Specialized Care
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem cell therapy places concentrated cells from your own body into a painful joint or tissue as part of a broader treatment plan. Responses vary from person to person and it is not right for everyone, so the starting point here is an honest, medically guided conversation about evidence, expectations, and alternatives.
Request an AppointmentWhat is
Stem Cell Therapy?
Stem cell therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that uses cell-based products to support the body's natural repair processes. In pain care, it is sometimes discussed for certain joint, tendon, ligament, or spine-related concerns.
Honesty first: stem cell and regenerative medicine products are regulated by the FDA, and no stem cell product is currently FDA-approved for orthopedic conditions like back pain, knee pain, osteoarthritis, tendonitis, or disc disease.
That's why, at Kentuckiana Pain Specialists, stem cell therapy is framed as an individualized medical evaluation: never a guaranteed cure, never a replacement for evidence-based treatment.
When a regenerative procedure is appropriate, some approaches use cells or biologic material collected from your own body, such as bone marrow or adipose tissue; others use donor-derived products. The treatment area is identified, cleaned, and, where precision is needed, targeted under imaging guidance.
Dr. Nair reviews your symptoms, exam findings, imaging, history, and prior treatment response before discussing whether a regenerative option deserves a place in your plan.
You'll hear what's known, what's uncertain, and what alternatives exist, including FDA and regulatory considerations, before any decision.
Some procedures use material from your own body, such as bone marrow or adipose tissue; others may involve donor-derived products.
When precision matters, imaging guides the product into or near the targeted tissue.
Physical therapy, activity modification, medications, and injections are reviewed first. Regenerative options come after.
Am I a candidate for stem cell therapy?
Regenerative medicine deserves honest evaluation: evidence first, promises never.
Stem cell therapy should only be discussed after a medical evaluation confirms a regenerative approach is appropriate to consider, reviewing your diagnosis, imaging, treatment goals, current evidence, regulatory considerations, and safer established options first.
Persistent Joint or Soft-Tissue Pain
Ongoing musculoskeletal pain that hasn't improved enough with conservative care, with a reasonably identified pain source.
Degenerative or Overuse-Related Conditions
Selected joint, tendon, ligament, or spine-related concerns, depending on diagnosis, evidence, and safety.
Prior Conservative Care Has Not Helped Enough
Physical therapy, activity modification, medications, or injections are often reviewed first. This is not a first step.
Clear Diagnosis and Treatment Goal
The target area, expected goal, and limitations should be clearly explained before treatment is considered.
Patient Understands Evidence Limits
Results vary, and many regenerative uses for orthopedic pain are not FDA-approved. Informed patients decide best.
Safety and Medical History Review
Infection risk, immune concerns, medications, cancer history, and bleeding risk are all reviewed for safety.
Common questions about stem cell therapy
Stem cell therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that uses cell-based products to support the body's natural repair processes. In pain care, it is sometimes discussed for selected musculoskeletal concerns, but it should be reviewed carefully with a qualified provider.
What is stem cell therapy?
Stem cell therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that uses cell-based products to support the body's natural repair processes. In pain care, it is sometimes discussed for selected musculoskeletal concerns, but it should be reviewed carefully with a qualified provider.
Ready when you are.
Curious About
Regenerative Options?
Get an honest, physician-led answer about whether regenerative medicine fits your condition, with evidence, alternatives, and all.
Prefer to talk? Call (502) 995-4004, answered 24/7.
Medically reviewed by Ajith Nair, M.D., Founder & Medical Director at Kentuckiana Pain Specialists. This page is for education and is not a substitute for a personalized medical consultation.
Last medically reviewed July 2026Updated