Category: Stem Cell

Bone marrow aspirate concentrate ( BMAC) has historically been one of the most widely used sources of mesenchymal stem cells, with over 50 years of medical applications and cases. BMAC as a source of stem cells are an excellent option for certain demographics looking to achieve tissue regeneration,antiinflammatory effects and joint health. BMAC offers an autologous source of tissue that harnesses the body’s own innate ability to heal. At Axis Stem Cell Institute, with locations in Kirkland, WA, and St. Petersburg, FL, patients have access to advanced treatments that use their own stem cells to promote restoration and wellness.

This in-depth guide explains what bone marrow stem cells are, how they work, and why they have become a leading option in the world of regenerative medicine.

What Are Bone Marrow Stem Cells?

Bone marrow derived stem cells, often referred to as bone marrow aspirate concentrate ( BMAC) or bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells, are specialized undifferentiated cells found within the marrow in the cortex of your bones. Bone marrow contains two primary types of stem cells:

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs)

These versatile cells can differentiate into tissues such as:

• Bone
• Cartilage
• Muscle
• Fat
• Tendons and ligaments

Their ability to support tissue repair and regeneration makes MSCs foundational in many regenerative treatments.

Hematopoietic Stem Cells

These cells help form blood and immune cells. While essential, they are not the primary focus of most orthopedic or regenerative therapies.These cells are often used for patients experiencing congenital disorders of the blood. 

How They Differ from Other Stem Cells

At Axis Stem Cell Institute, three types of stem cells are used:

• Bone marrow stem cells ( autologous) 
• Adipose Derived stem cell ( autologous)
• Umbilical cord stem cells ( donor) 

How Do Bone Marrow Stem Cells Work?

Bone marrow MSCs are undifferentiated stem cells that can produce other cell types that may be defective, damaged or in low quantity such as cartilage, bone and nerve cells. These undifferentiated MSCs form the progenitor cells of these tissue types like chondrocytes ( cartilage)  and osteocytes( bone) which then assist in the efficient healing of that tissue lineage. 

In regenerative medicine, practitioners enhance this natural process by collecting and concentrating the patient’s bone marrow stem cells, then delivering them directly to the area where targeted healing is needed like joints and muscles. This allows the body to focus its restorative power in a more precise and efficient way.

Medical Applications and Benefits of Bone Marrow Stem Cells

Bone marrow stem cells are widely used in regenerative and orthobiologic treatments because they:

• Support tissue regeneration
• Encourage cellular repair
• Reduce inflammation in targeted areas
• Offer a natural, minimally invasive option
• Are compatible with the patient’s own biology
• Can be combined with adipose-derived stem cells for enhanced results

Common Conditions They May Help With

Patients often seek bone marrow stem cell therapy for concerns such as:

• Joint discomfort and osteoarthritis 
• Tendon and ligament injuries
• Muscle tears
• Cartilage deterioration
• Degenerative musculoskeletal conditions
• Chronic strain or overuse injuries

How Bone Marrow Stem Cells Are Collected

The collection process, called bone marrow aspiration, is performed in a comfortable clinical setting. Patients are often surprised by how quick and well-tolerated the procedure is . Your provider will collect a small sample of bone marrow from the posterior hip area using advanced imaging guidance while the patient is in a comfortable prone position. The team ensures the procedure is efficient and comfortable with the use of local anesthesia at the site. The collected stem cells are then processed, activated, and prepared for injection the same day.

Bone marrow stem cells may be combined with exosomes for increased efficiency./ Your provider will determine the best approach based on your treatment goals.

What to Expect During and After Treatment

Bone marrow extractions are completed in a comfortable outpatient setting on site at our Kirkland and St Petersburg facilities. After your bone marrow stem cells are collected and prepared, they are injected into the targeted area using precise, image-guided techniques.

Recovery & Results

All patients return home the same day and follow simple aftercare instructions for keeping the wound clean and dry as well as resting the area injected. The stem cells begin supporting repair and regeneration immediately , but often regeneration is not realized until 90 days post injection. Because every body heals differently, timelines vary, and your provider will guide you throughout your recovery.

The Science and Research Behind Bone Marrow Stem Cells

Bone marrow was one of the earliest recognized sources of mesenchymal stem cells, giving it a long history in the field of regenerative medicine. Today, research continues to explore MSCs for orthopedic healing, soft tissue repair, metabolic balance, and immune support.

Because they come from your own body, bone marrow stem cells remain one of the most trusted and widely studied sources for regenerative care.

