“Stem cell” injections are advertised everywhere for knee, shoulder, hip, ankle and back pain. Patients are often quoted $5,000–$10,000 out of pocket for packages at local clinics or chiropractic offices—and then come to our practice when the pain doesn’t improve. Here’s what these treatments are, what the science shows, and how we help you choose safer, proven options. (Pricing varies; most plans don’t cover these injections.)
What it is.
“Stem cell” therapy is a broad marketing term. Stem cells (most commonly mesenchymal stromal cells, MSCs) have the ability to differentiate into bone, cartilage, tendon and ligament cells. They also release growth factors and signaling molecules that reduce inflammation and stimulate tissue repair. Many clinics promote birth-tissue injections (amniotic fluid or umbilical cord products) or exosomes as “stem cells.” Other sources of stem cells include Bone Marrow aspirate concentrate, and adipose or fat tissue. Independent testing has found that commercial amniotic products often contain no living stem cells, and these products are not FDA-approved for Orthopaedic conditions such as arthritis or tendon pain.
Learn more: Study of Amniotic Fluid Preparations for Mesenchymal Stem Cells With Bone Marrow Comparison
Who it’s for.
In Orthopaedics, there’s no FDA-approved stem cell product for routine joint, tendon, or spine problems. Patients considering biologic care should discuss options with a board-certified Orthopaedic surgeon who can confirm the diagnosis and match treatment to goals and activity level.
Benefits & risks.
Some small studies of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) injections for knee osteoarthritis report modest short-term symptom improvements, but the certainty is low, and products used in trials are not the same as many clinic offerings. The FDA has warned about serious harms from unapproved products, including infections and other complications. Large clinical trials are ongoing; not yet considered standard of care in orthopedics. Stem cells do not “reverse” arthritis or tendon regeneration completely.
Learn more: What are the benefits and risks of stem cell injections for knee osteoarthritis?
Typical timelines.
If you pursue evidence-based care, timelines depend on the diagnosis:
- Exercise-based rehab: often improves symptoms over 6–12 weeks.
- PRP (platelet-rich plasma): mixed evidence; when used, effects (if any) are typically assessed over 6–12 weeks and beyond.
- Surgical options: vary by procedure and sport/occupation (see service pages for ACL, meniscus, rotator cuff, shoulder replacement).
Micro-summary: Most “stem cell” shots sold for joints aren’t approved, may not contain live cells, and often don’t beat simpler, safer options.
What people are being sold as “stem cell” therapy
Birth-tissue & amniotic products (what they really contain)
Many clinics market amniotic or umbilical cord products as stem cells. Lab analyses show no viable MSCs in several commercial amniotic products after processing. These products can still contain growth factors, but they are not stem-cell therapies.
Umbilical cord products and exosomes (marketing vs. reality)
Exosomes and many umbilical cord products for arthritis are unapproved for Orthopaedic use. The FDA cautions patients to avoid clinics selling these as cures for joint pain.
Bone marrow–based options (how these differ)
Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) is taken from your hip and injected into a joint. It’s different from birth-tissue products and may be offered under specific regulatory pathways, but evidence remains limited and coverage is uncommon. Decisions should be made with a surgeon who can explain realistic benefits, risks, and alternatives.
Learn more: Use of Stem Cells in Orthopaedics
What the evidence actually says
Knee osteoarthritis trials
Recent systematic reviews suggest small symptom improvements vs. placebo after MSC injections, but uncertainty remains about durability, safety, and structural benefit. Results are inconsistent across studies.
Why clinic products ≠ trial products
Trials often use standardized cell preparations that differ from commercial clinic products (which may contain no live cells). That’s one reason real-world results don’t match headlines.
Safety signals and FDA alerts
The FDA has issued multiple consumer alerts about unapproved regenerative products because of serious adverse events (including infections and vision loss in non-orthopaedic uses). For Orthopaedics specifically, the FDA states no regenerative therapy is approved for osteoarthritis, tendonitis, back or neck pain.
Costs, coverage, and red flags
Typical out-of-pocket ranges
Because most insurers do not cover these injections, patients are quoted thousands of dollars—often $5,000–$10,000 per joint—with some clinics selling multi-treatment packages costing far more.
How to spot misleading claims
Be cautious if a clinic:
- Guarantees results or says you’ll “avoid surgery.”
- Uses terms like “amniotic stem cells” or “umbilical stem cells” for arthritis.
- Cannot provide peer-reviewed evidence matching the exact product they inject.
- Asks for large prepaid packages.
Check FDA alerts and AAOS OrthoInfo, and discuss options with a qualified Orthopaedic surgeon.
Safer evidence-based paths with Dr. Lawyer (Boise)
What it is.
We start with a diagnosis-first plan: detailed history, exam, and imaging as needed. Treatments may include targeted rehab, activity/loading changes, evidence-based injections such as PRP in select cases (evidence mixed), or surgery when appropriate (e.g., ACL, meniscus, rotator cuff, shoulder replacement).
Who it’s for.
Active people who want clear expectations, measured outcomes, and a step-wise plan matched to sport or work.
Benefits & risks.
Benefits: safer, transparent care grounded in published guidance. Risks: every treatment has trade-offs; we discuss these and set criteria-based return-to-activity goals (not just calendar dates).
Typical timelines.
- Rehab/focused physio: 6–12 weeks for early change.
- PRP (if used): 6–12+ weeks to judge effect.
- Surgical timelines: see our procedure pages (ACL ~9–12 months to return to sport; meniscus repair 3–6 months; meniscal transplant ~9–12 months; rotator cuff 6–12 months).
Your plan is individual and criteria-based.
Micro-summary: We’ll help you invest in treatments with the best chance of helping, at the right time, for the right reason.
FAQs on Stem Cell Treatments
Are stem cells approved for arthritis or tendon pain?
No. The FDA states regenerative therapies are not approved for Orthopaedic conditions like osteoarthritis, tendonitis, or back/neck pain.
Do amniotic or umbilical “stem cell” shots contain live stem cells?
Independent studies found no viable stem cells in several commercial amniotic products after processing. Marketing often overpromises.
Do stem cell injections work for knee osteoarthritis?
Reviews show small, uncertain symptom benefits; safety and long-term effects remain unclear, and trial products differ from clinic offerings.
Why are these injections so expensive?
They’re usually not covered by insurance, and clinics set cash prices—often $5,000–$10,000 or more.
What are evidence-based alternatives?
A diagnosis-first plan may include targeted rehab, activity/loading changes, PRP in selected cases (evidence mixed), or surgery when appropriate—decided with your surgeon.
Learn more about Debunking “Stem Cell” Treatments for Joint Pain from Catalyst Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
