No two bodies are exactly alike, and neither are their injuries. So why do we so often rely on one-size-fits-all treatments? The most powerful medicine is the kind that is tailored specifically to you, using your own unique biology. This is the core principle behind autologous stem cell therapy. The procedure uses a sample of your own bone marrow to create a healing injectate that is 100% you. Because the cells come from your own body, there is no risk of rejection. It’s a natural, personalized approach to healing that we’ll explore in detail here.

Over the years we have seen a lot of people with knee problems. Many of them with problems of the patellar tendon. They have had many treatments including, cortisone, physical therapy, rest, some of the them wear big braces on their knees. They are doing a consult with me because they are still looking for help. Can stem cell therapy help them? After an email or a phone call we assesses the person’s situation. If we feel they are a realistic candidate for treatment, they come in for a consultation where we can do an examination and come up with a healing program.

  • Stem cell therapy involves the use of your own bone marrow derived stem cells within a regenerative injection program.

First, What Exactly Are Stem Cells?

Before we get into how stem cell therapy can help with knee pain, let’s break down what stem cells actually are. The term gets thrown around a lot, but the concept is pretty straightforward. Think of stem cells as your body’s internal repair system. They are the fundamental building blocks that can develop into many different cell types, from muscle cells to brain cells. This unique ability is what makes them so promising in the field of regenerative medicine. Essentially, they are blank slates that can be programmed to do specific jobs, which is incredibly useful when a part of your body is damaged or degenerating and needs a little help healing itself from the inside out.

The Body’s “Master Cells”

You can think of stem cells as the body’s “master cells.” According to the Mayo Clinic, they have two distinct and powerful abilities that set them apart from other cells. First, they can divide and make identical copies of themselves over and over again, a process called self-renewal. This ensures your body always has a fresh supply ready to go. Second, they can differentiate, which is a fancy way of saying they can change into specialized cells your body needs to function, like cartilage cells, bone cells, or tendon cells. This dual capability makes them the ultimate resource for maintaining and repairing your tissues throughout your life.

How Stem Cells Promote Healing

So, how does this translate to healing an injury? When tissues are damaged, your body sends signals to call stem cells to the area. The goal of stem cell therapy is to amplify this natural process. By concentrating and injecting stem cells directly into an injured site, like a worn-out knee joint, we can deliver a powerful dose of regenerative potential right where it’s needed most. These stem cells can then be guided to become healthy new cells that replace or repair the damaged tissue. This process helps reduce inflammation, rebuild cartilage, and repair torn ligaments or tendons, addressing the root cause of the pain rather than just masking the symptoms.

Different Types of Stem Cells

It’s helpful to know that not all stem cells are the same. Scientists categorize them based on where they come from and what they can do. While some types are used primarily in research, others, particularly adult stem cells, are at the forefront of clinical treatments for orthopedic conditions. Understanding the different types can give you a clearer picture of what regenerative medicine involves and why specific kinds of cells are used for therapy.

Embryonic Stem Cells

Embryonic stem cells are derived from very early-stage embryos. They are considered the most powerful, or “pluripotent,” because they have the potential to develop into any type of cell in the body. This versatility makes them incredibly valuable for scientific research, helping scientists understand diseases and develop new treatments. However, due to their origin, their use is a subject of ethical debate and they are not typically used in the clinical regenerative therapies offered for joint pain and other orthopedic issues.

Adult Stem Cells

Adult stem cells, also known as somatic stem cells, are found in various tissues throughout your body, such as bone marrow and fat. Unlike embryonic stem cells, they are “multipotent,” meaning they can develop into a more limited range of cell types, usually those related to the tissue they came from. For example, stem cells from your bone marrow are excellent at creating new cartilage, bone, and connective tissue cells. These are the cells we use at the Stem Cell Institute because they are safe, effective, and come from your own body, eliminating any risk of rejection.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)

Induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPSCs, are a fascinating innovation in medical science. These are regular adult cells, like skin cells, that have been reprogrammed in a lab to behave like embryonic stem cells. This allows researchers to study diseases and test drugs in new ways without the ethical concerns associated with embryonic cells. While iPSCs hold immense promise for the future of medicine, they are currently used primarily for research purposes and are not yet a standard part of clinical treatments for joint pain.

