Stem Cell Therapy
Discover a new path forward from injuries and debilitating, chronic conditions. Stem cell and PRP therapy offer our patients incredible relief from long-term discomfort – without the need for surgery.
Stem cell research has delivered new ways to improve conditions that have resisted other forms of treatment. Stem cells and platelet rick plasma can be used to trigger the body’s own healing mechanisms, revitalizing damaged tissues. This unique quality allows medical professionals to use a patient’s own stem cells or plasma in the injured area, with minimal risk. This is known as an autologous transplant, as the stem cells come from the patient’s own body.
Dr. Alkadri is thrilled to be able to bring his experience with regenerative medicine to the Hinsdale area. After seeing success with his patients’ stem cell therapy and PRP treatments in Indiana, he is hoping to share the incredible capabilities of stem cells and PRP with patients invested in treating chronic pain. Whether due to a sports injury or a chronic joint or tendon condition, that discomfort need not be a defining factor in your life.
Sources of Stem Cells
Stem cells come from a variety of areas of the body and have a diverse range of applications. The two main types of stem cells are embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells.
- Embryonic stem cells – These cells come from 3-5 day old embryos (blastocysts). Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent and can develop into nearly any type of cell found in the human body.
- Adult stem cells – Adult cells (also known as somatic cells) have developed in a particular type of tissue. They typically generate new cells of the same tissue type to replenish dying or damaged cells in the area. These cells can also replicate and create more than one cell type, but the number of types is far more restricted than with embryonic stem cells. Adult stem cells are typically taken from the bone marrow. The mesenchymal stem cells found in the bone marrow can replicate to create structural cells for the musculoskeletal system. This makes them ideal for healing tendons, ligaments and cartilage. These are the types of cells most often used in stem cell therapy.
- Other types of stem cells – Scientists have discovered processes that transform regular adult cells into stem cells with pluripotent capabilities. They have also found stem cells in amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood. More research is necessary before these cells can be reliably harvested and used medically.
How Stem Cell Therapy Works
We all have our own adult stem cells – but they can only do so much to repair damaged tissues. As we age, our stem cells are also less capable and injuries or conditions like arthritis win out over cell regeneration.
Stem cell therapy delivers concentrated stem cells directly to the injured area to encourage new tissue growth. The stem cells reduce inflammation, expedite healing, and help prevent scarring and loss of joint function. Therapy provides the body’s healing mechanisms with additional assistance and helps patients experience relief from a wide range of conditions.
Studies have explored the possibility of using stem cell therapy for individuals with a variety of musculoskeletal injuries, Parkinson’s, type 1 diabetes, Alzheimer’s, heart disease, stroke, osteoarthritis, and more.
Stem Cell & PRP Therapy Treatment Areas & Conditions
- Bones
- Muscles
- Joints
- Cartilage
- Nerves
- Soft tissues
- Rotator cuff tears
- Ligament tears
- Meniscus Tears
- Joint Damage
- Osteoarthritis
- Back Pain or neck pain
- Bulging or herniated disc
- Tendinitis
…and other sports injuries & chronic joint and tendon conditions.
Stem cell therapy offers relief to patients with diverse treatment goals. Schedule a consultation to learn more about whether it may be appropriate for your needs. At your consultation, Dr. Alkadri will discuss your concerns, identify treatment options that may suit them, and share the success rates of those different procedures.
If you’ve been dealing with a musculoskeletal condition for some time, you’ve likely tried a variety of treatments with varying degrees of success. Get in touch to learn whether stem cell therapy could bring pain relief and healing.
Get Back to Your Favorite Activities – Without Pain
Stem Cell Treatment Process
- Dr. Alkadri will give you preparatory instructions based on your condition. The most important precaution to take is to avoid taking any NSAIDs at least two weeks prior to your procedure. This is because nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can have an impact on stem cell replication.
- Dr. Alkadri cleans and numbs the area from which stem cells are being extracted. This is most often the hip region, with the stem cells extracted from the pelvic bone. A needle is injected into the iliac crest, which is close to the surface of the skin. A special syringe is used for bone marrow aspiration and a sample is withdrawn.
- The sample of bone marrow is spun in a centrifuge to separate concentrated stem cells from other cells in the sample.
