{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Overcoming Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy","title":"The Science of Stem Cells & Tendon Healing with Chukwuweike Gwam MD","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/4f43226d\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2725,"description":"Stem cells are one of the most talked-about frontiers in medicine—but how much of it actually applies to runners dealing with tendon pain?\nIn this episode, I’m joined by orthopaedic surgeon and researcher Chukwuweike Gwam to break down the latest evidence on stem cells and tendon healing. We unpack what stem cells actually are, how they work in the body, and whether they live up to the hype when it comes to treating tendinopathy.\nWe also explore the real-world limitations, risks, and costs—alongside what the future might hold for regenerative medicine in running injuries.\nIf you’ve ever considered injections, biologics, or wondered if stem cells are “the next big thing”… this episode will bring you up to speed.\nAbout Chukwuweike Gwam MD:\n Orthopaedic surgeon (USA) specialising in hip & knee reconstruction \n MD (Howard University), PhD in Molecular Medicine (Wake Forest), MBA \n Research focus: regenerative medicine, stem cells, and translational science \n Passion for improving healthcare access and bringing lab discoveries into real-world treatment \nFollow him on Instagram:\nhttps://www.instagram.com/chukwuweike_g/\nKey Topics & Insights\n\nWhat Are Stem Cells (In Simple Terms)?\n Think of stem cells as the body’s “repair reserve”\n They help regenerate tissue by:  Creating new cells \n Regulating inflammation \n We all have them—but: Quantity decreases with age\nQuality declines significantly\nWhy Do We Heal Slower As We Age?\nIt’s not just one factor—it’s a combination:\n Reduced stem cell quality and number \n Slower blood vessel formation \n Reduced cellular signalling \n Increased “senescent” (non-functioning) cells \nIn other words: your repair system is still there… just less efficient.\n\nStem Cells & Tendon Healing — The Theory\nThe idea is simple:\n Harvest stem cells (fat, bone marrow, etc.) \n Process them \n Inject them into the injured tendon \nThe goal:\n Improve collagen structure \n Enhance healing response \n Accelerate recovery \nBut here’s the key point…\n👉 They are NOT a...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/U9QHyZiuMTAQbAt-L5NPn321w0Wzs7Udil1bb-3dkWM/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzM5ODgxLzE2ODEw/MjE0MzEtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}