How does a lizard regrow its tail, or a starfish regenerate an entire limb? The secret lies in something you already have in your body: stem cells. These remarkable cells are the natural repair system we’re all born with. At birth, we’re packed with billions of stem cells, ready to fuel growth and healing. By the time we reach adulthood, we have only about 10% of the stem cells we start with, because our bodies have used them to grow and heal. Each decade we are alive we have about 10% of the previous decade. That’s why injuries that healed quickly in your twenties seem to linger in your forties and beyond.
Thanks to advancements in regenerative medicine, it’s now possible to tap into the power of stem cells once again. This can help the body heal faster, reduce pain, and potentially avoid medications or surgery.
At our clinic, we offer advanced regenerative therapy using umbilical cord tissue, specifically the Wharton’s jelly, which is a rich source of regenerative compounds like mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), growth factors, and cytokines. Due to simplicity and common nomenclature for the rest of this article, we will simply refer to treatment with this tissue as umbilical stem cells.
What if your body could bounce back more quickly from injury, inflammation, or aging? That’s the promise of regenerative medicine. Stem cells are changing how we treat chronic pain, joint damage, and even signs of aging.
In this guide, you’ll discover what stem cells are, where they come from, and how they’re being used today to help people heal naturally and effectively without surgery.
Stem cells are the body’s original builders. These undifferentiated cells have the potential to develop into many different cell types, such as muscle, bone, cartilage, or nerve tissue. They are often described as the body’s raw materials for repair and regeneration.
There are different types of stem cells:
The main role of stem cells is to repair and regenerate. They help replace damaged cells, reduce inflammation, and trigger healing throughout the body.
Not all stem cells are created equal. The source of a stem cell can greatly influence its effectiveness and safety.
This is the richest and most vibrant source of young stem cells. Sourced ethically from healthy, consenting mothers at the time of birth, umbilical tissue contains MSCs and powerful healing proteins. These cells have not been exposed to aging or disease, giving them strong regenerative potential.
Stem cells from bone marrow have been used for decades to treat blood-related conditions. However, their ability to heal tissues like cartilage or tendons diminishes with age.
Stem cells can also be harvested from a person’s own fat. This method is commonly used, but the effectiveness of the cells decreases with age and health conditions.
These are adult cells re-engineered to act like embryonic cells. While they hold future promise, they are currently more common in research than in treatment.
These are no longer used in medical therapy. Harvested from fetal tissue, embryonic stem cells have been linked to tumor formation and are both unethical and dangerous. Reputable clinics do not use them.
When your body is injured or inflamed, stem cells respond by traveling to the affected area. Once there, they begin transforming into the types of cells needed to restore damaged tissue. They also release chemical messengers that signal the body to speed up the healing process.
Imagine a construction crew showing up at a damaged site. These workers not only bring new building materials, but also coordinate the entire repair. Stem cells do the same inside your body.
Stem cell therapy is most commonly used to help people with joint pain, arthritis, and injuries involving tendons, cartilage, and ligaments. For patients dealing with knee, shoulder, hip, or spine issues, regenerative treatments offer a non-surgical option that addresses the underlying damage rather than just covering up symptoms. Many individuals who have been told their only option is surgery are now experiencing real relief and restored function through these innovative approaches.
Beyond joint and tissue repair, stem cells are being used in cosmetic treatments to rejuvenate the skin and restore hair growth. Because these therapies support natural regeneration, they’re ideal for individuals who want noticeable results without invasive procedures or harsh chemicals.
Ongoing research is also exploring the potential for stem cells to impact conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders. While these applications are still emerging, early studies are showing promise. There is also increasing interest in using stem cells as part of anti-aging protocols, helping the body repair and maintain itself more effectively as it gets older.
Stem cell therapy continues to expand in its scope, offering new options for those who want to heal more naturally and improve their quality of life without relying on long-term medications or invasive surgeries.
We start with an in-depth consultation to determine whether you’re a candidate. This includes X-rays, a physical exam, and a medical history review. If your condition can benefit from regenerative care, we’ll craft a customized treatment plan.
We administer the umbilical stem cells directly into the affected area, such as a damaged joint. In addition to the procedure, patients may receive bracing, nutrition support, and physical therapy to promote healing. You’ll also receive instructions on temporary lifestyle changes that can help optimize your results.
What makes our clinic different is our commitment to follow-up. We track your progress with check-ins at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months to make sure you’re healing as expected and adjust your treatment plan if needed.
Results vary, but some patients begin noticing improvement within a few days, while others begin to feel results over several weeks or months.
