What Science ACTUALLY Says About Stem Cell Injections for Arthritis

Dr. Jeff Peng provides a comprehensive analysis of stem cell therapies for treating osteoarthritis. While stem cell treatments (BMAC, SVF, and umbilical cord-derived) have generated significant interest due to their potential for repairing damaged tissues and reducing pain, recent clinical evidence suggests their effectiveness might be overstated. A major clinical trial involving nearly 500 patients showed no significant difference in pain relief or MRI scores between stem cell and cortisone treatments. Consequently, Dr. Peng currently advises against stem cell treatments for osteoarthritis, citing their high cost and uncertain benefits.

Instead, he recommends PRP injections, supported by extensive research indicating their effectiveness in pain reduction and joint function improvement. PRP is also recognized by prominent medical societies and considered a more viable and affordable option than stem cell treatments.

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► ABOUT ME

Jeffrey Peng MD is a nonoperative orthopedist and sports medicine specialist. He focuses on maximizing non-surgical treatments for sports injuries and orthopedic conditions. He specializes in using orthobiologics and ultrasound guided minimally invasive techniques to treat osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, and musculoskeletal disorders.

Dr. Peng is board certified in sports medicine and family medicine. He completed residency with the Stanford family medicine residency program and completed his sports medicine training with the Stanford primary care sports medicine fellowship in San Jose. He is an active faculty member for both programs and is excited about training the next generation of physicians.

Dr. Peng’s sports medicine clinic is located in Campbell, California.

► Disclaimer

My content reflects my own opinion and does not represent the views or opinions of my employers or hospital systems I am affiliated with. They are meant for educational purposes only. They do not substitute for the medical advice of a physician. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.

[jasonjefferson]

My dad developed arthritis after a torn miniscus .. He chose not to have surgery but never did any rehab so after a few years it developed into advanced arthritis. 3 years ago he went to a stem cell hospital overseas to get injected into both knees and after 6 months he was able to do activities that he stoped doing 20 years ago!! He is now 68 years young, his knees are great but he fell and hurt his shoulder a few weeks ago. His doctor again recommends surgery. If it wasn't for the cost I would have him do stem cell therapy every year. 🍻

[barrymc]

I had stem cells injected in both knees and both shoulders 14 weeks ago. 6 weeks post injection in began PT. It was difficult in the beginning. I have also had no ibuprofen, alcohol or nicotine since treatment. I can report to you now that the pain from daily activities is gone. The pain from exercising: single leg squatting, like lunges are still painful, but the edge has been taken off the pain, meaning it’s more achy not sharp but still substantial but improved. 2 leg squats: nearly pain free. Shoulders: arthritis affected my sleep, now no pain at rest or daily activity. Exercise is much nearly pain free but I have purposefully kept the activity light. Range of motion has improved, I’ll call it 30-40%. Healing is suppose to last a year. So I am still very hopeful for continued progress. In July I will go back for follow MRIs to see if there is any documentable proof in the imaging and again at the 12 month mark. So far I can report that I am extremely happy I did not see this guys video and listen to this doctor before I decided to get treatment.

[mulinzhan]

I went to Regenex in 2018 and had a stem cell treatment on my left knee which was screamingly painful. Within days the pain was gone and only now after 5 years is the knee in need of another treatment. This time I am going to R3 Stem Cell in Tijuana and receive a mixed PRP/Stem Treatment (allogeneic) for $3000. Considering the cost of just going to the emergency room this is not expensive and I'd be happy to pay this amount every 5 years - and keep my knee. If the data is not there to support the use of stem cells to treat a myriad of conditions it is only because the American medical establishment does not want this low cost, non-pharmacological, scientific breakthrough to be brought to market in the US.

[jeffreykoski]

Dr. Peng, thank you for all of your videos! I can't help but notice that you have never touched on red light therapy for arthritis. If you could, maybe you could address this. Thank you.

[bigdougscommentary]

When this guy started hawking his own treatment, his credibility went right out the window. Notice he was very specific about a study of 500 patients when knocking the stem cell treatment option, but vague about studies he touted as supporting his own treatment.

[baronessvarney]

I had an MRI that found 2 torn miniscus, and a bone spur in my left knee and medium to advanced arthritis in both knees. I had stem cells from a delivered placenta injected into both knees 7 years ago and within a few weeks my knees were like new! I am 70 years old, my knees had been hurting so badly, but I did not want to do aurgery. I would recommend the type of stem cells I had! Cost 7 years ago was $7, 500 total.

[necdetbalcik]

Have you any opinion on hydrojell injection for knee arthrite?

[megaMitch]

By the way, great video. Very informative

[henryware]

What about PRP and stem cells together in the same cocktail?? What about PRP and Hylajel in the same cocktail??

[jtothsummer]

I Know this is off the subject, but I just watched your blood pressure (When to take your medication) I am on losartan hydroclorithiazide, which is a diuretic. I take in the morning because of the obvious reason. What do you suggest? Thank you New subscriber.

[KMennen]

I am curious about adipose stem cell therapy combined with PRP therapy. I was recently offered this option and the cost was much higher.

[sapelesteve]

Very interesting and informative video Doc! Question: Are there any doctors that you can recommend in the state of CT that do PRP injections for the knee & hip? Thanks! 👍👍

[debcatz]

What do you think about Infra red laser and vibration massager

[ts.nathan]

Give a video to explain stem cell treatment for meniscus treatment.

[somayemorabbi]

Hello, the ligament & meniscus of my knee are injured due to an accident when I was cycling. The doctors suggested injecting PRP or Exosome. What would you think of the effectiveness in the treatment? Thanks!

[tjuyudo]

3 years ago I did bone marrow derived stem cell therpy on both knees in the USA.
It was/is one of the best decisions i've ever made. I've been nearly pain free since. And now you tell me it likely didn't work!
Well, something sure changed . What do you think it was?

[believerrrrr]

Off topic... but do you think prp or stem cells would help in SIJ instability? Specifically healing and tightening the ligaments around the SIJ? I'm only 17 and have tried all normal ways of therapy you can think of. I'm doing prolozone currently but am only on my second injection with no relief. Thank you sir!

[KznD]

What about these x39 pads can someone give an honest response pls ?

[drbobinski]

Thanks for this video Doc. The stem cell promise is to regenerate cells not reduce inflammation. The proof of concept should be MRI's showing new cartilage/bone or other connective tissue depending on the goals of the therapy. Not a self reported VAS score. This is why I have been so frustrated with the hype machine.

[scrabbleking]

What do think about Prolozone injections and Prolozone combined with PRP?