What is stem cell therapy used for in regenerative medicine?
In an orthopedic setting, stem cell therapy is used to deliver a cell preparation into a damaged joint, tendon, or disc with the aim of supporting repair — most commonly for knee, hip, and shoulder osteoarthritis, partial tendon tears, and some spinal conditions. It is important to be clear that these uses are not FDA-approved and are considered investigational. It is generally a later-line consideration rather than a first step, and it is the most expensive of the regenerative options.
The conditions it is most often considered for
Moderate osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, or shoulder; partial rotator cuff and other tendon tears that have not responded to conservative care; degenerative disc disease and some chronic low back pain presentations; and certain persistent ligament injuries.
Being on that list means a condition is commonly evaluated, not that any individual with the diagnosis is a candidate.
What it is not appropriate for
Claims that stem cell therapy treats a broad list of unrelated systemic conditions are a well-documented problem in this field and have drawn regulatory action. Treatment offered for conditions far outside orthopedics, particularly at high prices and with strong outcome promises, should be treated with real scepticism.
End-stage arthritis with no remaining joint space is also generally not a situation where injection therapy is a realistic answer.
Why it usually comes later in the sequence
Cost, invasiveness, and the state of the evidence all point the same direction. Most patients are better served by exhausting more established options first — appropriate rehabilitation, load management, and where suitable PRP or Prolozone — and considering cell therapy only if those have been genuinely tried.
That sequencing is a clinical judgement, not a formality, and a provider should be able to explain why they are recommending it at the point they are.
More about Stem Cell Therapy
Find out where you actually are in the sequence
Book a consultation with our Folsom naturopathic team to review your imaging and what you have already tried, and get an honest recommendation.
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. This page does not claim or imply any outcome and does not establish candidacy for any individual. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you can only be determined after an in-person evaluation with a licensed provider.