Stem Cell Treatment

Regenerative Medicine for Orthopedic Conditions

Who May Benefit from Stem Cell Therapy?

• Selected patients with mild to moderate Osteoarthritis (knees, hips, shoulders, spine) seeking non-surgical options and who understand the experimental nature of treatment
• Individuals with chronic tendon injuries (tendinopathies like Achilles or rotator cuff tendonitis) unresponsive to conventional treatments
• Those with partial ligamentous injuries or sprains where conventional healing has plateaued
• Patients with Degenerative Disc Disease (without major instability) who have exhausted other conservative options
• Individuals with soft tissue tears seeking regenerative options before considering surgery
• Patients with realistic expectations who understand that stem cell therapy may offer modest improvement, not dramatic cure, and that scientific evidence is still evolving
• Those unable or unwilling to undergo surgery due to medical contraindications or personal preference

What Conditions does Stem Cell Treatment Help Ease?

This procedure may help with:

The Stem Cell Therapy Procedure

1. Pre-Procedure Evaluation and Counseling

   After consultation and diagnostic evaluation (MRI or ultrasound to identify tissue damage), your specialist discusses whether you're an appropriate candidate. This includes reviewing the experimental nature of the treatment, realistic expectations, potential benefits and risks, and insurance coverage limitations. Complimentary MRI review helps determine tissue damage severity.

2. Stem Cell Harvesting

   This outpatient procedure begins with harvesting stem cells from your own body (autologous source):

   • Bone marrow aspiration - typically from the iliac crest (hip bone) using local anesthesia and sedation
   • Adipose tissue - fat harvested via liposuction from the abdomen or thigh area
   The harvesting process takes 30-60 minutes and involves minor discomfort at the donor site.

3. Stem Cell Processing and Concentration

   The harvested tissue is processed in a specialized centrifuge or filtration system to isolate and concentrate the mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and growth factors. This concentration step is critical for therapeutic potential. The processing typically takes 30-60 minutes.

4. Image-Guided Injection

   The concentrated stem cell preparation is injected under image guidance (ultrasound or fluoroscopy) precisely into the site of injury - arthritic joint, damaged tendon, or degenerated disc. Image guidance ensures accurate delivery of regenerative cells to maximize therapeutic potential. The injection itself takes 10-20 minutes.

5. Post-Injection Protocol

   The entire procedure typically takes 2-3 hours including harvesting, processing, and injection. You'll be monitored briefly before discharge home the same day. Activity restrictions and a rehabilitation protocol are provided to optimize tissue healing and stem cell engraftment.

Benefits of Stem Cell Treatment

• May potentially stimulate the body's natural healing and regenerative processes in damaged tissues (results vary)
• Could reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, tendon injuries, and degeneration in selected patients
• May improve joint function, mobility, and stability in some cases
• Offers a non-surgical or minimally invasive option for certain orthopedic conditions
• Uses your own cells (autologous), minimizing rejection risk
• May help delay progression of degeneration or need for surgery in selected patients

Recovery from Stem Cell Therapy

Immediate Post-Procedure (Days 1-7): Recovery from Stem Cell Therapy involves limiting activity initially to allow stem cell engraftment. Mild to moderate discomfort at both the harvest site (hip or abdomen) and injection site is common, managed with over-the-counter pain relievers (acetaminophen recommended over NSAIDs, which may interfere with healing). Ice and rest are important during the first week.

Weeks 2-4: Gradual return to light activities as tolerated. Some patients notice early improvements in pain and function, while others experience no change or temporary worsening before improvement. The stem cells are beginning the process of releasing growth factors and potentially initiating tissue repair.

Weeks 4-12: Gradual pain reduction and functional improvement may occur over this period as tissues potentially regenerate and inflammation decreases. Physical Therapy is often recommended during this phase to optimize outcomes from this biological therapy and enhance tissue remodeling, supporting long-term joint health and function restoration. Improvements are typically subtle and progressive, not dramatic or immediate.

Months 3-6+: Maximum benefit, if any, is typically seen by 3-6 months post-treatment. Some patients report modest improvement in pain and function, while others experience no significant benefit. Response is highly variable and unpredictable. If improvement occurs, it may be sustained for 12-24 months or longer, but symptom recurrence is possible as underlying degeneration continues.

Realistic Expectations: Stem cell therapy should not be expected to regenerate cartilage, "cure" arthritis, or eliminate need for future surgery. At best, it may offer modest symptom improvement and delay progression in selected patients. Many patients ultimately require conventional treatments (injections, physical therapy) or surgery regardless of stem cell therapy. Results are not guaranteed, and significant improvement occurs in only a subset of patients.

Related Knee Treatments

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Locations Offering Evaluation

Our board-certified specialists offer stem cell treatment evaluation and treatment at locations across Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Schedule a consultation at a clinic near you.