What it is
Stem cells are cells that can develop into other cell types or support tissue in the body. In medicine, the clearly FDA-approved use is blood-forming stem cell transplantation, using cord blood or bone marrow, for certain cancers and blood disorders.
Many clinics also market stem cell, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), bone marrow aspirate, adipose-derived (fat), umbilical cord or Wharton's jelly, and exosome products for joints, tendons, ligaments, back pain and sports injuries. These products are generally NOT FDA-approved for those uses, and the FDA has publicly warned about unapproved stem cell clinics and products.
Reported risk categories include infection, immune reaction, and tumor formation at the injection site. Permanent injury has been reported from unapproved products injected into the eye or spine. No treatment should be described as curing a condition or regrowing tissue, cartilage or ligament. Ask any provider about the exact product and its regulatory status.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Tendon, ligament and joint injuries have traditionally been approached with a mix of rest, activity modification, and guided rehabilitation, often led by physical therapists and sports medicine clinicians. Many people recover with this kind of conservative care.
Clinicians may also use imaging, bracing, medications, injections that are FDA-approved for their purpose, or surgery when appropriate. Which of these fits depends on the injury and the person, and only a licensed clinician can decide after an evaluation.
Newer regenerative approaches have grown alongside these options, but many remain experimental. Legitimate experimental care is often offered through registered clinical trials, which can be searched generically on ClinicalTrials.gov.
How the right provider may help
The right provider, such as an orthopedic or sports medicine physician, or a clinician at a regenerative medicine practice, may start with your history, an exam and possibly imaging. A good visit is generally a conversation, not a sales pitch, and may help you understand your options, including conservative care and doing nothing.
Come with questions. What exactly is the product, where does it come from, and what is its FDA status for this use? What are the specific risks? What is a realistic chance of benefit? What are the alternatives? What is the total cost, disclosed up front? Can I take time and get a second opinion?
Informed consent should cover the exact product and FDA status, specific risks, realistic chance of benefit, alternatives including doing nothing, total cost disclosure, and your right to walk away. Treat this as a checklist for your conversation. This page is not a consent form. Consider a vetted domestic provider first, since treatment abroad carries materially higher risk from different safety, sourcing and regulatory standards, and complications are harder to address from a distance.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect each other. Being sidelined can bring frustration, worry about identity and performance, and tension that may influence how you move and recover. Looking at sleep, stress, training load and mood alongside the injury gives a fuller picture.
Some people find body-based support, such as the approaches offered through Somatic Experiences, helpful for working with stress held in the body. Others value talk therapy, such as through Therapists.plus, for coping with setbacks and pressure to decide quickly. Either may complement, not replace, care from your medical team.
Somatic Experiences: embodiment and movement →Therapists.plus: mind body connection →
Keep in mind
- Red flags: guarantees of results, words like 'cure' or 'regrow,' refusal to name the product or its FDA status, pressure to decide quickly, or discouraging a second opinion.
- To report a suspected problem, you can use the FDA's MedWatch safety reporting program and contact your state medical board. Search for each by name to find the official contact details.
- Licensed professionals should guide care for any serious injury or condition. For emergencies call 911; in a crisis call or text 988.
- This is educational and referral content only, not medical, legal or financial advice. Providers.plus lists licensed providers you can explore.
Providers who often help
Get matched privatelyFrequently asked questions
Is stem cell therapy for tendon and joint injuries FDA-approved?
Generally no. The clearly FDA-approved stem cell use is blood-forming stem cell transplantation for certain cancers and blood disorders. Products marketed for joints, tendons, ligaments and sports injuries are generally not FDA-approved for those uses, so ask any provider about the exact product's status.
What are the risks of stem cell therapy safety for athletes?
Reported risk categories include infection, immune reaction and tumor formation at the injection site. Permanent injury has been reported from unapproved products injected into the eye or spine. Risks vary by product and person, so ask a licensed clinician for specifics.
What are red flags when choosing a stem cell provider?
Be cautious about guarantees of results, 'cure' or 'regrow' language, refusal to name the product or its FDA status, pressure to decide quickly, and discouragement of a second opinion. Any one of these is a reason to pause and seek another opinion.
Can stem cells regrow a torn tendon or ligament?
No treatment should be promised to regrow tendon, ligament or cartilage. Marketing that says so is a red flag. A licensed clinician can explain what is known, what is experimental and what other options exist.
Is it safe to get stem cell treatment abroad?
Treatment abroad is materially higher risk because safety, sourcing and regulatory standards differ and complications are harder to manage from a distance. A vetted domestic provider is a safer first step for a conversation.
How can I access experimental regenerative care legitimately?
Look for a registered clinical trial, which you can search generically on ClinicalTrials.gov. Trials operate under oversight and with informed consent. Discuss any trial with your own clinician before deciding.
Educational resource. Safe Stem Cells 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.