- Dr. Alkadri then numbs the treatment area. With the assistance of x-rays, he injects the stem cells at the appropriate sites.
- The procedure typically takes less than one hour, and you are able to return home the same day.
- Most patients are able to return to work the following day, as long as they are able to avoid physical strain. Patients should avoid load-bearing activities for 2 weeks following treatment. NSAIDs should also not be taken for 2 weeks following, but patients can take acetaminophen as needed.
- The time frame and intensity of results will vary depending on your condition and treatment area. Dr. Alkadri will provide you with personalized treatment expectations at your consultation.
Dr. Amjad Alkadri, Interventional Radiologist
Dr. Amjad Alkadri is an Interventional Radiologist and Vein Specialist with expertise in minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Alkadri received his medical degree from the University of Damascus and subsequently completed general surgery and radiology training at Providence hospital in Michigan in 1999. He also completed an Interventional Radiology fellowship at the University of Illinois Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Alkadri is Board Certified in Radiology. An accomplished physician-scientist, Dr. Alkadri has 20 years experience in the field of Interventional Radiology with special interest in the treatment of varicose veins and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures. He is currently a primary investigator for an ablative cosmetic treatment of the face sponsored by the FDA.
Stem Cell Therapy FAQ
Where do the stem cells come from?
The stem cells are harvested from your own bone marrow. This reduces the risk of complications as your own tissue is being reintroduced to your body. The stem cells are simply concentrated before being injected; no other materials are introduced.
What risks are associated with treatment?
An immune reaction to the injected cells is rare, as the stem cells come from the patient’s own bone marrow. The most common side effects from treatment are temporary swelling and/or pain. Complications are only likely to occur if the stem cells become contaminated during the preparation process, which we take every possible precaution to avoid.
Is treatment painful?
Both the extraction area and the treatment area are numbed using local anesthetic to make the procedure as comfortable as possible.
What are stem cell therapy’s applications?
Stem cells have a wide range of therapeutic capabilities, and research is continuing to uncover new possibilities. Today, stem cell therapy is used to renew and repair diseased or damaged tissues. Dr. Alkadri uses stem cells to treat musculoskeletal conditions. Therapy has also shown promising results in case studies for treatment of a variety of orthopedic, cardiovascular, neuromuscular and autoimmune conditions.
What kind of results do patients experience from stem cell therapy?
Most patients see initial improvements within 6-8 weeks after treatment. Progress will continue for up to 6 months. Each patient’s experience is unique, and results depend on their condition and treatment area. Clinical studies and Dr. Alkadri’s experience have shown significant, lasting reductions in pain for a range of injuries and conditions. There is typically an 85% success rate for treatment, and results can last for many years.
What is the track record for stem cell therapy?
Stem cell therapy is an emerging treatment option that is still being researched in depth, with new studies continuing to show encouraging results. Many clinical studies have shown long-term improvements to a wide range of conditions and types of chronic pain.
What is Dr. Alkadri’s experience with stem cell treatments?
Dr. Alkadri is a physician-scientist with over 20 years of experience as a board certified interventional radiologist. He has been practicing regenerative medicine and biologics throughout Northwest Indiana, and is excited to bring stem cell therapy to the Chicago area. His experience level allows him to evaluate a patient’s needs and determine whether stem cell therapy is the appropriate treatment option. Regenerative medicine is not ideal for every patient, and if you are not a candidate, he will work with you to determine a better path for your condition.
Does insurance cover stem cell treatments?
As this is a newer procedure that is still being researched, it is unfortunately not covered by health insurance plans at this time. We hope for this to change in the future. If you have any questions about setting up a payment plan for treatment, just get in touch.
Patient Testimonials
“I have received 2 PRP (platelet rich plasma) injections of my right knee by Dr. Alkadri and his staff over the last several months. After experiencing severe pain for over a year, and after undergoing multiple steroid injections with surgery planned for early October, I am completely pain free and cancelled my total knee surgery.” John F., 9/20/18
“The office staff are wonderful & Dr. Alkadri is an experienced physician with great skills. They all know exactly what they’re recommending. Service will certainly be impeccable.” Aya R., 1/9/19
Learn Whether You’re a Candidate
*Please note that stem cell injections are not covered by medical insurance.