Many individuals come to doctors seeking stem cell therapy or platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PRP is a spun down version of your own stem cell and growth hormones and the hormones and factors that are needed to heal, which are found within your bloodstream. In this therapy, first blood is drawn, then the PRP is isolated, then it is injected in the affected area-most often in a joint-providing an alternative to the healing process instead of using steroids.

There is emerging evidence that stem cells can help with knee pain or large joint pain, often used with shoulder pain and small Fossette joints. Stem cells are often harvested from your bone marrow adipocytes, which are your fat cells. Doctors can harvest your own stem cells to help you avoid surgery.