Bone Marrow Stem Cell FAQs

How are bone marrow stem cells collected?

A small sample is taken from the hip bone using a minimally invasive aspiration technique. Patients typically report minimal discomfort.

What conditions can bone marrow stem cells help treat?

Many patients seek treatment for orthopedic concerns such as joint degeneration, ligament injuries, tendon damage, and chronic inflammation. Your provider will evaluate whether you’re a good candidate.

Are bone marrow stem cell treatments safe?

Since the cells come from your own body, there is no chance of rejection and efficacy is typically high. At Axis Stem Cell Institute, all procedures follow rigorous standards for safety, precision, and patient comfort.

What is recovery like?

Patients will return home that day and rest for the next 72 hours. After that light activity can be resumed and home care like heating, massaging and stretching will begin. Providers offer clear aftercare instructions to support healing on an individualised basis for each patient. 

Are the results long-lasting?

Stem cell therapy supports natural healing processes, and many patients experience lasting benefits depending on their condition, lifestyle, and overall health. Results may vary depending on each patient case. 

Can bone marrow stem cells be combined with other therapies?

Yes, treatments may be paired with exosomes for enhanced recovery and healing

Contact Axis Wellness

If you have questions or concerns about your overall health through supplements, call Axis Wellness at 206-823-0960 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. 

Sources

1. Caplan AI. Mesenchymal stem cells: Time to change the name. STEM CELLS Translational Medicine.
2. Pittenger MF et al. Mesenchymal stem cell perspective: Cell biology to clinical progress. NPJ Regenerative Medicine.
3. National Institutes of Health – Stem Cell Basics

Whether you’ve ever been to a chiropractor or not, it might surprise you to learn that chiropractic care and stem cells can be a powerful combination— especially when it comes to pain management and injury recovery. If you’re considering your options with either stem cells and chiropractic care, it’s important to know your options and how you can benefit from both. Here’s what to know.

What is Chiropractic Care?

Chiropractic is a field of alternative care that focuses on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems through manual techniques. It often overlaps with other practices like osteopathy and physical therapy to address many different areas of the body where you might experience pain and discomfort because of misalignment of the musculoskeletal system and spine (called vertebral subluxation). Although chiropractors are not medical doctors (like your regular physician), they still undergo extensive doctorate programs and clinical training to become a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC).

How Is It Similar to Stem Cells?

Stem cell therapy and chiropractic care share many of the same goals and underlying methods. For instance, both operate on the idea that the body is self-healing and can bring itself back into its natural state with the right guidance. Additionally, both share the goal of reducing inflammation which contributes to pain and discomfort in certain areas of the body. Inflammation (whether because of an underlying condition or misalignment of the spine and musculoskeletal system) puts undue pressure on the nervous system and causes the pain of varying degrees. Finally, both practices share the overall goal of a healthier outlook and positive lifestyle choices so you can live your best life— without a costly and intensive regimen of medications and pills.

How Can I Benefit from Both?

There are many different ways that a combination approach can help. The most common therapeutic approach for sports injuries and musculoskeletal pain includes a process where stem cells are injected to regenerate damaged tissues while chiropractic care can provide relief and reduce pressure on different points of the body. However, there are many other ways that you can benefit from a combination approach by our stem cell experts and chiropractic partners like aligning the spine for healthy fluid movement, as well as craniosacral adjustments that allow for a connection between brain, body, and gut. Additionally, a chiropractor has expertise in myofascial release and other modalities that allow stem cells to work at their highest capacity for effective healing.

Schedule an Appointment

Stem cells and chiropractic care have a lot to offer. If you’re looking for the best in stem cell therapy and other forms of regenerative medicine, contact our Kirkland office by calling at 425.410.4468 or filling out our online form.

For the Best in Chiropractic treatment, we pride ourselves in partnering with only the top-notch chiropractic clinic in the Seattle area at Webber Chiropractic Sports Clinic. Dr. Mark Webber has been practicing for 20 years. He is a sport-oriented, a family chiropractor who is very passionate about personalized care with all his patients. To schedule, an appointment with Webber Chiropractic call 425 889 2882 or to find more information visit webberchiropractic.com.

It’s important to know that you’re not alone when it comes to chronic pain. In fact, according to a report in 2018 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some estimates about the number of adults nationwide who suffer from chronic pain range from 11-40%. Additionally, the report states that around 8% of adults in the U.S. suffer from a more specific classification called high-impact chronic pain, or pain that means you can’t maintain your daily activities.

