Stem Cell Therapy in Prescott, AZ: Is It Right for You?
By Dr. Susan Godman, NMD | Partners in Health Care, Naturally
Umbilical stem cell therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that uses carefully screened cells from donated, full-term umbilical cord tissue to support the body’s own repair processes. At Partners in Health Care, Naturally in Prescott, AZ, Dr. Susan Godman, NMD offers this therapy under FDA-compliant protocols, after a thorough evaluation to determine whether it is a good fit for each patient.
If you spend any time on social media, you have probably heard about stem cell therapy. The idea of using young, unspecialized cells to support healing, either through an IV or by placing them directly into a joint, is not new. Researchers have been studying regenerative cell therapies for decades, and interest keeps growing. Here is what you should know before deciding whether it belongs in your health plan.
What Are Umbilical Stem Cells?
Stem cells are cells that have not yet taken on a specific job in the body. Umbilical cord tissue is a rich source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are multipotent, meaning they can develop into several tissue types such as bone, cartilage, and connective tissue. They also release growth factors, cytokines, and proteins that help create a healthier environment for tissue repair.
The cells come from the umbilical cords of healthy, full-term planned births, donated after delivery. The baby’s own care is not affected.
Why Use Umbilical Cells Instead of My Own?
Earlier regenerative approaches often harvested a patient’s own stem cells from bone marrow or fat, then re-injected them. One limitation is that our own stem cells age along with us, and their number and activity tend to decline over time. Umbilical-derived cells are young cells, which is why many regenerative medicine practitioners now prefer them.
This matters because the body’s ability to regenerate slows with age. Slower repair of muscle, connective tissue, bone, and other tissues is part of what we experience as aging.
Is Stem Cell Therapy Safe?
Safety starts with sourcing and screening. Here is how the cells we use are handled:
| Safety Step | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Donor selection | Healthy, planned, full-term births only |
| Donor screening | Reviewed for medications, communicable diseases, and health conditions |
| Medical review | Each donor reviewed by a medical director |
| Laboratory processing | Processed under FDA-compliant protocols |
| Shipping | Cryogenically frozen and shipped overnight on dry ice to preserve viable cells |
Umbilical MSCs are considered to have low immunogenicity, which means they are less likely to trigger an immune reaction than many other cell types. Like any medical procedure, stem cell therapy carries some risk, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration encourages patients to ask detailed questions about any regenerative product before treatment. That is exactly the conversation we have with every patient.
What Conditions Is Stem Cell Therapy Being Studied For?
Hundreds of clinical studies registered on ClinicalTrials.gov are exploring mesenchymal stem cells. Areas of active research include:
- Osteoarthritis and joint pain
- Muscle, tendon, and ligament injuries
- Chronic inflammatory conditions
- Bone health
- Cardiovascular and neurological health
- Skin and tissue aging
In our practice, the most common reasons patients ask about stem cells are joint discomfort, slow recovery from injury, and a desire to support overall vitality as they age. Results vary from person to person, and we will give you an honest assessment of what to expect.
What Is a Stem Cell Treatment Like?
Treatments are quick, take only a few minutes, and are generally well tolerated with little downtime. There are two common approaches:
- Joint injection. Cells are placed directly into the joint. Resting that joint for a day or more afterward may help you get the most from treatment.
- IV infusion. Cells are delivered through a vein into the bloodstream, with no downtime.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Stem cell therapy may be worth exploring if you are looking for a regenerative option before considering more invasive approaches, or if you want to support your body’s natural repair as part of a broader longevity plan. It is not right for everyone. We review your health history, current medications, labs, and goals before recommending it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I get stem cell therapy in Prescott, AZ? Partners in Health Care, Naturally at 343 S. Montezuma St. in Prescott offers umbilical stem cell therapy under FDA-compliant protocols. Every patient starts with an evaluation by Dr. Susan Godman, NMD to determine whether the therapy is a good fit.
Is umbilical stem cell therapy safe? Umbilical mesenchymal stem cells are considered to have low immunogenicity, and the cells we use come from screened, healthy donors and are processed under FDA-compliant protocols. Like any procedure, it carries some risk, so we review your health history carefully before treatment.
What is the difference between umbilical stem cells and my own stem cells? Your own stem cells age with you, and their number and activity tend to decline over time. Umbilical-derived cells come from young tissue, which is why many regenerative practitioners prefer them over cells harvested from a patient’s bone marrow or fat.
Can stem cells help with joint pain? Osteoarthritis and joint pain are among the most actively studied uses of mesenchymal stem cells. Many patients come to us with joint discomfort. Results vary, and your physician will discuss realistic expectations during your evaluation.
Is there downtime after stem cell therapy? IV infusions have no downtime. After a joint injection, resting that joint for a day or more is recommended. Most people return to normal daily activities quickly.
Visit Us
Partners in Health Care, Naturally 343 S. Montezuma St. Prescott, AZ 86303
928.445.2900
Serving Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Dewey-Humboldt and the greater Yavapai County area, plus telemedicine visits.
Wondering if stem cell therapy might be right for you? Call 928.445.2900 to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Godman.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Umbilical stem cell therapy is not FDA-approved to treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Results vary from person to person. Please consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.
About the Author
Dr. Susan Godman, NMD founded Partners in Health Care, Naturally in Prescott, AZ in 1999. After working as a nurse in conventional medicine, she earned her doctorate from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe. Her focus includes naturopathic medicine, endocrinology, and anti-aging care. She is also the author of the memoir From Death to Doctor.