When performed by trained professionals, the risks are minimal. Some patients may experience mild swelling or discomfort at the injection site. Results also depend on how closely you follow the post-treatment care plan.
Stem cell therapy offers a wide range of advantages over traditional treatments.
The tissue we use is ethically sourced from umbilical cords donated during healthy births. These products are technically not just stem cells. They contain a full mix of healing compounds, including MSCs, cytokines, and growth factors. The correct term is human cellular tissue products or Wharton’s jelly, although the public often refers to them as stem cells.
We do not use embryonic stem cells. These are illegal, unethical, and potentially harmful. Choosing a registered tissue lab in the United States ensures you receive safe, regulated treatment.
In the United States, stem cell therapy is carefully regulated to ensure patient safety, and our clinic is fully committed to following these strict standards. The umbilical cord tissue we use is processed in FDA-registered and regulated tissue labs, which are held to the highest standards of sterility, safety, and handling. These labs operate under the guidelines set by the FDA for human cellular and tissue-based products (HCT/Ps), which are designed to minimize any risk of contamination, disease transmission, or improper use.
One of the key regulations is that the tissue must be transplanted within 24 hours of being extracted from the donor. To meet this requirement while maintaining cell viability, the tissue is cryogenically frozen immediately after processing. This deep-freezing process preserves the cellular integrity without compromising safety or effectiveness. Once thawed for use, the tissue is administered promptly by a trained medical professional.
In the U.S., stem cell products must remain unmanipulated. That means the cells cannot be cultured, expanded, or altered in any way after being harvested. What patients receive are first-generation cells in their original form. In contrast, clinics in other countries often grow these cells in petri dishes to increase cell counts before use. While this may sound beneficial on the surface, it introduces a serious risk of contamination and genetic instability. Such practices are not allowed in the U.S., and avoiding them is one of the many ways our system prioritizes patient safety.
FDA regulations also require that both the donor and the tissue are thoroughly screened for infectious diseases and other potential risks. Licensed U.S. tissue banks must follow rigorous testing protocols to confirm that the product is safe for transplantation. These tests include screening for a range of diseases to ensure the highest possible standard of safety and quality.
At our clinic, we go a step further by working exclusively with licensed and regulated tissue labs based in the United States. We do not—and would never—source stem cells from overseas labs or unverified suppliers. The FDA’s guidelines are in place for a reason: they protect patients and ensure consistency in outcomes. By adhering to these standards, we help our patients access regenerative treatments that are not only effective, but also safe and ethically sourced.
“Stem cells are only available abroad.”
Stem cell clinics in other countries operate there to get around the requirements for cell transplants that are in place in the US. Because of this they are very typically growing and manipulating the cells that patients receive. This is not allowed in the US currently. Typically, the treatments can cost as much as 5-10X as much as a cell transplant in the US.
“Stem cell treatments are unproven.”
Even though doctors have been using these tissues for over 10 years to improve the quality of people’s lives, and there has been large numbers of research studies done on the effectiveness of this treatment, the FDA still does not condone any promises or claims about these tissues helping specific conditions. For those scientifically minded, we encourage you to use the PubMed database online and look at the studies available regarding MSC (stem cells) and the condition that you are looking for help with. There is a lot of scientific evidence for the effectiveness of stem cells in treating all sorts of conditions.
Regenerative medicine is not currently covered by insurance, similar to other advanced procedures like cosmetic surgery or fertility treatments. However, the cost has dropped significantly, making it much more accessible. We also offer financing plans. Each case is unique, and pricing depends on the condition being treated and the recommended care plan.
Some people feel better the next day, most people will feel results in the first 90 days. The cells will stay in the tissues for 12-18 months doing their work. How much damage you have to begin with, and what your goals are will determine the time period that you could expect for your problem to be corrected.
We won’t know until we see you. The best way to find out if you are a candidate is to schedule a consultation with our office. If we can’t help you, we will be able to point you in the direction for you to get help. Unfortunately, some people have waited too long and the amount of damage that we find is too much for regenerative approaches, in these cases we have to refer out to an orthopedic surgeon. If you are considering this approach, call today!
Stem cells represent a new frontier in medicine—one where healing comes from within. Whether you’re dealing with chronic joint pain, recovering from injury, or simply looking to restore function and vitality, regenerative medicine may hold the key.
Imagine a future where your body has the resources it needs to repair itself, giving you the freedom to live pain-free and active. That future might be closer than you think.
Ready to take the next step? Schedule your consultation today and discover if stem cell therapy is right for you.