Perinatal Stem Cells

Perinatal stem cells are sourced from amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood after birth. Like adult stem cells, they have the ability to change into specialized cells and are a rich source of regenerative potential. They are collected non-invasively and are being studied for a wide range of medical applications. While they are a promising area of regenerative medicine, the most common and well-established treatments for orthopedic conditions like knee pain typically utilize the patient’s own adult stem cells from bone marrow or adipose tissue.

The Stem Cell Therapy Process

The idea of using your own cells to heal your body sounds complex, but the process itself is quite straightforward and is performed as a simple, in-office procedure. The main goal is to harness your body’s natural healing abilities and focus them on the specific area that needs repair. It involves collecting a sample rich in stem cells from your own body, concentrating those cells to create a powerful healing injectate, and then precisely placing them into the damaged tissue. This approach is minimally invasive and designed to work with your body, not against it, offering a path to recovery without the need for major surgery.

How Does the Procedure Work?

The entire stem cell therapy procedure is designed to be as efficient and comfortable as possible. It all happens in a single visit to our clinic. We start by collecting the stem cells, then we process them right away in our on-site lab to create a concentrated solution, and finally, we inject that solution into the target area. The beauty of this process is its simplicity and reliance on your body’s own resources. By using your own cells, we kickstart a natural healing cascade that can help rebuild tissue, reduce pain, and restore function to your injured knee over time.

Step 1: Collection

The first step is to obtain a sample of your own stem-cell-rich tissue. Most commonly, this is done by collecting bone marrow from the back of your hip (iliac crest). This might sound intimidating, but it’s a quick and minimally uncomfortable procedure. The area is completely numbed, and a special needle is used to draw out a small amount of bone marrow aspirate. This sample contains a wealth of mesenchymal stem cells, which are the specific type of adult stem cells that can differentiate into cartilage, bone, and other connective tissues needed to repair your knee.

Step 2: Processing

Once the sample is collected, it’s immediately taken to our on-site laboratory for processing. The bone marrow aspirate is placed in a centrifuge, a machine that spins at high speeds to separate the different components of the sample. This process allows us to isolate and concentrate the stem cells and other valuable healing components, like platelets and growth factors, from the rest of the aspirate. The result is a small, potent injectate known as Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC), which is ready to be used for your treatment.

Step 3: Injection

The final step is the injection of the concentrated stem cells directly into the injured area of your knee. Using ultrasound guidance, the physician can see exactly where the damage is—whether it’s a torn meniscus, a frayed tendon, or an area of cartilage loss—and can place the injection with pinpoint accuracy. This precision ensures that the powerful healing cells are delivered exactly where they can do the most good. After the injection, you can go home the same day. The healing process begins immediately as the stem cells start signaling your body to repair the damaged tissue.

Who is a Candidate for Stem Cell Therapy?

Stem cell therapy can be a fantastic option for many people, but it’s not a universal solution for every type of knee problem. The ideal candidate is typically someone dealing with chronic pain from conditions like osteoarthritis, tendonitis, or ligament injuries who hasn’t found lasting relief from more conservative treatments like physical therapy or cortisone shots. Your overall health, the specific nature and severity of your injury, and your treatment goals all play a role in determining if this is the right path for you. The best way to find out if you’re a candidate is to have a thorough evaluation with a specialist who can assess your unique situation and provide an honest recommendation.

Patient Cells vs. Donor Cells

When it comes to regenerative treatments, the source of the stem cells is a key consideration. The therapy can be either “autologous,” meaning the cells come from your own body, or “allogeneic,” meaning they come from a donor. Both approaches have their place in medicine, but for orthopedic conditions like knee pain, using your own cells is the gold standard. This method leverages your body’s unique biological material, which offers significant advantages for safety and effectiveness, ensuring the treatment is perfectly tailored to you.

