Unfortunately, the term “stem cell therapy” has become one of the biggest catchphrases in the medical industry. The procedure is falsely celebrated as a sort of cure-all for nearly any medical problem imaginable. There is a constant stream of promotion for the use of biologics to treat many ailments, such as MS, Parkinson’s disease, and COPD, despite little evidence to support their use. If you’re someone who suffers from chronic pain in your knees, back, and/or joints and are looking for a minimally invasive alternative to surgery, stem cell therapy might be the right solution for you. With the rise in popularity of regenerative medicine, many stem cells therapy clinics have started to make bold claims that are not backed by scientific research. These clinics often advertise a list of stem cell procedures for different medical problems. Here are five tips from Mattos Medical Group, a wellness center in Tampa, on how you can tell what conditions stem cell therapy can actually treat and what clinics are legitimate.

 

Characteristics of a Legitimate Stem Cells Therapy Clinic

As far as any medical procedure is concerned, it’s imperative that it’s performed by a licensed physician, to ensure your safety. A legitimate stem cell clinic should meet the following criteria:

 

• It should be owned or operated by a licensed physician—The majority of illegitimate stem cell clinics are run by chiropractors who manage a staff of nurses. They market themselves as sources for stem cell practices even though they don’t hold MDs or own the necessary equipment to perform a stem cell procedure. A legitimate stem cell clinic will be owned or operated by a licensed physician.
• It should be staffed by trained injection specialists—In addition to not employing licensed doctors, illegitimate stem cell practices also substitute trained injection specialists for nurses. Only consider stem cell clinics that employ trained injection specialists, as a stem cell procedure requires precision technique and awareness of best practices. 
• It should focus primarily on the treatment of orthopedic injuries—Proven uses for stem cell injections are limited to orthopedic injuries, such as knee, back, joint, and shoulder pain. If you’re searching online for a “functional medicine doctor near me,” avoid stem cell practices that claim their stem cell injections can successfully treat systemic illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease or MS. 
• It should use autologous cellular sources—A legitimate stem cell clinic uses adult stem cells from the patient’s own body, which ensures that the body accepts the injections without complications.
• It should perform image-guided procedures—A reputable stem cell practice uses imaging to ensure the precise placement of the stem cell injection. Many illegitimate clinics don’t utilize image-guided stem cell procedures because of a lack of training and equipment costs. 

 

Looking for a “Functional Medicine Doctor Near Me?”  Contact Us

At Mattos Medical Group, our medical practitioners specialize in different areas of treatment to serve the diverse needs of our clients. Don’t let minor or chronic pain in your knees, back, hands, neck, or other joints, become your normal. Let us help you live a healthier, better life. To find a “functional medicine doctor near me,” get in touch with our stem cells therapy clinic today. We’re located in Tampa, Florida.