WHAT TO EXPECT
PATIENT’S INFO
OVERVIEW OF STEM CELL THERAPY TREATMENT
- Step 1: Consult with Dr Mubark to determine if you are a candidate for stem cell therapy.
- Step 2: abdominal (tummy) Fat Harvesting process by the plastic surgeon under local anaesthesia at Ormiston Specialist Centre (125 Ormiston Rd/Flat Bush/Auckland).
- Step 3: Culture/Expansion of your stem cells to many millions at our specialized lab in Auckland, an average time of 6-10 weeks (depending on how fast your cells grow).
- Step 4: Implantation of the expanded stem cells in combination with your platelet-rich plasma (PRP) under ultrasound guidance by Dr. Mubark.
Preparing For The FAT Harvest
- We routinely email the surgical team to book you for the FAT HARVESTING (mini- liposuction) from the abdominal fat under local anaesthesia at Ormiston Specialist Centre
- Medication –discuss with the plastic surgeon if they need you to stop any medicine; usually blood thinners, to avoid bleeding with the fat harvest.
STEM CELL INJECTION(S)-RECOVERY 2 WEEKS
- On the day of stem cell injections we take blood from you and then centrifuge it to extract the platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and then we mix it with the stem cells to implant them together for a better outcome.
- The injections can be painful during the procedure and for up to 5 days due to the inflammatory healing process.
- Take 2 panadol tablets one hour before any stem cell injection (s) whether you will take sedation tablets or not as this will help reduce injections pain.
- Please stop anti-inflammatory medicine like Celebrex, Brufen, Voltaren & others for 1 week before and 2 weeks after stem cell therapy as they reduce the effect of stem cell therapy.
- Take regular panadol for 3 days regularly 2 tablets up to 4 times daily (maximum 8 tablets a day) then as needed, and ask us to provide a script of strong painkillers like codeine or tramadol to keep with you as needed.
- Continue your regular medicine including aspirin and blood thinners (for any query email drhassanmubark@gmail.com).
- Start on Blackmores Turmeric once daily or similar over the counter 1 week before and 1 week after the injections.
- If you want to have oral sedation, ask Dr. Mubark to provide a script from our local Ormiston hospital pharmacy to take 1 hour before the procedure.
- We advise you not to drive on the day of the procedure as there will be pain and pressure in the injected area (s) and for lower limbs we suggest a few days to avoid driving, particularly hip injections for a better outcome.
- Please avoid alcohol 1 day before and 5 days after the procedure, if difficult to stop then drink a minimum amount.
- Good water hydration before and after the stem cell injections.
- We recommend to avoid driving on the day of the procedure whether you are sedated or not.
POST INJECTION
Braces
- If you have your knees injected, we favor seeing your local physiotherapist do rehab, simply simulating post-keyhole orthopaedic surgery rehab for recovery.
- We advise rest and bedside stretches for 2 weeks after the injections for recovery then start physio (anywhere handy you choose and you pay for it).
knees: no need for crutches; only braces, preferably used for 6 weeks; please buy a good brace with hinges (pharmacy, sports shop, or online) is more effective; good example; McDavid 429
Hinged Knee Brace or similar, Please see the video of the suitable measures & fitting https://www.sportco.co.nz/product-group/2051-mcdavid-429-psii-hinged-knee-brace/category/125-mcdavid-sports-medical-braces-supports
Hips: walking crutches for 2 weeks (please buy or rent them from the chemist) & compression pants for 2 weeks (buy from a sports shop).
Ankles/Feet: 2 weeks of walking crutches (please buy or rent them) & a simple brace or moon boot (you buy or rent it).
Shoulders: no need for a brace. A simple arm sling might be used for a few days to reduce the injection’s pain.
Hands: need some exercises, please follow the link (copy/paste it): https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/ss/slideshow-hand-finger-exercises.
- Braces are used when you are on your feet, walking, or doing exercises, but not when sleeping/resting/sitting/showering.
- Crutches – Sizing, walking, and Stairs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kl5ASdZNVlE
First 2 Weeks after the injections (RECOVERY PHASE)
- Rest, elevation of the affected area, joint support, turmeric capsules, & analgesic tablets.
- Avoid anti-inflammatory medicine like Celebrex, Brufen, Voltaren, and Others for at least 2 weeks after the injections to allow the inflammatory healing response of regenerative therapy.
- Continue all regular medicine including aspirin and blood thinners (For any query email drhassanmubark@gmail.com).
- Take it as easy as possible with normal daily activities. No physiotherapy is required but simple bedside stretches and a range of joint movement exercises.
- Walking is okay with braces (knee) or crutches (hip & ankle), depending on which area you have had injected.
- Normal daily activities and returning to work (if not hard physical work) are all okay but follow the same rules.
- Avoid, if possible, going upstairs and hills.
- Avoid heat or cold on the injected site for one week after the injection as this can damage the cells; avoid saunas and swimming in hot water.
- Exercycle is okay but has no resistance- this is good for the range of movement and reduces stiffness.
- Avoid running and jumping for at least three months after injections of hip/knee/ankle/feet/toes.
After 2 Weeks
- Please do physiotherapy with your local physio (if you don’t have one then see our contact us page for a physio, please make the booking with them) and gradual increase of non-impact activities. Ask your physio for rehab, simply simulating post-keyhole orthopaedic surgery rehab for recovery.
- Swimming okay.
- Walking activity is okay with the brace. No crutches are needed.
- Cycling/exercycle is okay, gradually increase the resistance.
- Cross-trainer is okay.
- Try graduated strengthening exercises.
- Avoid, if possible, going upstairs and hills.
- Avoid running and jumping for 3 months after hip/knee/ankle/feet/toes injections.
After 3 Months
- All normal activities can be resumed, including running & jumping.