Autologous Therapy (Your Own Cells)

At the Stem Cell Institute, we exclusively use autologous therapy, which involves using stem cells harvested from your own body. The primary benefit of this approach is safety—since the cells are your own, there is virtually no risk of your body rejecting them or having an adverse immune reaction. This method harnesses the innate healing intelligence of your own system. We are simply concentrating your body’s repair mechanisms and redirecting them to the site of injury. It’s a natural, personalized approach to healing that has proven to be both safe and effective for treating joint pain.

Allogeneic Therapy (Donor Cells)

Allogeneic therapy involves using stem cells that are collected from a compatible donor, often from umbilical cord tissue donated after a healthy birth. This approach is more commonly used in treating certain types of cancers and blood disorders. While allogeneic cells are screened to ensure safety and compatibility, there is always a small risk of the recipient’s body having an immune response. For orthopedic and musculoskeletal issues, the benefits and safety profile of using your own (autologous) cells make it the preferred and most logical choice for promoting natural, long-term healing.

Is Stem Cell Therapy for Patellar Tendinopathy Backed by Science?

A June 2020 study (1) from Stanford University focused on additional treatment options for the two most common causes of front of the knee pain, patellofemoral pain syndrome, and patellar tendinopathy. The researchers wrote: “Conservative management is the first-line treatment for these conditions. For clinicians to maximize the efficacy of conservative treatment options for their patients, they must understand the most up-to-date literature evaluating the potential benefit of taping, bracing, and injections as adjunctive treatments for maximizing treatment success.” Here they discuss tape, brace, and Prolotherapy, PRP and Stem Cell injections

  • Recent studies of bracing and taping have found them to be helpful for patients in the short-term management of pain and improving function.
  • Injections remain a commonly used treatment for musculoskeletal conditions; however, the evidence for their use in patellofemoral pain and patellar tendinopathy is limited. The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP), sclerosing (sometimes referred to as Prolotherapy), or stem cell injections is an exciting new area in the treatment of patellar tendinopathy.

I point out this study because many of the people that come into our office have heard something similar in their orthopedisit’s office. Wear a brace if it helps, there is no evidence that stem cells can help you. So the first thing many of the people who eventually come to visit is ask is, “Is there any research on stem cells for patellofemoral pain syndrome, and patellar tendinopathy?” I also want to point out that these same people who come visit us are people who have been on anti-inflammatories, wrap up their legs in ace bandages, ice, may have had a cortisone injections and nothing is really helping. They are here because for some of them are willing to take a chance on stem cells. But is there any research? A December 2018 study examined the role of mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of tendinopathies.(2) The investigators of this study wrote: “Although (research) attention was mainly focused on their (the stem cell’s) ability to differentiate (change into needed repair cells) and to directly participate to the regeneration process in the past, mesenchymal stem cells have more recently been demonstrated to have further and probably more important therapeutic functions in response to injury like immune modulation and trophic (promoting cellular growth) activities. Stem cells can hone in on sites of inflammation or tissue injury where they start to secrete immunomodulatory and trophic agents such as cytokines and growth factors aimed to re-establish physiological homeostasis in response to that environment. (In simpler terms stem cells can act as an anti-inflammatory and pro-healing agent). So, either as direct player in the process or/and bioactive molecules, mesenchymal stem cells may enhance tissue repair and regeneration and thereby restore normal joint homeostasis.” A well referenced and cited study from 2012 (3) followed eight mid-20s aged athletes with chronic patellar tendon degeneration. These patients received bone marrow stem cell therapy. The stem cells were taken from the patient’s iliac bone crest and injected into the problem knee. These patients were then followed for 5 years to measure the long-term results of the treatment. Here were the published results:

  • “At 5-year follow-up, statistically significant improvement was seen for most clinical scores.
  • Seven of eight patients said they would have the procedure again if they had the same problem in the opposite knee and were completely satisfied with the procedure.
  • Seven of 8 patients thought that the results of the procedure were excellent. According to our results, (bone marrow stem cells should be) considered as a potential therapy for those patients with chronic patellar tendinopathy refractory to nonoperative treatments.”

