Dr. David Karli, his tech Mariah, and an anesthesiologist named Adriana were all hovering over me. Soon, I’d be taking a deep nap while Karli and Mariah drilled into my hips to extract bone marrow, which would be centrifuged, turned into stem cells, and injected into my knee.
I was grateful for the anesthesia. From experience, I knew the extraction process was uncomfortable. When it was all over, though, I knew the stem cell therapy treatment would work wonders on my injured knee. This was my second trip to Dr. Karli for two separate issues. But this was the first time I was being put under for the treatment.
Stem cell therapy is still relatively new. If you’re considering the treatment or curious about what it entails, here’s how they work and what the procedure and recovery times are — based on my own experiences and interviews with medical professionals I spoke with. You can also find links to helpful resources to learn more.
I’m a highly active 64-year-old male. While I wouldn’t say that I’ve been overly abusive to my body, it has been pushed. I’ve guided on rivers on several continents, spent years as a competitive kayaker and elite-level instructor, and spent time alpine ski racing, coaching, and instructing. Along the way, I had access to amazing professional advice from top physical therapists and trainers at various Olympic Training Centers.
When injuries arose, I had people much smarter than me to consult with. Karli was one of them; he completed his residency at Harvard Medical School, served as chief resident in his final year, and subsequently joined the faculty at Harvard. He holds an MBA and is a competitive bodybuilder, and athletes who are common household names fly in to have him work on their bodies. He started the Karli Center in Miami in 2023.
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He also helped me the first time I had stem cell therapy 7 years ago, and the results were life-altering. Following the recovery period, my back — which had been compromised for decades — felt like it was 100% again. Playtime on the floor with our 80-pound lab was amazing. I could jump up off the floor. I could ride my bike for hours without pain again.
However, this year, while starting an intense strength training block for alpine ski racing season, my right knee swelled up. An MRI revealed the beginnings of arthritis not far from where I’d once completely ruptured my quad. My local orthopedic recommended lubricating shots, which, unfortunately, almost always lead down the same path: An eventual knee replacement. They are a band-aid.
I opted for a more long-term fix and contacted the Karli Center. My MRI was on a Tuesday. On Thursday, I had a phone consult with Dr. Karli. And the following Friday, I was in his procedure room in Miami, enjoying the beautiful haze of anesthesia.
Editor’s note: Stem cell treatments, in their various forms for orthopedic applications, are not FDA-approved. In many cases, insurance is unlikely to cover treatments. The following is a broad outline of what the procedure is, and what is involved if you choose to embark on a stem cell therapy program. Please see the list of resources at the end of this article to gather up-to-date medical information before embarking on any procedure.
What Are Stem Cells?
Stem cells are cells that can “self-renew,” making more cells like themselves, or “differentiate,” becoming other cells entirely. When injected into a body, these cells can replace or repair damaged tissue. The range of what can encompass “stem cells” is extremely broad, with practitioners on all ends of the spectrum. That’s part of why stem cell treatments have been the subject of so much controversy over the years.
The field of stem cell therapy is rapidly evolving as peer-reviewed scientific studies explore its applications and efficacy. Those applications range from treating stroke to spinal cord injuries to orthopedics.
Currently, in orthopedics, the treatment of osteoarthritis is well documented. Soft tissues like tendons and ligaments are also commonly treated with either stem cells or their cousin, plasma-rich protein (PRP).
Sources of Stem Cells
Stem cell treatments largely started in the 1980s with bone marrow transplants to treat blood disorders.
“For non-blood related problems, the early 2000s were the conceptual testing grounds for targeting orthopedic, chronic wounds, and vascular indications,” Karli told me.
Placentas and umbilical cords can also be sources of stem cells. However, the quality of that type of stem cell once harvested and transported, and its biocompatibility with your immune system, are huge variables. Karli specializes in Autologous stem cell treatment, which uses cells that originate from your body.
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How Do Stem Cells Work?
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Stem Cell Therapy
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Severity of Damage
Your Health
Four Phases of Recovery
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Recovery Timeline
Expertise of Your Medical Professional
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The Procedure: What to Expect
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The Sooner You Act, the Better the Outcome
Conclusion: Learn More
![Marty Grabijas](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2024/12/file-84.jpg)