What it is
Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) is a preparation made from bone marrow that a clinician draws, usually from the pelvic bone. The sample is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate certain components, which may include cells and signaling proteins. Marketing sometimes calls BMAC a "stem cell therapy," but the mix contains many cell types, and the proportion of true stem cells is a point to ask about.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is made from a small sample of a person's blood. The blood is spun to concentrate platelets in a small volume of plasma. Platelets carry growth factors and other signaling proteins. PRP does not contain concentrated bone marrow cells, so it is generally not described as a stem cell product.
The main differences are the source and the contents. BMAC starts with bone marrow, which takes a more involved collection procedure. PRP starts with a blood draw. Clinicians may also differ in the devices, preparation methods and settings they use, which is why two products with the same name can vary.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Orthopedic and sports medicine clinicians have traditionally approached joint, tendon and muscle concerns with rest, activity changes, physical therapy, medications, bracing and injections of other kinds. Surgery has also been an option for some conditions. Biologic preparations such as PRP and BMAC are sometimes discussed alongside these approaches.
PRP has been used in various clinical settings for years, and it is one of the more commonly discussed orthobiologics. BMAC is used less often and is more often found in specialized practices. For both, the evidence is mixed or still developing for many uses, and researchers continue to study which conditions, if any, they may help.
Regulatory status matters. 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, used in specialist transplant settings. BMAC and PRP for orthopedic uses are not FDA-approved stem-cell treatments. The FDA has warned the public about unapproved stem cell and exosome products, and no exosome product is FDA-approved. Calling a treatment "holistic" or "alternative" does not change its FDA status.
How the right provider may help
A licensed provider in orthopedic regenerative medicine or sports medicine may help you understand your options. A first visit generally includes a conversation about your history, symptoms and goals, a physical exam, and possibly imaging. The clinician decides what is appropriate for you only after that evaluation. This page cannot make that decision for you.
Good questions to ask include: What is the regulatory status of this product, and is it FDA-approved for my condition? How is it prepared, and what does it contain? What are the risks, the alternatives and the possible outcomes, including the chance it does not help? Is this part of a research study, and if so, is it registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with IRB oversight?
Before you decide, check the clinician's license with your state medical board. Ask for written informed consent that covers risks and alternatives. Be cautious of cure-all or "treats everything" claims, being asked to pay to join a "clinical trial," testimonials offered in place of evidence, and pressure to travel abroad or across states for treatment. A trustworthy provider will welcome your questions and will not promise results.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect each other. Ongoing pain or a limiting injury can affect sleep, mood and confidence. Stress and worry can also change how the body feels and how tense it is. Looking at the whole person, including movement, rest, stress and support, is a common part of thoughtful care.
Some people find body-based support helpful alongside medical care, and Somatic Experiences lists practitioners in that area. Others value talk therapy while coping with pain, uncertainty or a long recovery, and Therapists.plus can help you find it. These are supportive options and do not replace 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.
- BMAC and PRP for orthopedic uses are not FDA-approved stem-cell treatments, and evidence for many uses is limited or still being studied. Verify a product's FDA status, and do not rely on testimonials or marketing claims.
- Licensed professionals should guide care for any serious condition. For emergencies call 911; in a crisis call or text 988.
- Check the clinician's license with your state medical board, and get written informed consent that covers risks and alternatives before any procedure.
Not sure where to start? Answer a few gentle questions and choose who you’d like to hear from.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main difference between BMAC and PRP?
The main difference is the source. BMAC is concentrated from bone marrow, while PRP is concentrated from blood and is rich in platelets. They contain different components and are collected differently, and neither is an FDA-approved stem-cell treatment for orthopedic uses.
Is BMAC a stem cell therapy?
BMAC is often marketed as a "stem cell therapy," but it is a mixed preparation with many cell types and signaling proteins. It is not FDA-approved as a stem-cell treatment for orthopedic uses. 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. Ask a provider what the product contains and how it is regulated.
Is PRP a stem cell treatment?
No, PRP is not generally considered a stem cell treatment. It is made from your blood and concentrates platelets, not bone marrow cells. A clinician can explain how it is prepared and how it is regulated.
Is BMAC or PRP better?
Neither can be called better in general, and this page cannot say which suits any person. The right choice, if either, depends on your condition, history and goals, and evidence for both is mixed or still developing for many uses. A licensed clinician can discuss options, including non-biologic ones, after an evaluation.
Are BMAC and PRP FDA-approved?
BMAC and PRP for orthopedic uses are not FDA-approved stem-cell treatments. The FDA has warned the public about unapproved stem cell and exosome products. Ask any provider about the FDA status of what they offer and request it in writing.
How can I find a qualified provider for BMAC vs PRP questions?
Look for a licensed clinician in orthopedic regenerative medicine or sports medicine, and confirm the license with your state medical board. Ask about regulatory status, risks, alternatives and whether any study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with IRB oversight. Get written informed consent, and be wary of cure-all claims or pressure to travel for treatment.
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.