A September 2023 study (4) followed up previous research which found that at 6 months post-treatment with bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells, ten patients showed improved tendon structure and regeneration when compared with treatment using leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma. Later, the leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma group (10 patients), which had not seen tendon regeneration at the 6-month follow-up, was subsequently offered treatment with bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells to see if structural changes would occur. In addition, the 12-month follow-up outcomes of the original bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells were evaluated. The 12-month follow-up outcomes after both groups of patients  received bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells treatment indicated that biological treatment was safe, there were no adverse effects, and the participants showed a highly statistically significant clinical improvement as well as an improvement in tendon structure on MRI. https://www.stemcellinstitute.com/bone-marrow-stem-cell-therapy/ https://www.stemcellinstitute.com/contact/ References 1 Sisk D, Fredericson M. Taping, Bracing, and Injection Treatment for Patellofemoral Pain and Patellar Tendinopathy [published online ahead of print, 2020 Jun 4]. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2020;10.1007/s12178-020-09646-8. doi:10.1007/s12178-020-09646-8 2 Abat F, Alfredson H, Cucchiarini M, Madry H, Marmotti A, Mouton C, Oliveira JM, Pereira H, Peretti GM, Spang C, Stephen J, van Bergen CJA, de Girolamo L. Current trends in tendinopathy: consensus of the ESSKA basic science committee. Part II: treatment options. J Exp Orthop. 2018 Sep 24;5(1):38. doi: 10.1186/s40634-018-0145-5. PMID: 30251203; PMCID: PMC6153202. 3 Pascual-Garrido C,et al. Treatment of chronic patellar tendinopathy with autologous bone marrow stem cells: a 5-year-followup. Stem Cells Int. 2012;2012:953510. doi: 10.1155/2012/953510. Epub 2011 Dec 18. 4 Soler R, Rodas G, Rius-Tarruella J, Alomar X, Balius R, Ruíz-Cotorro Á, Masci L, Maffulli N, Orozco L. Safety and Efficacy of Bone Marrow–Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Chronic Patellar Tendinopathy (with Gap> 3 Mm) in Patients: 12-Month Follow-up Results of a Phase 1/2 Clinical Trial. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2023 Sep 8;11(9):23259671231184400.

What Else Can Stem Cell Therapy Be Used For?

While we often focus on how regenerative medicine can help with joint pain and tendon injuries, the potential applications for stem cells are incredibly broad. The unique ability of these cells to transform and promote healing has made them a focal point of medical research across many different fields. From established procedures to cutting-edge investigations, scientists are continuously exploring how stem cells can repair the human body. This ongoing work offers a glimpse into a future where we might treat the root causes of diseases, not just the symptoms, by harnessing the body’s own powerful repair mechanisms.

Established Medical Treatments

When people talk about proven stem cell treatments, the most common example is the bone marrow transplant. This procedure, which has been used for decades, is a type of stem cell therapy. According to research, “The most common and well-known stem cell treatment today is bone marrow transplants, used for blood and immune system problems.” This is a life-saving procedure for patients with conditions like leukemia and lymphoma. It works by replacing damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells that can produce new, healthy blood cells, effectively rebooting the patient’s immune and blood-forming systems.

Areas of Ongoing Research

Beyond established treatments, the frontier of stem cell research is vast and exciting. Scientists are actively investigating how these cells could change the game for some of our most challenging health problems. As noted in scientific literature, “Scientists are studying stem cells for many other diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and brain disorders (like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s).” The goal is to use stem cells to repair damaged heart tissue after a heart attack, replace insulin-producing cells in people with diabetes, or restore brain cells lost to neurodegenerative diseases. While these applications are still in the research phase, they represent a significant source of hope for millions.