Unfortunately, modern medicine still has a long way to go when it comes to managing chronic pain in ways that don’t involve a regimen of pills and high cost. Stem cell therapies and regenerative medicine have shown promise where traditional treatment methods don’t, so let’s look at some of the most common forms of chronic pain and how stem cells can help.

Osteoarthritis

One study estimates that about 27 million adults in the U.S. suffer from osteoarthritis, sometimes called degenerative arthritis. Unlike some other types of arthritis, osteoarthritis can come with constant pain that doesn’t resolve even when staying still. This makes it one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. The pain often stems from degeneration of the joint’s soft tissues which normally allow the bones to glide and move. When these tissues degenerate, the bones move against each other. Without treatment, osteoarthritis can become worse.

Stem Cell therapy has shown effectiveness in regenerating the important tissues of the joints, treating the underlying causes rather than focusing solely on pain management. For the 27 million adults in the U.S. who experience difficulty going about daily activities because of degenerative joint pain, stem cells can have huge potential.

Chronic Back Pain

Lower back pain is experienced by almost 80% of adults at some point in their lives. In fact, it’s one of the leading causes of missed work days and job-related disability. For some people, it can be sharp and suddenly debilitating, while for others it can be dull and constantly throbbing. Chronic back pain is often defined as lasting for 12 weeks or longer, even after the initial injury or cause subsides. There are a range of causes, from sprains and strains to spinal disc concerns to pinched nerves. Unfortunately, all of these factors can drastically limit your activity level and don’t have many options outside of pain medications.

Whether the result of nerve damage, tissue degeneration, or inflammation, stem cells are an effective option to regenerate tissues and relieve pain. This means you can get back to the things you love with long-term results.

Fibromyalgia

It’s estimated that about 5 million people in the U.S. suffer from fibromyalgia and is classified as one of the most common chronic pain conditions. This condition is complex and not well understood, but it manifests as chronic pain and other debilitating symptoms that can require a life-long battle. Because it’s thought to be caused by misunderstandings by the brain and nerves during everyday sensations like touch or pressure, there are few options for treatment outside of managing pain.

Stem cells have shown promise when it comes to decreasing chronic pain by reducing inflammation and regenerating important tissues like nerves. It is also important to understand that there is an underlying cause of Fibromyalgia that many standard physicians don’t search for. For patients with fibromyalgia who experience regular pain and associated symptoms, relief with stem cells can be life-changing.

Schedule an Appointment

Chronic pain can come with a high cost to your budget, your lifestyle, and your health. It’s time to look at your options— to learn more about breaking free of chronic pain with the latest in regenerative medicine, contact our Kirkland office by calling or filling out our online form.

Whether you’re a sports junkie or not, it’s likely that you’ve heard some of the discussion about sports concussions over the past few years. The issue was brought to widespread attention by a collection of studies performed in the early 2000’s that reached conclusions about football players’ long-term health when regularly sustaining blows to the head over the course of a career. This was most evident in retired football players who experienced symptoms of a type of brain injury called CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy. However, there are many other known contact sports such as boxing, hockey, soccer, and professional wrestling that place athletes at risk for brain injury and many that experience symptoms because of it. 

This isn’t just a concern that affects professional athletes, either. More recently, concerns have turned to early manifestations of brain injury in even high school-level sports. Unfortunately, we know too little about the brain and the injuries that affect it. One therapy that has shown promise, however, lies within the specialty of regenerative medicine— specifically in the use of stem cells for traumatic brain injuries.

What is a concussion and how does it happen?

Concussions are also known as mild traumatic brain injury, although the classification and definition is still under debate. It often happens when sustaining force during events like a car accident, sports injuries, or falls. Usually, these events produce enough force (either directly or indirectly) that the cerebrospinal fluid which normally cushions the brain can’t fully absorb the movement. This allows the brain to impact the inside of the skull, causing inflammation and disruption of the brain’s important functions. 

What are the symptoms?

There are many different symptoms that can manifest quickly after a concussion. Physical symptoms usually include dizziness, vomiting, disrupted vision, difficulty balancing, tinnitus, and poor motor coordination. There can also be other incorporated symptoms like disorientation, amnesia, incoherent speech, and overall difficulty performing cognitive functions like concentrating and reasoning. While these symptoms often subside within days or weeks, sometimes long-term symptoms can manifest (called post-concussion syndrome) for months or years.

