Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative medicine for joint and tendon pain means treatments that use the body’s own healing biology rather than medicines like steroids. Examples include PRP injections, bone marrow aspirate concentrate, percutaneous tenotomy and shockwave therapy. Most biologic treatments are still considered investigational or off-label^[10], so the goal is less pain and better function, not a new joint.

Good candidates usually have mild to moderate arthritis or a chronic tendon problem that has not improved after several months of exercise therapy and other conservative care, and want to avoid repeated steroid shots or delay surgery. These treatments are less likely to help severe, bone-on-bone arthritis or complete tendon tears. You also need to be comfortable with a treatment that is usually self-pay and may take weeks to work.

No injection has been shown to regrow worn-out cartilage. A 2025 Cochrane review found that stem cell injections may slightly improve knee pain and function compared with placebo, but it remains uncertain whether they change the structure of the joint^[6]. Regenerative treatments are better thought of as ways to reduce pain and improve function, with results that vary from person to person.

No. The FDA states that no regenerative medicine product, including stem cell products, is approved to treat any orthopedic condition such as osteoarthritis or back pain^[2]. The only stem cell products it has approved are blood-forming cells from cord blood for blood disorders, and it has received reports of blindness, tumors and infections after unapproved products^[1]. Be wary of any clinic that says otherwise.

Usually not. PRP, bone marrow concentrate and shockwave therapy are typically self-pay. Wellpoint Federal (formerly National Government Services), the Medicare contractor for New York, does not cover PRP for musculoskeletal or joint conditions, and several large commercial insurers consider it investigational^[3]. Coverage for subchondroplasty and tenotomy varies by plan, and workers’ compensation and no-fault follow their own rules. We verify benefits and give you a written estimate before treatment.

The choice depends on your diagnosis. For knee arthritis, PRP is usually the first regenerative option because it is the most studied and simplest; BMAC adds a marrow harvest and cost. A bone marrow lesion on MRI may point to subchondroplasty. For chronic tendon pain, options range from shockwave therapy to PRP and percutaneous tenotomy.

They work gradually rather than overnight. After a PRP injection, for example, it can take a few weeks to notice improvement and several months for the full effect^[11]. Tendon treatments are paired with a rehab program, and benefits build as the tendon is loaded and strengthened. If you need fast relief for a flare, your physician may discuss other options alongside a regenerative plan.