What are stem cells and why are they important? Stem cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body. The mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) is associated with musculoskeletal tissue and differentiates into chondrocytes to repair cartilage or myocytes to repair muscle and/or tendons. Stem cells can be stimulated with concentrated growth factors in platelet rich plasma (PRP). In areas that typically don’t heal well on their own, such as knee, hip, shoulder, cervical, and lumbar joints, we can introduce stem cells to repair damage or degeneration. There is also research proving its benefit in non-union fractures. The MSC is abundant in bone marrow and adipose tissue and can be harvested in the office within 20-30 minutes. It can then be injected into the preferred location under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance. The general indication for PRP and stem cell injections is an injury of connective tissue or joints which have not responded to the usual pattern of noninvasive medical intervention such as physical therapy. Studies of PRP use in chronic tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) (2,10) and calf tendonitis (Achilles tendinopathy) (3,5,6) have shown PRP to be both effective and safer than corticosteroids. The studies of chronic tennis elbow have shown that after a series of PRP injections, patients remained pain free past the 24 months studied.(11) Other studies have shown similar results a year after a single injection. Studies of stem cells are less numerous but more efficacious, and many more studies are in the pipeline. We expect Medicare and other insurance companies to cover this less invasive and autologous treatment within 5 years as research increases. PRP and stem cell injections have proven effective in decreasing symptoms resulting from a variety of musculoskeletal conditions including chronic refractory patellar tendinopathy,(4) degenerative cartilage lesions in the knee (7,12), chronic patellar tendinitis (8), and osteoarthritis of the knee (9,12). Research suggests the effects are superior in quality and duration to viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid injections into the knee (12). When PRP is combined with MSC’s, the regenerative effects are superior to any other medical treatment. The benefits of regenerative stem cell and PRP procedures are primarily to reduce pain and increase function. Candidates also seek alternative treatments to surgery, which is not always successful, and has it’s own inherent risks, costs, and recuperation time. Patients are able to feel younger, continue to function and perform activities that they are used to, and not worry about a long recuperation or rehabilitation period. South Florida Stem Cell Therapy Center and affiliates do not claim that treatment using autologous stem cells are a guaranteed cure for any condition, disease, or injury. All statements and opinions provided on this website are for educational and informational purposes only and we do not diagnose or give medical advise via this website. Individuals interested in stem cell therapy are urged to review all pertinent information and do their own research and consult with a physician before choosing to participate in any suggested treatment.