What is CTE?

CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, is the result of multiple concussions and minor traumatic brain injuries. The symptoms often manifest years after the initial injuries, however, they also share many similarities to the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s. Unfortunately, the most effective way to diagnose CTE is through a tissue examination after death. This means the options for effective treatment method are low, and there is currently no cure for CTE. 

Can stem cells help?

One area where stem cells show the most promise is in reducing inflammation in the brain after a traumatic brain injury. Often, inflammation is the most damaging aspect of an impact and causes the telltale disruption in cognitive functions after a concussion. Using stem cell intervention shortly after injury, one clinical study showed that it can reduce inflammation and preserve the important structures of the brain. Another aspect of stem cell therapyfor brain injuries shows they may be able to effectively regenerate tissues damaged by the impact of a concussion like neurons and cerebral tissue. It was thought for a long time that neurons don’t regenerate, and that each person has a set amount of them for life. However, it’s now thought that they do regenerate, just extremely slowly. This shift in understanding comes with the hope that we can now enhance and speed up this process. 

Although many aspects of regenerative medicine are still under study, it’s possible that stem cells could be the treatment of choice in the future for preventing further damage and restoring cognitive functions after brain damage— not just in cases of concussion or injury, but in many other neurological conditions as well.

Schedule an appointment

When it comes to boosting cognitive function and reversing damage from trauma to the brain, stem cells can be an effective solution. At Axis we also offer therapies for many other neurological and neurodegenerative conditions. For a list of conditions check out our website! To meet with our stem cell experts and discuss your options for treatment, contact our Kirkland office by calling or filling out our online form.

In the current era of modern medicine, achieving and maintaining wellness hinges on surgical and pharmaceutical interventions. Many Americans are over medicated, misdiagnosed, and struggling to feel healthy again. Not to mention, surgery can pose significant risks and many medications cause serious side effects. Although medications and surgery will always play an important role in many medical conditions, our current healthcare system has lost focus on the body’s innate ability to heal and the promotion of whole-body wellness.

Eliminating the Need for Unnecessary Medications and Surgeries

Stem Cell therapy uses the body’s own cells to heal and rejuvenate injured tissues without the use of medications. It is a non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical, holistic therapy to promote recovery and wellness. The cells are extracted from your own body in a minimally invasive procedure under local anesthesia with little or no pain, and re-injected at the desired location. These cells can also be applied intravenously to diffuse throughout the entire body to reduce tissue injury and inflammation caused by various systemic diseases that can affect the whole body. These therapies can reduce or eliminate the need for surgery and medications that can have serious side effects, risks, and prolonged recovery time. Not to mention, stem cell procedures are performed with little or no pain, and do not require the use of pain medications. There are no major side effects and minimal recovery time. Stem cell therapies have been used to treat various conditions ranging from arthritis and musculoskeletal injuries to autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammation.

Promotion of Whole-Body Wellness

In conjunction with your stem cell treatment, our team will help you achieve your body’s optimal health with an individualized whole-body wellness program including nutrition and supplements that is designed just for you. Many modern medical therapies tend to focus on treatment of symptoms and fail to recognize the key importance of whole-body wellness to achieve overall health. At Axis, we strive to find the root cause of illness and inflammation and design a whole-body wellness program just for you that incorporates diet, gut health, nutrition, and supplements.

Let Us Know How We Can Help YOU!

At Axis Stem Cell Institute, we are at the forefront of the future of medicine by providing the latest applications of regenerative medicine. We are excited to help you live your best life. Contact our team today to schedule your consultation!

If you lead an active lifestyle, then a sports injury can mean a long, hard recovery process that prevents you from doing the things you love most. If you’ve had a sports injury before, then you know that traditional treatments can include difficult things like surgery, lengthy physical therapy, and long periods of rest. One exciting new option in the Kirkland area is adult stem cell therapy, one of the leading options in regenerative medicine.  Here’s what to know about this exciting new option and how it can help.

What is a sports injury?

Sports injuries can present in a lot of different ways for active individuals. Most often, they affect the musculoskeletal system which includes the joints, muscles, and bones. Injuries to these tissues include broken bones, fractures, bruising, dislocations, separations, swelling, and ligament tears. Because of the nature of these injuries, you can experience a lot of pain during even small movements which may require a long time to heal. Some injuries don’t ever fully heal, meaning your active lifestyle might not be the same going forward. Unfortunately, traditional treatment methods for sports injuries aren’t as effective as they could be when it comes to getting you back to the activities you love. Stem cell therapy is a great, non-invasive way to bring healing and repair to your injured tissue to ensure longevity and recruit the body’s natural healing process.

