What happens during a stem cell treatment?
A stem cell treatment is an outpatient procedure done in a single visit: the treatment site is identified and prepared, a cell-based product is processed according to the specific protocol your provider uses, and it’s injected into the target area, typically under imaging guidance. Most visits take under two hours from start to finish, and patients go home the same day. The exact steps and cell source can vary by clinic and protocol, so your provider will walk through the specifics of your procedure at your evaluation.
Pre-procedure preparation
Your provider confirms the treatment site based on your imaging, reviews the procedure and consent with you, and prepares the area. Depending on the protocol, this may include a brief collection step earlier the same visit.
Cell product preparation
The cell-based product is processed according to the specific protocol your provider is using for your treatment. This step varies by clinic and by the source used, and your provider can walk you through exactly what’s involved in your specific procedure.
Imaging-guided injection
The treatment site is numbed, and the product is injected into the targeted joint, tendon, or disc, typically under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance to confirm accurate placement. This step usually takes a matter of minutes.
Same-day discharge and aftercare
You’re monitored briefly, then discharged the same day — no hospital stay is required. You’ll receive specific activity guidelines for the treated area and a schedule for any follow-up visits.
What can vary between clinics and protocols
The specific source of the cell product, the preparation method, and the imaging technique used for guidance all vary depending on the provider and the protocol selected for your condition. A thorough consultation should walk you through exactly what’s involved in your specific treatment before you consent to it — be cautious of any clinic that isn’t specific about this.
What the procedure itself typically feels like
The area is numbed before the injection, so most patients describe pressure rather than sharp pain during the procedure. Any collection step involved earlier in the visit may involve its own brief discomfort, which your provider will explain in advance based on the method used.
What happens in the days after
Aftercare instructions are specific to the treated area and are provided in writing at your visit. Follow-up appointments are typically scheduled to check in on the treated area and address any questions that come up as you resume normal activity.
More about Stem Cell Therapy
Get the specifics for your procedure
Book a consultation with our Folsom naturopathic team to review your imaging and walk through exactly what your specific treatment would involve.
Bring recent lab work if you have it — we’ll review it with you.
Medical disclaimer: The information on this page is for general education and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Stem cell therapy for orthopedic conditions is not FDA-approved to cure, treat, or prevent any disease, and its use for these purposes is considered investigational. Procedure details vary by clinic, protocol, and individual case. This page does not describe the specific protocol used at any particular clinic and does not claim or imply any outcome. Ask your provider for the exact steps involved in your treatment before consenting to any procedure.