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Stem Cell Therapy: Wharton's Jelly

CONDITIONS COMMONLY HELPED WITH WHARTON JELLY THERAPY

Hand

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Joint pain

  • Old fractures/breaks/injuries

  • Neuroma/other nerve pain

Wrist

  • Tendinitis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Joint pain
  • Old fractures/breaks/injuries

Other

  • Ulcers and non-healing wounds caused by:
  • Pressure sores
  • Injury and other causes

Foot/Toes

  • Tendinitis
  • Heel spur (plantar fasciitis)
  • Neuroma/other nerve pain
  • Pain/inflammation of ball of foot (metatarsalgia)
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Joint pain
  • Old fractures/breaks/injuries

Hip

  • Tendinitis
  • Knee pain from unresolved ligament injury
  • Trochanteric bursitis
  • Shin splints (Osgood-Schlatter disease)
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Joint pain
  • Old fractures/breaks/injuries
  • Bedsores/pressure ulcers

Knee

  • Patellar tendinitis
  • Knee pain from unresolved ligament injury
  • Bursitis
  • Shin splints (Osgood-Schlatter disease)
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Joint pain
  • Old fractures/breaks/injuries

Ankle

  • Achilles tendinitis
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Joint pain
  • Old fractures/breaks/injuries

Elbow

  • Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
  • Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Joint pain

Shoulder

  • Bursitis
  • Bicipital tendinitis
  • Acromio-clavicular joint injury
  • Rotator cuff injury
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Joint pain
  • Old fractures/breaks/injuries

Muscular Pain

  • Fibromyalgia
  • Chronic myofascial pain syndromes
  • Pinched nerves
  • Whiplash (cervical myofascial syndrome)
  • Old muscular/soft tissue injuries (chronic wound pain, burn pain, etc.)
Elbow
Wrist
Shoulder
Knee
Foot/Toes
Ankle
Hip
Hand
Skin
Muscular Pain

WHARTON JELLY THERAPY IN SCOTTSDALE, AZ

Wharton’s jelly is unique among tissue regeneration therapies. Rich in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)—stem cells and other regenerative compounds like collagen and hyaluronic acid, Wharton’s jelly is a thick gelatinous substance that can only be found in the umbilical cord, where it plays a critical role in supporting a healthy pregnancy. In utero, Wharton’s jelly provides cushion, lubrication, and structural support to the umbilical cord vessels, preventing compression or bending of the vessels and allowing them to deliver oxygen, blood sugar, and amino acids to the developing fetus. It also helps insulate and protect the umbilical cord in the womb so it can function optimally.

Once considered postnatal waste, Wharton’s jelly has become an effective, innovative alternative to prescription medication and invasive surgeries for helping conditions like ligament and muscle damage, joint pain and inflammation, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, and degenerative diseases, as well as for accelerating and improving wound healing. This is because the stem cells, growth factors, and anti-inflammatory components of Wharton’s jelly that protect and support the umbilical cord can also, when injected into areas of injury or pain, stimulate the regeneration process by producing replacement cells and tissue, lubricating damaged joints, and reducing inflammation.

Dr. Jordan Kopcio and the team of physicians at Regenezone have more than 20 years of experience using cutting-edge regenerative therapies like Wharton’s jelly to help patients achieve long-lasting pain relief, better mobility, and improved function, even where conventional methods have failed. As part of a comprehensive, naturopathic approach to medical care, Dr. Kopcio can use stem cells from Wharton’s jelly to help your body improve the way it heals and repair itself from the inside out.

MSCs in Regenerative Medicine

Stem cells—and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in particular—serve two primary functions. The first is as building blocks during development, differentiating into certain cell types to create tissues and organs. The second is the renewal, repair, and recovery of old, injured, or dead cells and tissue. By replacing senescent cells with new cells of the same type, MSCs can accelerate recovery, promote wound and injury healing, and even reverse the signs of aging.

