
Stem cell therapy (SCT) is an approach to facilitating the healing process that involves using undefined cells known as stem cells.
While your body naturally produces such cells when an injury occurs, there may not be enough of them to sufficiently help with the healing or pain management process. This is when stem cell therapy becomes a consideration.
What Is Stem Cell Therapy?
Some people consider stem cell therapy comparable to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. Both techniques involve the use of materials collected from your own body in order to promote healing. Because your own cells are used, it’s generally considered a safe process. While SCT is sometimes recommended for individuals with chronic conditions like arthritis, it may also be discussed as an option for patients with injuries involving:
- The rotator cuff and other parts of the shoulder
- Joints that are limiting range of motion, flexibility, or mobility
- Knees, hips, and other highly mobile parts of the body


What Happens During Stem Cell Therapy?
Before stem cell therapy takes place, expect to be examined thoroughly so that a proper diagnosis of your source of pain can be made. If you are determined to be a good candidate for SCT, X-rays, CT scans, and other image tests may be done to rule out structural issues that may be better treated another way.
The first step in preparing for SCT is to collect your bone marrow since it’s considered a reliable source of stem cells. Cells may also be gathered from fat tissue in certain areas around your back and in your hips.
The collected stem cells are then spun rapidly in a lab. The cells are then injected into the area that is injured. A local anesthetic may be given to make the procedure more comfortable. If you respond well to stem cell therapy, you may enjoy the following benefits:
- Better range of motion and flexibility within the affected area
- More complete injury healing and recovery
- The ability to safely return to your previous level of activity
- A reduced risk of further degeneration of the affected joint
- Less reliance of strong painkillers and other medications that may have potentially serious and risk side effects associated with long-term use
What Can You Expect After SCT?
Your results from SCT will depend on several factors, such as the extent of your injury, the specific area affected, and your overall health. Following SCT, most patients are given a recommended physical therapy program to follow to further promote healing and recovery. A post-SCT PT program may involve therapeutic exercises, massage therapy, and gentle stretches. You may also be encouraged to make appropriate lifestyle adjustments involving your diet, exercise, and posture habits.
Stem cell therapy isn’t going to be your first attempt at treating a work-related or personal injury. Typically, initial efforts will include medication, physical therapy, activity modifications, hot and cold applications, and reconditioning. But if you are having difficulty fully healing for a serious injury, you may benefit from injections of stem cells into the affected area. Studies are also being done to determine whether or not SCT may also benefit spinal cord injury victims.