Stem cell treatments are emerging to accelerate healing, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue repair. Stem cell therapy holds immense promise for athletes, potentially speeding up recovery from sports injuries by promoting the regeneration of damaged tissues like muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. This could improve strength and functionality at the injury site, getting athletes back in the game sooner. (1)

Research shows that stem cell therapy can also be effective for musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and urological disorders. (2) On Sept. 13, 2024, British IFBB Figure bodybuilder Meg Sylvester revealed that stem cell therapy has helped her overcome persistent knee pain, which hindered her ability to train optimally. 

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Key Takeaways

Stem cell treatment can reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.

Regular exercise and physical activity can boost the effectiveness of stem cell therapy.

Stem cell treatment shows promise for treating musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and urological conditions.

Individuals grappling with chronic pain or degenerative conditions could potentially benefit from stell cell therapy. 

Stem cell therapy remains an evolving field, and further research is necessary to understand its long-term effects and potential associated risks. 

Stem cells, often called the body’s “master cells,” can transform into various cell types, including muscle, bone, and cartilage. Sylvester underwent stem cell therapy to revitalize her lower body joints and enhance her training performance.

After consultation and evaluation with a qualified medical professional, the next step is determining the most suitable source of stem cells for treatment. Stem cells can be obtained from various sources, including your own body (autologous), a donor (allogeneic), embryos (embryonic), or induced pluripotent stem cells.

The extracted stem cells are processed and injected into the affected areas, where they can stimulate the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues.

The procedure is relatively painless and requires minimal downtime, enabling athletes to resume training, typically within a few weeks. However, some might experience mild discomfort during the injection process, and the pain can vary depending on the area being treated and the type of procedure. 

Some procedures, like bone marrow extraction, might cause more discomfort. Post-therapy soreness is typically mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain medication, usually subsiding within a few days.

A scientific review suggests that exercise and physical activity can boost stem cell activation and mobilization, potentially leading to organ regeneration and improved function. (3)

Way Forward

Sylvester secured her spot in the 2024 Mr. Olympia, scheduled for October 10-13 in Las Vegas, NV, by winning the 2024 Tri-City Pro and 2024 Wasatch Warrior Pro. She intends to ride the momentum and leave a lasting impression in her Olympia debut.

References

Rahim, S., Rahim, F., Shirbandi, K., Haghighi, B. B., & Arjmand, B. (2019). Sports Injuries: Diagnosis, Prevention, Stem Cell Therapy, and Medical Sport Strategy. Advances in experimental medicine and biology, 1084, 129–144. https://doi.org/10.1007/5584_2018_298

Usas A, Huard J. Muscle-derived stem cells for tissue engineering and regenerative therapy. Biomaterials. 2007;28(36):5401-5406. doi:10.1016/j.biomaterials.2007.09.008

Wahl, P., Brixius, K., & Bloch, W. (2008). Exercise-induced stem cell activation and its implication for cardiovascular and skeletal muscle regeneration. Minimally invasive therapy & allied technologies: MITAT: official journal of the Society for Minimally Invasive Therapy, 17(2), 91–99. https://doi.org/10.1080/13645700801969816

Featured image: @megsylvestercielen on Instagram

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