MSCs are capable of transforming into muscle, bone, cartilage, or any of a dozen or so other types of cells, depending on what the body needs. While adult MSCs can come from other areas of the body, like fat tissue or bone marrow, the super-concentrated MSCs from Wharton’s jelly are singular in their ability to differentiate quickly and efficiently into the specific cells your body needs the most, harnessing the incredible growth power of the biologic compounds found in the umbilical cord for maximum regeneration results.

Why Wharton’s Jelly for Tissue Regeneration Therapy

Wharton’s jelly contains some of the highest concentrations of growth factors and regenerative properties of any human cellular tissue product and is considered the “gold standard” for tissue regeneration therapies for several reasons.

  1. Wharton’s jelly can be obtained easily and harmlessly immediately after a healthy, live birth in conjunction with other cord blood and tissue collection processes.
  2. MSCSs from Wharton’s jelly have all of the characteristics and regenerative capability of embryonic stem cells without the ethical concerns, invasive procedures, or risks to the fetus.
  3. Research has indicated that the MSCs from Wharton’s jelly may be exponentially more effective for helping health conditions than MSCs derived from adult tissue, which decrease in number and can lose their regenerative capabilities with age or as a result of certain health conditions.
  4. Stem cells like MSCs from Wharton’s jelly are considered “primitive” and unrecognizable by the body’s immune system, for high compatibility and a low risk of reactions or rejection.
  5. Wharton’s jelly contains more than 700,000 viable stem cells, on average, per cc, and can be used as a standalone option or in conjunction with PRP therapy.

Regenezone uses Wharton’s jelly products obtained via an FDA-approved process for collecting donor cord blood and tissue, which consists of:

  • Prescreening donor mothers for infection
  • Collecting cord blood and tissue from umbilical cords of freely donated placentas after healthy, full-term, live birth C-section deliveries
  • Processing and screening for any infections or diseases
  • Culturing cells and tissue to prevent infection
  • Super-freezing tissue cells after processing
  • Shipping product in dry ice
  • Stringent testing at every stage, including isolation, expansion, harvest, and cryostorage

The Wharton’s jelly products used by Regenezone are minimally processed and manipulated to preserve the growth factors, proteins, and other original relevant characteristics necessary for effective healing. Prior to use, the Wharton’s jelly is thawed and mixed with saline, then injected into the target area using ultrasound or fluoroscopy guidance for precise application.

Trust Regenezone for Your Wharton’s Jelly Therapy

For Dr. Kopcio and the team at Regenezone, regenerative medicine and tissue regeneration therapy like Wharton’s jelly aren’t just trends; they’re trusted, proven methods for helping your body function better from within so you can feel your best. Dr. Kopcio has more than 10 years of experience successfully helping thousands of patients with safe, high-quality HCT/P products like Wharton’s jelly, and he specializes in creating customized, comprehensive care plans that fit every body’s unique needs. From extensive knowledge in diagnosing musculoskeletal conditions to skill and training in a wide array of regenerative modalities, Dr. Kopcio and Regenezone offer the excellence in care and outcomes you’ve been looking for. Schedule an appointment today.

Frequently Asked Questions

IS WHARTON'S JELLY THERAPY SAFE?

The products we use to (1) Rejuvenate the spine and joints; and (2) Rejuvenate the entire body via Injection Therapy are composed of the growth factors, signaling proteins, extracellular matrices, cytokines, and other cellular components the body uses to naturally heal damaged or injured tissue. Many thousands of patients have received care, and proven that it is generally safe.

IS MORE THAN ONE VISIT NEEDED?

POSSIBLY. Your Hormone Zone RIT provider will assess your case carefully to determine the best care plan. Some patients need only one visit, while others may need two or more to achieve the best outcome.

WHAT HELPS DETERMINE THE OUTCOME OF WHARTON JELLY PRODUCT THERAPY?

Various factors determine the outcome, including extent of tissue damage, disease, your overall health, and the area being helped. In addition, you may receive other ways to help heal the injured area: exercises, stretches, diet, supplements, etc.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE PATIENTS DO TO INCREASE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF WHARTON JELLY PRODUCT THERAPY?

