Athletes seem unstoppable, performing at high levels well into their late 30s and 40s. But how do they sustain such longevity and performance? An essential secret is found in advanced medical methods, particularly stem cell therapy. This unique approach enables athletes to proactively protect their bodies and recover more quickly from injuries. On a famous podcast, Dr. Venkatesh Movva, a leading expert in regenerative and sports medicine, went into great length about why some athletes store their bodily cells and how it benefits them.
What is stem cell therapy for athletes?
Stem cells are like the body’s repair toolkit. They can grow into different types of cells, such as muscle or bone, to help heal injuries. Athletes undergo a procedure to extract stem cells from their body—usually from bone marrow. These cells are then stored in specialized facilities under freezing conditions (cryopreservation).
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With their stem cells on standby, athletes can easily access them as needed, whether to heal injuries or simply maintain peak performance over the offseason.
Why do athletes store their cells instead of extracting them every time?
Extracting stem cells can be a lengthy and slightly invasive process. Storing them ensures convenience and efficiency. Here are the main reasons:
Stored cells can be ready for use anytime without undergoing repeated procedures.
Stored cells can be multiplied in labs. For example, if an athlete requires cells for several joints, the stored cells can be expanded to fulfil the need.
Cells preserved at a young age keep their full potency even as the athlete ages. This ensures that the body heals as well as it did years ago.
Dr Movva explains that this process acts like an advanced “ice bath” but at the cellular level.
How does this help athletes perform longer?
Top-tier athletes face immense physical stress from rigorous schedules and repeated injuries. Stem cell therapy acts as a proactive measure. Athletes get their joints injected with these cells during the offseason, targeting areas prone to wear and tear.
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Why is this important for elite athletes?
Athletes see their bodies as extensions of their careers. Injuries can result in millions in advertisements and club contracts. Stem cell storage provides a reliable backup strategy, guaranteeing that they remain game-ready. Using their own cells eliminates the possibility of rejection and major negative effects.