Who can benefit from stem cell treatments?

Patients who can benefit most from stem cell therapy for sports injuries are those who are looking for an alternative to conventional treatment methods such as surgery, or those who have experienced failed surgical results. Some patients have also been told they are not good candidates for these conventional treatments and can thus benefit from stem cell therapy. Adipose-derived stem cell therapy, sometimes called SVF (stromal vascular fraction), requires a simple minimally-invasive procedure to collect fatty tissue in office. No pain pills or crutches required.

How do stem cell treatments for sports injuries work?

Stem cells that are derived from adipose tissue are one of the best options when it comes to regenerating tissues. This is because adipose tissue contains high amounts of mesenchymal cells, which are adult stem cells known for their effectiveness in regenerating tissues involved in the bones, muscles, and cartilage. Treatment begins with a quick and easy collection process, after which the cells are prepared and made ready for injection. After the stem cells are injected into the injured area, you can return home. This process occurs over the course of the same day so that your stem cells are most effective and potent.

Do stem cells really work?

Stem cells are growing in popularity within the new field of regenerative medicine and we have a lot to learn about their limits and possibilities. However, stem cell treatments for knees, joints, and muscles are rapidly growing in demand because of their effectiveness and results. Currently, stem cell therapies have shown great promise in speeding healing, reducing inflammation, restoring important structures, and relieving pain. Additionally, they have a lot of benefits when it comes to availability and safety. This means that stem cell therapies may become a treatment of choice in the future when it comes to sports injuries and chronic conditions!

Schedule a Consultation

It’s clear that stem cells have a lot of potential in both the medical and cosmetic fields, and we’re excited to partner with Axis Stem Cell Institute so you can begin exploring your options with regenerative medicine. To get started or to learn more about your options, check out the experts in regenerative medicine here.

If you’ve paid attention to the latest in the cosmetic industry, you’ve probably heard of stem cells as a growing anti-aging therapeutic option. Although there are a lot of effective anti-aging options in the Kirkland area, some patients stay away from them because of higher risks, manufactured ingredients, and a requirement for surgery and downtime. This means that stem cells can be an excellent option if these factors are important to you. Here’s what to know about anti-aging therapies with stem cells and how they can help.

How do anti-aging stem cell therapies work?

An integral facet of the aging process is that your body’s rejuvenating processes slow down. This manifests in a lot of ways like healing and the immune system. When it comes to visible aging, this means your body becomes less effective at turning over cells and restoring collagen to support the skin. It can also affect your and their growth patterns.

Adipose, or fatty tissue, is rich in mesenchymal stem cells which are effective at making sure your body can quickly repair itself. Additionally, it’s rich in growth factors which help with cellular activity. When adipose-derived stem cells are injected into areas that have slowed their growth or rejuvenation process because of aging, it can jumpstart them again.

What can stem cells do?

It’s important to note that stem cells as an anti-aging mechanism are still being developed and studied, so we don’t know the full extent of what they can do. However, a few areas have shown promise. The foremost is facial therapies using adipose-derived stem cells, which can help restore the matrix of collagen and elastin in the deep layers of the skin. When paired with techniques like microneedling, it can also boost cell turnover which can contribute to reduced wrinkles and signs of aging.

Additionally, stem cell therapies have produced great results when it comes to. These mesenchymal cells and growth factors can jumpstart slowed with injection or microneedling treatments. In both therapies for face and hair, you’ll require a few sessions for best results.

What about PRP?

PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is another treatment method rising in popularity. PRP is rich in growth factors and tightly-bound proteins which can improve healing and growth where injected. Although PRP shares some of the same mechanisms and end goals, there are some reasons to pick stem cells over PRP. While PRP can be very beneficial in aesthetics, it lacks mesenchymal stem cells which can limit its overall potential, unlike adipose derived stem cells. This is something to consider when determining what’s best for your goals. During treatment, PRP requires only a simple blood draw while adipose derived stem cell therapy can require more invasive methods, which is also something to consider. The best way to determine the right method for you is through a consultation with our stem cell experts.

Schedule a Consultation

The cosmetic industry is constantly innovating, and stem cell therapies are one exciting option that’s beginning to grow. To begin discussing the right anti-aging therapy for you and your goals, contact our Kirkland office by calling or filling out our online form.