Use in Veterinary Medicine

It might surprise you to learn that some of the most advanced applications of stem cell therapy are happening in your local vet’s office. Our four-legged friends are often pioneers in this field. In fact, “Stem cell therapies are already used in animals (horses, dogs, cats) to treat injuries and diseases like tendon damage, arthritis, and even spinal cord injuries.” This is because the regulatory path for veterinary medicine can be different, allowing for more innovation. The success seen in treating animals provides valuable data and insights that help guide and advance research for human applications.

Understanding the Risks and Side Effects

Any medical procedure, no matter how minimally invasive, comes with potential risks and side effects. It’s important to have a clear and honest conversation about them. When it comes to stem cell therapy, the risks can vary depending on the type of cells used, the procedure itself, and the condition being treated. A reputable clinic will always walk you through these possibilities to ensure you can make a fully informed decision about your health. Understanding the potential downsides is just as important as understanding the potential benefits, allowing you to weigh your options with confidence and clarity.

General Risks of Stem Cell Procedures

It’s a fundamental truth in medicine that no treatment is entirely without risk. Even widely accepted and approved therapies have potential side effects. As the Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Washington points out, “All stem cell therapies, even approved ones, have possible side effects.” These can range from minor issues like temporary pain or swelling at the injection site to more significant complications. The key is working with an experienced physician, like Dr. Marc Darrow, who understands the nuances of the procedure and can take every precaution to ensure your safety and comfort throughout the process.

Risks Associated with Using Your Own Cells

Using your own stem cells, a procedure known as an autologous transplant, is generally considered a very safe option because it eliminates the risk of your body rejecting the cells. However, it’s not entirely without risk. The main concern involves the process of collecting and preparing the cells. According to the organization About Stem Cells, “Even using your own stem cells… carries risks, including cells getting infected with germs when removed.” This highlights the critical importance of having the procedure performed in a sterile environment by a highly trained medical team that follows strict protocols to minimize any chance of contamination.

Specific Risks of Using Donor Cells

When stem cells come from a donor (an allogeneic transplant), a different set of risks comes into play. The primary concern is the body’s immune system recognizing the cells as foreign and attacking them, a condition known as graft-versus-host disease. Furthermore, certain types of lab-grown stem cells, like induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), carry other potential risks. Research notes, “There’s a risk of tumor formation, especially with iPSCs, and researchers are working hard to make sure cells are fully differentiated and stable.” This is why many regenerative clinics, including ours, prefer to use a patient’s own adult stem cells for orthopedic conditions.

The Regulatory and Financial Landscape

Thinking about stem cell therapy involves more than just the medical side of things; you also have to consider the practical aspects, like regulations and cost. The field of regenerative medicine is evolving quickly, and sometimes the rules and financial structures struggle to keep pace. This can create confusion for patients trying to figure out what treatments are legitimate, what the FDA has to say, and how they’re going to pay for it. Getting clear on these points is a crucial step in your journey and helps ensure you’re partnering with a clinic that is both transparent and ethical in its practices.

FDA-Approved vs. Unproven Treatments

The regulatory status of stem cell therapy can be confusing. As of now, “the only stem-cell therapy approved by the FDA is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)” for blood disorders. This means that using stem cell therapy for orthopedic conditions like knee pain or tendinopathy is considered “off-label.” It’s important to understand that this doesn’t mean the treatment is illegal or inherently unsafe; it simply means it hasn’t gone through the FDA’s lengthy and expensive drug approval process. Many established medical procedures are used off-label. The key is to differentiate between clinics conducting legitimate medical practice and those marketing unproven “miracle cures.”

Clinical Trials vs. For-Profit Clinics

As stem cell therapy has gained popularity, the number of clinics offering it has grown rapidly. This has raised some ethical questions. One major concern is “the growing number of clinics offering stem cell treatments that haven’t been properly tested or approved.” This is why choosing the right clinic is so important. You should look for a practice led by a qualified medical doctor with extensive experience in regenerative medicine. A trustworthy clinic will provide realistic expectations, base its treatments on existing scientific evidence, and prioritize patient safety above all else, rather than making grand promises that can’t be substantiated.

