Do PRP and stem cell injections work?

The surgeons discuss two relative new treatments: PRP injections and Stem Cell injections - and their role in treating arthritis and other musculoskeletal issues.

Medical emergency
Do NOT use the Video for medical emergencies. If you have a medical emergency, call a physician or qualified healthcare provider, or CALL 911 immediately. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-treatment based on anything you have seen or read on the Video.

General information is not medical advice
The general information provided on the Video is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or care, nor is it intended to be a substitute therefore. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider properly licensed to practise medicine or general healthcare in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Video and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Video. Always consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program. Information obtained on the Video is not exhaustive and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment.

[scottybeegood]

I had PRP done on my right knee which had ACL repair done back in 1993. Results were fantastic and quite good for my situation.

[iamsarahdawn]

In May 2021, I received umbilical cord tissue and PRP injections in both knees and in my upper back (trigger points). I was told that I could start seeing improvement in 4-6 weeks but started to notice less stiffness and soreness in about 10 days. From there the improvement was pretty significant. In an effort not to cause a new injury, I began walking to create movement but not overexertion. I noticed that I was able to stand and walk for longer and longer without having the burning, fatigue sensation in the muscles between my shoulder blades which I had experienced for YEARS. I was also able to squat down to pick something up and push back to standing without assistance from another person or furniture. I had not been able to do that for many years.
I am in my 40's and KNEW deep down that I didn't want to start the decline of function that early on in life. I wanted to be able to walk and/or run and ride my horses without pain.
Nearly 1 year later, I still feel fantastic. I walk and/or run (weather permitting) and have also incorporated yoga and pilates. I can ride without "paying for it" the next day.
If you would like to investigate current research in these therapies, I recommend visiting clinicaltrials.gov and the NIH research articles. The Mayo Clinic is also doing some research, as well as other universities. A "google search" will not necessarily yield unbiased information.
Because my results were so wonderful, I want to share with people the positive aspects of the treatments and encourage others to do good, reputable due diligence. No, it's not covered by insurance but it is worth the cost of an injection that allows me to live the way I want.

[marywomack]

I had PRP in my right knee over 5 years ago and haven't had a problem since. I had an injury in my right shoulder that would not heal. After about 3 years, my primary suggested stem cell injection and it worked like a charm. A couple of years later, I injured it again, let it go for a year, and got the stem cells and, again, it worked like a charm. It is not covered by insurance, but it's still less expensive than my insurance deductible for surgery and no down time.

[pamelaburke]

I had stem cells and extensive therapy . My cells were umbilical cells from healthy birth. Ozone shots, infra red heat, vitamin injections, etc. I even wore a cumbersome off loader brace for 3 months. Walked 1.5 miles daily and did strengthening exercises and lost weight. My MD received stem cell training at George Washington University. I was convinced it would work for me. $18, 000 later my knee is still killing me. Arthritis and bone on bone. They even did a second treatment at their expense. So disappointed. Wasted 2 whole years hobbling around and poor quality of life because of pain and limitations. Knee replacement Nov 4.

[ADAPTATION]

I have received a PRP injection in my right shoulder for my osteoarthritis. Almost one year now. It made a world of difference. Even though I still experience some pain at end range of motion, it's no longer constant pain.

[alaskacharlie]

I was at a pain level 8-9 daily almost unbearable on my rt knee and sleeping was miserable, I have had 5 PRP injections over the past 2 years and my daily pain levels went down to 4-5 after 2-3 weeks of the first set, 4 months later I had my 2nd series Andy pain went down to 1-2 pleasantly surprised. It didn't help the strength or stability of the damage but it sure helped the Pain management as Im not able to take any drugs due to being a Pilot and Boat Capt. After dealing with the situation for 4-5 years I am finally getting my TKR Feb 7th. Thanks for all the info you put out. God Bless

[vizmatter]

Over several years I have had a combination of PRP and Prolozone injection therapy done to both my arthritic knees and right hip. I found that there was a definite relief in pain and inflammation and more mobility in all joints. The injections efficacy would last for about six months. The shots were done in a sterile lab and were not cost prohibitive though they weren't covered by extended medical insurance. Recently my right hip was replaced, but I have to say that this form of therapy gave me the pain relief and extra mileage in the very physically demanding work that I used to do. Based on my experience and the condition of my arthritis I would recommend it as an alternative to delaying surgery.
In regards to stem cell research, I've been told that South Korea and Japan are doing some clinical trials in growing knee cartilage and applying them to arthritic knees. Adhesion seems to be a problem. Two main US medical companies Carticell and Regenexx are doing research into stems cells and cartilage replacement

[robwilliam]

I had stem cells put into both knees where the cells were extracted from fat. Results at 6 months are good. I wasn't walking before them without great difficulty but now I'm I can manage about 5000-6000 steps a day as well as cycle.

