After stem cell treatment, whether it be coming from a knee treatment, or CKD, sleep apnea, etc, it is critical to change your lifestyle and follow post-procedure guidelines for stem cell therapy. If you have health conditions and go back to drinking or continuing your previous lifestyle, then stem cells cannot work its best. Stem cells is optimized when we attempt to live better and of course, exercise. Why? Because exercise itself helps prevent health issues, builds strength, increases energy levels, and can alleviate stress. It also aids in maintaining a healthy body weight, controls appetite, and enhances mental well-being. Following these instructions can significantly enhance your chances of achieving lasting benefits from the stem cell treatment.
Is Exercise Safe After Stem Cell Treatment?
In most cases, definitely yes. However, the safety of exercising is highly individual and case by case and often depends on your medical condition.
You may be able to engage in normal exercise or stick to gentle activities like light walking. There will also be periods when it’s best to refrain from exercising altogether. If you’re uncertain about what’s safe, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor for advice.
Long-Term Benefits of Exercise
Staying active is essential for long-term recovery—not just for recovery, but also for disease prevention. Research indicates that physical activity can enhance your quality of life during and after treatment, as well as build strength, increase energy levels, and alleviate stress. If you have received stem cell treatment for sleep apnea, regular exercise is highly recommended. It can help reduce fatigue and mitigate side effects, boost your mood, and alleviate anxiety and depression. Additionally, exercise strengthens your muscles, joints, and bones while lowering the risk of heart disease and other health issues in the future.
Immediately After Stem Cell Treatment
After your procedure, your primary focus should be on adhering to your doctor’s post-stem cell treatment guidelines. This is a crucial step for your recovery. Typically, this involves avoiding anti-inflammatory medications, resting the affected area for one to two days, and preparing to begin physical therapy once cleared by your physician. If your stem cell treatment involved the hip or knee, it’s advisable to refrain from exercise for 2-3 days. You may experience varying levels of pain, swelling, or a low-grade fever in the days following the stem cell treatment, but these symptoms should subside over time.
Weeks 1 & 4
Limit your activities to light tasks and daily routines. Consider taking gentle walks in your neighborhood or at a park. If you are an athlete, it’s best to avoid heavy lifting or running altogether. While some soreness is normal, it’s better to keep moving than to be completely inactive. Be mindful of your pain levels; during the early stages of healing, your body’s inflammatory response will help form a framework for the new stem cells. Take care to avoid overloading or compressing the injected joint. Use heat to alleviate muscle discomfort and ice to manage inflammation. Refrain from using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) both before and after your stem cell treatment.
I want to emphasize again: avoid high-impact or repetitive exercises such as running, stair stepping, or weight lifting. You can walk, use an exercise bike, or swim, as these activities are less stressful on your joints. Keep all workouts to less than 50% of your usual distance, weight, or repetitions. This approach allows the stem cells to properly integrate into the healing tissues. Proceed with caution and gradually increase your activity within the limits of your pain.
Weeks 5 & 8
Continue to exercise caution with high-impact activities, and avoid any movements that may cause shearing forces. Stay away from difficult terrain, especially while hiking. Core and joint stabilization exercises can be particularly beneficial during this period. You may start to increase resistance in your weight lifting, but always exercise caution. Gentle exercise encourages blood flow to the new stem cells, supporting tissue development without over-stressing them.
You can begin light running on even, soft surfaces like a treadmill or track, as long as you don’t feel any pain. Gradually return to your normal workout routine, ensuring you stop if you experience any discomfort in the injected area. Focus on maintaining your aerobic fitness while protecting the healing of your new stem cells. Avoid activities that involve shearing or excessive compression.
Months 3–6
By now, your stem cells will be at their peak healing potential, so it’s vital to avoid overexertion. Activities like walking, yoga, stretching, and light weights are generally safe, but approach long-distance running or marathons with caution. Strengthen your body to support your joints and your heart while remaining careful with compressive activities, twisting, and repetitive motions. If you need assistance with safe exercise practices, consider consulting a physical therapist. A follow-up appointment at 6 months is also advisable if you start seeing improvements. Another stem cell treatment may be recommended.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while following your doctor’s post-stem cell treatment guidelines is essential, maintaining a level of activity can significantly enhance your recovery and long-term health outcomes. Stay informed, listen to your body, and communicate with your doctor to achieve the best results. It is also important to eat health and maintain a healthy lifestyle along with exercising.