What it is
"Regenerative injections" is a broad, informal term. It can describe injections made from a person's own blood (such as platelet-rich plasma), bone marrow, or fat tissue, as well as products made from donated umbilical cord, Wharton's jelly, or other perinatal tissue. It also sometimes includes exosome products. These are different things with different risks, and the label does not tell you what is actually in a syringe.
Stem cell therapy is the term most people search for. In the U.S., the only FDA-approved stem-cell products are cord-blood-derived hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) products, used for certain blood and immune disorders in specialist transplant settings. They are not approved for knee, hip or shoulder pain.
Most clinic-based stem cell treatments for joints, including mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), adipose or stromal vascular fraction (SVF), umbilical cord, Wharton's jelly and perinatal products, are not FDA-approved. No exosome product is FDA-approved, and the FDA has warned the public about unapproved stem cell and exosome products. Calling something "holistic" or "alternative" does not change its FDA status.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Knee, hip and shoulder pain has traditionally been approached with a range of conventional options. These often include activity changes, physical therapy, strengthening and mobility work, weight and load management, and over-the-counter or prescription medicines. Which of these fits a person is something a licensed clinician decides after an evaluation.
Other commonly discussed options include injections that are already established in routine care, imaging to understand what is happening in the joint, and, for some people, surgery. Orthopedic and sports medicine clinicians are often involved in these conversations.
Regenerative or orthobiologic approaches have been studied in some settings, but the evidence is limited and still investigational for many uses. Researchers continue to ask which products, if any, help which people, and how safe they are. Anyone considering them should treat them as unproven rather than as a replacement for established care.
How the right provider may help
The right provider may help you sort through the options in a calm, unhurried way. A first visit generally includes a conversation about your history, where and when the pain shows up, what you have already tried, and a physical exam. Your clinician may discuss imaging or other tests if they think those are appropriate.
It can be useful to bring questions. You might ask: Is this product FDA-approved, and for what? Is this part of a clinical trial registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with IRB oversight? What are the risks, the alternatives, and what happens if it does not help? Can I get the risks and alternatives in written informed consent?
You can also check that the clinician holds a current license with your state medical board. A trustworthy provider is comfortable with these questions, describes evidence as limited where it is, and does not pressure you. Be cautious about cure-all or "treats everything" claims, paying to join a "clinical trial," testimonials offered in place of evidence, or pressure to travel across states or abroad.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect each other. Ongoing joint pain can disrupt sleep, mood and activity, and stress and tension can in turn make pain feel more intense or harder to cope with. Looking at the whole person, including movement, rest, stress and support, is a common part of a well-rounded conversation with a provider.
Some people explore body-based support such as Somatic Experiences to build awareness of tension and how the body holds stress. Others find talk therapy through Therapists.plus helpful for coping with the frustration or worry that can come with chronic pain. These may help some people as a complement to medical care, but there are no promises, and they do not replace an evaluation by a licensed clinician.
Somatic Experiences: embodiment and movement →Therapists.plus: mind body connection →
Keep in mind
- Educational only: this page is not medical advice, and only a licensed clinician can decide what is appropriate for you after an evaluation.
- Most stem cell, MSC, adipose/SVF, umbilical cord, Wharton's jelly, perinatal and exosome injections are not FDA-approved, and evidence for joint use is limited or investigational. Nothing here suggests these injections cure, regrow tissue, or let you avoid surgery.
- Verify a product's FDA status, confirm the clinician's license with your state medical board, and get written informed consent covering risks and alternatives before any procedure.
- Licensed professionals should guide care for serious conditions. For an emergency, call 911; in a crisis, call or text 988.
Providers who often help
Get matched privatelyFrequently asked questions
What is stem cell therapy for knee, hip and shoulder pain?
Stem cell therapy for joint pain generally means injecting cells or cell-derived products, often from your own bone marrow or fat or from donated tissue, into or near a painful joint. These uses are mostly investigational, and evidence is limited. A licensed clinician can explain what is and is not known.
Is stem cell therapy FDA-approved for joint pain?
No, stem cell therapy is not FDA-approved for knee, hip or shoulder pain. In the U.S., the only FDA-approved stem-cell products are cord-blood-derived hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) products for certain blood and immune disorders. The FDA has also warned the public about unapproved stem cell products.
Are exosome injections approved by the FDA?
No, no exosome product is FDA-approved. The FDA has warned the public about unapproved exosome products marketed for a range of conditions. Ask any provider offering them about the product's regulatory status and risks.
Does stem cell therapy work for arthritis or joint pain?
The evidence is limited and still being studied, so it is not possible to say it works for any given person. Research is ongoing and results have varied. A licensed clinician can discuss what is known and what established alternatives exist.
How can I tell if a clinic is trustworthy?
Start by confirming the clinician's license with your state medical board and asking whether the product is FDA-approved. If a study is involved, check that it is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with IRB oversight, and ask for written informed consent covering risks and alternatives. Be wary of cure-all claims, fees to join a "clinical trial," testimonials in place of evidence, and pressure to travel.
Who should I talk to about regenerative injections?
Orthopedic, sports medicine and orthobiologics clinicians are often the ones who discuss these options, and some physicians offer adipose-derived cell procedures. Start with a licensed provider who will examine you and explain the risks, alternatives and regulatory status. You can look for licensed providers through Providers.plus.
Educational resource. StemCell.biz shares general information and connects people with independent providers. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.