[tandavaughn]

I am hooked on watching all of these videos that you have put out unfortunately they’re years old I wish you could do some updated ones because everything you say is relevant and it’s everything I need to hear in order to make up my mind if I want to go forward with a knee replacement

[stevebaker]

I’ve Got a hypothesis: Use the heart and ‘Legs up ‘ after a run to reduce post run injury. If a centrifuge is used to separate platelets and cells in the clinic then I propose using blood flow with legs raised to separate blood components. I regularly prevent injury after running by leg raising 10, 15 or 30 mins.

[JackMcMotivate]

Great video. Stem cell treatments have come a long way. I experienced a central tfcc tear, which i was told could not be repaired or could not be healed, and the only option was a debridement which should lessen pain. After having the procedure done and doing PT, i am worse off than before the procedure. Surely there are procedures that insurance pays for which have less efficacy than some stem cell treatments. If there is no risk other than expense, why doesn’t the FDA get serious about this? Have my theories.. sad, not everyone has 25k to plunk down.

[dannee]

I have had PRP into lumabr facet joint's at three level's and it helped a lot. I went three differnt times about a month apart between each shot(s). The only downside is, you can't take NSAIDS before or after for abt a week and no ice after either. The shot's hurt/burn at first and after about 48 hr's, you start to feel better gradually. Oh and insurance don't pay for it either. It work's though.

[ATia-ggdo]

i just tried prp on my knee and so far the pain has diminished considerably after 3 weeks i am very happy with the results so far.

[j.d.taliaferrojr.]

I'm having surgery to clean up a meniscus tear and PRP injection on April 9th. Your discussion supports all information I have been able to gather, including second and third opinions. Cleanup is to remove material that can interfere with function AND serve as an abrasive, making the early onset arthritis worse over time. PRP is to provide material to POSSIBLY make cartilage more "healthy". Great video, relevant content and reasonable advice. It is hard to find medical advice that is not actually trying to sell a treatment or medication. Now, if I could only find a family Doc that promotes wellness and Disease prevention!

[SallySmithORourke]

As this video was done in 2018, 7 years should have allowed for far more information. I do know that AAOS determined its efficacy after OTC treatments. Perhaps an update for of studies and usage the last 7 years.

[gordenlackie]

I had stem cell injections in both knees in 2017 after about 20 years of bone on bone and severe osteoarthritis. They took the cells from bone marrow (hip) and put in what appeared to be a centrifuge to isolate the stems cells. The cost was just over C$2400 in total. It wasn’t a cure but i had a marked improvement in my mobility that was noticed by others. Unfortunately Canada’s health authorities stopped allowing the treatment in 2018 based on a lack of clinical evidence of its efficacy.

[isabelcastillo]

Hi Docs, this is a 3 year video. Is there an update on stem cell injections? Also, here is a topic for your discussion — Frozen Shoulder.
How do you treat it so it goes away permanently?
Thanks!

[berndkretzschmar]

Being ahorse surgeon started treating horse tendonitis way before human medicine. We started research with UC Davis1999 and found bone marrow injections greatly increased tendinous and ligamentous healing. Initially we assumed it was d.t. stem cells in the bone marrow, however UC Davis found similar results by injecting the supernatant after spinning down the bone marrow. In my clinical experience I have found to be PRP of limited benefit ia or intra tendonous in 1000's of patients. However, IRAP treatment for ia use has been exceptional especially in arthritic joints that stopped responding to corticosteroids.

[joesmith-tgco]

love your channel, I am a disabled vet one TKR at 55, need the other one done, lower back from L-1 to S-1 either herniated or ruptured, blown SI joints, had an active career, VA did experimental stem cell injections in my knees and back first one lasted 6 months the last two did zero for me. I appreciate your honest explanations

[lololilo]

Why is there virtually NO new videos about stem cell treatments? Especially amniotic stem cell therapy for tendon damage, etc.