Warnings continue about “Off-the-Shelf” Stem Cells, here's what you need to know...

As the benefits of stem cell therapy continue to be studied, it’s unfortunate that opportunists looking to profit off ofthe practice have become less concerned about effectiveness, and more concerned with driving profits. This has resulted in the sale of what are known as “offthe-shelf” stem cell injections. Off the shelf stem cell injections are being offered to patients looking for relief from minor muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries, and those looking for relief from pain caused by inflammation (such as bursitis or arthritis).

The problem with off-the-shelf stem cell injections lies in the fact that these stem cells have neither proven to be effective, nor are they natural to your own body. In short, they are from a complete stranger.Not surprisingly then, these off-the-shelf products are not approved by the FDA for treatment.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that these types of stem cell injections do not contain live cells. They contain dead tissue allograft products, whereas autologous stem cell therapy, which is offered at the California Center of Longevity and Functional Medicine, involves extracting your own stem cells, and injecting them into the affected area using ultrasound guidance. Therefore, the stem cell injections you will receive at our Woodland Hills office, iscompletely natural to your own body.

It’s possible that in the future, as science continues to evolve, that off-the-shelf stem cell therapy could potentially become FDA approved. However, that’s going to take some time and some innovation, as the FDA will insist upon strict sterilization processes, which are currently not enforced. Until that time, we urge our patients to avoid these types of injections.

At the California Center of Regenerative& Functional Medicine, we offer autologous, ultrasound guided stem cell therapy, provided by Dr. Allan Kurtz, who is Fellowship Trained in Cell Therapy. Stem cell therapy is available during a standard office visit, using your body’s own stem cells to promote healing, and regrowth of healthy cells, to help reduce your pain.

Dr. Allan Kurtz specializes in creating ideal health and longevity plans for patients of all ages. With a focus on regenerative treatments, Dr. Kurtz is fellowship trained in Integrative and Functional Medicine, Dr. Kurtz is also a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine and The Institute for Functional Medicine.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Kurtz, please call 818-346-1440 today.