Stem-cell therapy is the use of stem cells to treat or prevent a disease or condition. As of 2016, the only established therapy using stem cells is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This usually takes the form of a bone-marrow transplantation, but the cells can also be derived from umbilical cord blood.
How Much Does Stem Cell Therapy Cost In South Africa
Prices of the treatment vary from R500 (for a once-off treatment in a small area, such as the hand) to R22 500 (a comprehensive process), depending on the condition being treated and length of treatment needed.
Is stem cell therapy legal in South Africa?
In South Africa, patients are protected from possible harm from medical treatments including stem cell therapy through the rights enshrined in the Constitution.
How many stem cell treatments are needed?
Some conditions may respond well with just one stem cell injection, while others may require periodic treatments for maximum benefits. For example, a person seeking stem cell therapy to recover from a sports injury may need one or two injections only, while a person with osteoarthritic damage may need several.
Which diseases can be treated with stem cells?
People who might benefit from stem cell therapies include those with spinal cord injuries, type 1 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, stroke, burns, cancer and osteoarthritis.
How long does it take for stem cells to start working?
To summarize, it is usually at least one month until you start to notice the gradual effects of stem cell therapy and you may observe changes in your medical condition for 6 months or longer.