Yes.

  1. Follow Post-Procedure Instructions
    You are not to use any NSAIDs (aspirin, Motrin, ibuprofen, Aleve, etc.) before or after the procedure because they may inhibit the inflammatory response needed for maximal healing. Follow your take-home instructions that clearly explain your post-procedure “do’s” and “dont’s”.
  2. Continue Therapy/s
    You should continue the physical or other adjunctive therapies recommended by your physician or your other medical providers.
  3. Minimize Alcohol Use
    You should minimize your intake of alcohol because alcohol consumption (1) Delays the body’s ability to release stem cells; and (2) Impairs the healing process.

HOW MUCH DOWNTIME SHOULD PATIENTS EXPECT AFTER THERAPY?

You should take it easy for a couple of days (3-5) after your visit. That being said, most patients experience little to no downtime from Wharton Jelly therapy.

HOW LONG DOES THE HEALING/REPAIR PROCESS TAKE?

Prolotherapy has a proven track record in the care of damaged articular cartilage associated with osteoarthritis. Studies have demonstrated the ability of Prolotherapy to regenerate and repair damaged cartilage, reduce pain and improve functioning. It is important to note that Prolotherapy will not regrow cartilage if there is none left in the joint.

IS THE PROCEDURE COVERED BY INSURANCE?

Because very few health insurers cover tissue rejuvenation care, health insurance is not accepted as a form of payment. Notable exceptions include the fact that most Health Savings Accounts (HSA’s) and Medical Savings Accounts (MSA’s) will pay for this type of therapy. The Hormone Zone also utilizes Care Credit for low monthly no interest payments.

WHAT ARE THE SUCCESS RATES?

As with any other procedure, there is no 100% guarantee. However, most patients are very pleased with their outcomes, and some require multiple visits to achieve maximal benefit.

IF THE THERAPY DOESN’T WORK, CAN I STILL UNDERGO SURGERY?

Yes. Receiving Wharton Jelly product therapy does not preclude you from having traditional surgery, and may result in a better outcome if you do end up requiring surgery. Also, if your Hormone Zone RIT provider believes surgery is a better course of action than regenerative therapy, they will advise against cellular therapy.

HOW DOES THE TISSUE REJUVENATION PROCESS WORK—AND HOW DO THE CELLS KNOW WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO?

When tissue is damaged, it causes chemical messengers called cytokines to be released. Cytokines send signals that activate and attract body cells to come to the problem area and work together to heal this damaged tissue. These chemical messages are so strong that stories abound of patients receiving tissue rejuvenation care in one area of the body that results in dramatic improvement (or even complete healing) in another!

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHARTON JELLY THERAPY AND OTHER OPTIONS SUCH AS STEROID INJECTIONS, JOINT REPLACEMENTS, JOINT RESURFACING, AND OTHERS?

The largest difference is that, while most options like pills and steroid injections can temporarily improve a condition and reduce pain, tissue rejuvenation therapy has the potential to help relieve the problem because of the ability to create completely new tissue. Another difference is that Wharton Jelly therapy takes less than 30 minutes; is performed in the comfort and convenience of our office; and is not associated with significant post-procedural pain.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR TISSUE REJUVENATION THERAPY?

As with most medical problems, the earlier it is addressed, the better. If your painful joint or spine issue has not significantly improved after 4-6 months, it’s time to consider tissue rejuvenation therapy. Bad news does not improve with time, and delaying care can result in:

Missing out on the possibility of having the joint or other concern restored to healthy function, Invasive and painful surgery, or joint replacement.

CAN I USE MY HSA OR MSA ACCOUNT TO PAY FOR TISSUE REJUVENATION THERAPY?

Most HSA and MSA accounts accept tissue rejuvenation therapy as long as it is prescribed by a physician. You should confirm your HSA’s policy with your HSA account administrator.