Let me take you back a few months—me, hobbling around my apartment in Seoul, clutching my lower back like a 90-year-old. I’d tried everything for my lumbar disc issues: physical therapy, acupuncture, stretching routines from YouTube… nothing worked long-term. Then I heard about stem cell therapy at Clinic Dekabi, and let’s just say I was intrigued—but skeptical.
My first question during the consultation with Dr. Eun Young Back was the same as yours:
“Okay, but how long will it take to actually recover?”
Because let’s be real: in our fast-paced lives, no one has months to spare lying around, waiting to feel normal again.
The Honest Answer: It Depends—But Here’s My Timeline
1. Day 0 – The Procedure Day
At Dekabi, the stem cell treatment was a same-day outpatient procedure. I was in and out in a few hours. I didn’t even need general anesthesia—just local numbing. Dr. Back used ultrasound-guided injection to place the stem cells directly at the damaged site. Super precise, totally non-invasive.
I walked out on my own—sore, but functional.
2. Days 1–3 – Soreness & Rest
I took it easy the first few days. Slight stiffness and swelling, but no real pain. Dekabi provided post-procedure care instructions, and I followed them religiously (ice, rest, and limited movement).
3. Week 1–2 – Light Activity Returns
By the end of the first week, I was already feeling better than before the procedure. I could walk more comfortably, stretch lightly, and go about daily tasks. No heavy lifting or workouts yet—but I wasn’t bed-bound at all.
4. Weeks 3–6 – Regeneration in Progress
This is where things got exciting. The discomfort was gone, and my mobility was improving. Stem cells take a few weeks to fully integrate and regenerate tissue, so Dr. Back checked in with imaging to track my healing.
She reminded me: it’s not just about feeling better, it’s about healing deeper—and that takes time. But by week 6, I was back to my regular routine (minus extreme workouts).
5. Month 2–3 – Full Recovery
At my 2-month follow-up, my MRI showed visible improvement. Pain? Gone. Flexibility? Almost back to where it was in my 20s (okay, slight exaggeration). By this point, I was working out again—with Dr. Back’s blessing.
What Makes Recovery at Dekabi So Smooth?
- Minimally invasive procedure – no hospital stays or stitches
- Tailored rehab plan – you’re not left wondering what to do next
- Regular follow-ups – imaging + progress tracking
- Supportive team – seriously, they check in like family
Dr. Eun Young Back also made a big difference. She explains everything in plain language and really cares about long-term outcomes. You can check her out here.
TL;DR:
- Downtime? 1–3 days
- Light activity? 1 week
- Back to normal? 3–6 weeks
- Full tissue regeneration? ~3 months, depending on your condition
If you’re considering stem cell treatment and worried about the recovery time, my honest advice is this: Go for it—but go with the right team. Clinic Dekabi gave me my active life back, and I barely had to hit pause to get there.