics, PRP treatment is explained to patients as stem cells. It causes confusion in patients. If you have been treated only by taking your blood without taking fat tissue or bone marrow, this is PRP treatment, not stem cell therapy.
Technology is developing day by day, there are new treatments for diseases in the human body. Stem cell therapy is one of these methods.
Stem Cell & PRP Therapy: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between PRP and Stem Cell therapy?
While both are forms of regenerative medicine, they function differently. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) uses a concentrated form of your own platelets to release growth factors that “jump-start” the healing process in damaged tissues.
Stem Cell Therapy involves using undifferentiated cells—often harvested from bone marrow or adipose (fat) tissue—that have the unique ability to transform into specific types of cells (like cartilage or muscle) and actively rebuild damaged structures. Generally, stem cell therapy is considered more “potent” for severe tissue degeneration, while PRP is excellent for mild-to-moderate injuries and inflammation.
How does PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatment work?
PRP treatment is a three-step process:
- Collection: A small amount of your blood is drawn, similar to a routine blood test.
- Centrifugation: The blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from other blood components.
- Injection: The concentrated platelets, which are rich in healing proteins, are injected directly into the injured area (such as a joint or tendon).
These platelets release growth factors that recruit repair cells, reduce inflammation, and accelerate the natural healing timeline of the body.
What conditions can be treated with Stem Cell therapy?
Stem cell therapy is widely used to treat various orthopedic and degenerative conditions, including:
- Osteoarthritis: Particularly in the knees, hips, and shoulders.
- Tendon Injuries: Such as chronic Achilles tendonitis or rotator cuff tears.
- Ligament Sprains: Including partial ACL or MCL tears.
- Spinal Conditions: Degenerative disc disease and facet joint pain.
It is often seen as a viable alternative for patients looking to delay or avoid invasive surgeries like joint replacements.
How long does it take to see results from these treatments?
Unlike a steroid injection, which provides immediate but temporary pain relief, regenerative therapies take time to work because they are physically repairing tissue. Most patients notice an improvement in pain and mobility within 4 to 6 weeks.
The maximum benefits of Stem Cell or PRP therapy are typically reached between 3 to 6 months after the procedure. Because these treatments repair the underlying cause of pain, the results are often much longer-lasting than traditional pain management methods.
Are Stem Cell and PRP treatments safe?
Yes, these treatments are considered extremely safe because they are autologous—meaning the biological material comes from your own body. This virtually eliminates the risk of allergic reactions or tissue rejection.
The most common side effects are temporary and include mild swelling, redness, or soreness at the injection site for 24–48 hours. As with any injection, there is a very small risk of infection, which is minimized by performing the procedure under strict sterile conditions.
Can PRP and Stem Cell therapy be used together?
Absolutely. Many specialists use PRP in combination with Stem Cell therapy to achieve optimal results. In this scenario, the stem cells act as the “seeds” for new tissue, while the PRP acts as the “fertilizer,” providing the growth factors necessary for the stem cells to thrive and differentiate.
Combining the two can potentially enhance the speed of recovery and the overall quality of the tissue repair.
