Stem Cell Therapies
The Science of MSC’s (Mesenchymal Stem Cells)
If you are interested in stem cells there is a good chance that you have heard Joe Rogan discuss regenerative medicine with experts like Dr. Neil Riordan and you’ve likely heard of MSCs (Mesenchymal Stem Cells). These are the "master cells" of the body.
At Lookout Valley Chiropractic, we focus on the latest generation of biologics. We utilize Wharton’s jelly derived MSC’s which are directly derived from donated umbilical cord tissues. These are high-potency, signaling-rich stem cells. Unlike older methods that require painful harvesting from your own bone marrow or fat, Wharton's Jelly provides youthful cellular material derived from umbilical cord tissue. We only use stem cells processed in FDA-registered facilities.
Why Not Mexico or Panama?
We often get asked: "Why shouldn't I just go to the Stem Cell Institute in Panama or a clinic in Mexico?"
- Marketing claims: Clinics in Panama often market "millions of expanded cells.” They are able to grow (expand) cells in a lab over several days, a process currently restricted in the U.S. under FDA "minimal manipulation" rules. In reality, you do not need lab grown stem cells to achieve the same results. In addition, continued lab replication can reduce the efficacy of the MSC’s. We utilize IMARA Pure Wharton’s jelly derived MSC’s that still have tens of millions of cells per dose. You can read more about this in the next section.
- The Reality of Proximity: Traveling abroad means navigating foreign regulations, high travel costs, and a lack of continuity of care. If you have a question or a complication three weeks later, your doctor is 2,000 miles away.
The Tennessee Advantage: With the passage of TN House Bill 2246, Tennessee has become a leading state for regenerative medicine. You can now access high-quality, ethically sourced biologics right here in Chattanooga. These are administered by a licensed Nurse Practitioner under strict medical oversight. You get the technology without the international flight.
The "Million Cell" Myth: Quality Over Quantity
Overseas clinics often boast 40 million to 100 million expanded cells. While that sounds impressive, it's important to understand the difference between expanded cells and Wharton’s Jelly.
- Potency vs. Volume: When cells are expanded (grown in a dish), they can lose some of their "homing” ability. Wharton's Jelly is a complex matrix. In addition to MSC’s (mesenchymal derived stem cells, it is packed with hyaluronic acid, cytokines, and a high concentration of exosomes.
The Matrix Advantage: In our clinic, we use Wharton’s Jelly because it provides the perfect matrix for healing. It’s not just a numbers game; it’s about providing the environment your body needs to switch from a state of inflammation to a state of repair. This is exactly why we utilize IMARA Pure.
⚠️ Professional Disclosure
Stem cell injections and infusions have not been specifically approved by the FDA for all indications. They are considered experimental procedures. All injections/infusions at our clinic are administered by a licensed Nurse Practitioner.