Is regenerative medicine the same as stem cell therapy?

Not as it's usually marketed. Dr. Gruner uses autologous orthobiologics — your own platelets (PRP), bone marrow concentrate, or microfragmented fat. These contain a mix of cells and growth factors that support healing. That is different from clinics selling amniotic, umbilical cord, or 'stem cell' products, which are generally not FDA-approved for orthopedic use and often contain few or no living cells by the time they're injected.

Does regenerative medicine actually work?

It depends on the condition. There is reasonable evidence that PRP helps mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis and several chronic tendon problems, and bone marrow concentrate is being studied for more advanced joint degeneration. It is not a cure-all, and results vary. Dr. Gruner will tell you when the evidence supports a treatment, when it's uncertain, and when another option is better.

Why should I be cautious of stem cell clinics?

Because the marketing frequently outruns the science. Be skeptical of guaranteed results, products not derived from your own body, claims of curing bone-on-bone arthritis, and pressure to pay large sums up front. A trustworthy practice will give you an honest assessment — including telling you when you are not a good candidate.

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Regenerative Medicine & Stem Cells

Using your body's own biology to treat joint and tendon injuries — and a straight answer about what 'stem cell therapy' actually means.

The short answer

Regenerative orthopedic medicine uses your own tissue — concentrated platelets (PRP), bone marrow concentrate (BMAC), or microfragmented fat — to support healing in injured joints and tendons. Dr. Gruner uses only autologous (your own) treatments. Be cautious of clinics marketing amniotic, umbilical cord, or 'stem cell' products: most are not FDA-approved for orthopedic use, and the marketing often outruns the evidence.

Medically reviewed by Marc Gruner, DO, MBA, RMSK
Sports medicine physician, Mayo Clinic fellowship. Last reviewed June 2026

What regenerative medicine actually is

In orthopedics, regenerative medicine means using your body's own biological material to support repair of an injured joint, tendon, or ligament — rather than surgically removing or replacing tissue. The three options Dr. Gruner uses are platelet-rich plasma (PRP), bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), and microfragmented adipose (fat) tissue. All three are autologous: they come from you, and go back into you, during the same visit.

Because these treatments work by stimulating a biological response, results build over weeks to months rather than appearing overnight — and they work best when paired with a real rehabilitation plan.

An honest word about “stem cells”

“Stem cell therapy” is one of the most misused phrases in orthopedics. Many clinics advertise injections derived from amniotic tissue, umbilical cord, or placental products, often with dramatic promises. The reality: those products are generally not FDA-approved for orthopedic conditions, frequently contain few or no living cells by the time they are injected, and are not supported by the kind of evidence that would justify the claims or the price.

Dr. Gruner does not offer those products. What he does offer are autologous orthobiologics — your own platelets, marrow, or fat — delivered under ultrasound guidance, with a candid conversation about where the evidence is strong, where it is still emerging, and when surgery or conservative care is genuinely the better answer.

Who is a candidate

Mild to moderate joint arthritis that hasn't responded to therapy
Chronic tendon injuries (tennis elbow, Achilles, patellar, gluteal)
Patients wanting to delay or avoid surgery, with realistic expectations
Not usually: complete tears, advanced bone-on-bone arthritis, or active infection

Frequently asked questions

Is regenerative medicine the same as stem cell therapy?: Not as it's usually marketed. Dr. Gruner uses autologous orthobiologics — your own platelets (PRP), bone marrow concentrate, or microfragmented fat. These contain a mix of cells and growth factors that support healing. That is different from clinics selling amniotic, umbilical cord, or 'stem cell' products, which are generally not FDA-approved for orthopedic use and often contain few or no living cells by the time they're injected.
Does regenerative medicine actually work?: It depends on the condition. There is reasonable evidence that PRP helps mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis and several chronic tendon problems, and bone marrow concentrate is being studied for more advanced joint degeneration. It is not a cure-all, and results vary. Dr. Gruner will tell you when the evidence supports a treatment, when it's uncertain, and when another option is better.
Why should I be cautious of stem cell clinics?: Because the marketing frequently outruns the science. Be skeptical of guaranteed results, products not derived from your own body, claims of curing bone-on-bone arthritis, and pressure to pay large sums up front. A trustworthy practice will give you an honest assessment — including telling you when you are not a good candidate.

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OrthoBethesda

10215 Fernwood Road, Suite 506
Bethesda, MD 20817

(301) 530-1010

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