What to Know About the Cost of Therapy

One of the most significant considerations for many patients is the cost. Because these treatments are not yet considered standard of care for most conditions, they are typically not covered by insurance. As a result, patients should expect to pay out-of-pocket. The cost can vary widely, but “these treatments are expensive, typically $10,000-$20,000.” It’s a substantial investment in your health, so it’s essential to have a clear understanding of all the costs involved upfront. A reputable clinic will be transparent about its pricing and what is included in the treatment plan during your initial consultation.

The Ethical Conversation Around Stem Cells

You can’t talk about stem cells without acknowledging the ethical debates that have surrounded them for years. Much of this conversation has created public confusion and, for some, a sense of unease about the entire field. However, it’s incredibly important to understand that the primary source of this controversy is linked to one specific type of stem cell. For patients considering regenerative treatments for joint pain or injuries, the cells used in their procedure are often entirely different and do not carry the same ethical baggage, allowing them to pursue healing with a clear conscience.

The Controversy of Embryonic Stem Cells

The heart of the ethical debate lies with embryonic stem cells. The controversy exists because “using embryonic stem cells is controversial because it often involves destroying an early human embryo.” This has raised profound moral and ethical questions for many people. However, it is crucial to distinguish this from other types of regenerative medicine. The treatments used for orthopedic conditions at the Stem Cell Institute rely on adult stem cells, which are taken from your own body, typically from bone marrow. This process does not involve embryos in any way, completely sidestepping the ethical issues that have dominated the public conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is getting stem cells taken from my bone marrow painful? This is probably the most common question we get, and it’s a completely valid one. The idea of a bone marrow collection sounds intense, but the reality of the procedure is much less dramatic. The area on your hip is thoroughly numbed before we begin, so you shouldn’t feel any sharp pain. Most people describe the sensation as a deep pressure during the brief collection. Afterward, the site might feel sore for a few days, similar to a deep bruise, but it typically doesn’t interfere with daily activities.

How is this different from a cortisone shot? Think of it as the difference between patching a problem and actually fixing it. A cortisone shot is a powerful steroid that works by reducing inflammation, which can provide significant, but often temporary, pain relief. Stem cell therapy works on a completely different principle. Instead of just masking the symptoms, we are injecting your body’s own repair cells directly into the injured area to help rebuild damaged tissue and address the root cause of the pain for more lasting results.

Is this the same as the controversial embryonic stem cell therapy? Absolutely not. The ethical concerns you may have heard about are related to embryonic stem cells. The procedure we perform uses adult stem cells that are collected from your own body. There are no embryos involved in any part of this process. We are simply concentrating your body’s natural healing resources and redirecting them to where they’re needed most, which completely avoids the ethical debate.

How long will it take for my knee to feel better after the procedure? Healing is a gradual process, not an overnight fix. Because we are prompting your body to rebuild tissue, it takes time to see the full benefits. Some people start to notice a decrease in pain and improvement in function within a few weeks, but the most significant changes often occur over the course of two to three months as the new tissue develops and strengthens. Patience is key, as you are investing in long-term healing.

Will my insurance cover stem cell therapy? Currently, because stem cell therapy for orthopedic conditions is still considered a newer area of medicine, it is not covered by most insurance plans. Patients should expect this to be an out-of-pocket expense. We believe in being completely transparent about costs, and we will discuss all the financial details with you during your consultation so you can make a fully informed decision about investing in your health.

Key Takeaways

  • Your Own Cells Are the Key to Healing: Stem cell therapy for joint pain uses adult stem cells from your own bone marrow. This autologous approach eliminates the risk of rejection and uses your body’s natural repair system to target the source of your pain.
  • The Process is Straightforward and Minimally Invasive: The entire treatment happens in one office visit, involving a quick collection of bone marrow, on-site processing to concentrate the cells, and a precise, ultrasound-guided injection directly into the damaged tissue.
  • It’s a Viable, Science-Backed Alternative: While not typically covered by insurance, clinical studies support this therapy for chronic conditions like tendon injuries. Choosing a qualified physician is essential to safely determine if this out-of-pocket investment is the right step for your recovery.

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