What it is
Regenerative medicine clinics are practices that offer treatments marketed as supporting the body's own repair processes. Services vary widely from one clinic to another. Common offerings include PRP, amniotic-derived products, and umbilical cord or Wharton's jelly products.
PRP is made from a person's own blood, which is processed to concentrate platelets. Amniotic and umbilical cord products come from donated tissue. Most are processed in ways that leave no living stem cells, so calling them "stem cell treatments" is generally inaccurate. They are not known to regrow cartilage or tissue.
Regulatory status matters here. Amniotic membrane used as a wound covering and on the surface of the eye is the established use. Injectable amniotic, umbilical cord, Wharton's jelly and exosome products for joints, pain, hair, skin or "regeneration" are generally not FDA-approved for those uses. The FDA has warned the public about unapproved regenerative products.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Joint, tendon and back concerns have traditionally been approached with a mix of options. These include rest, physical therapy, movement and strengthening, medicines, injections and, in some cases, surgery. Which of these fits a person is decided by a licensed clinician after an evaluation.
Regenerative approaches grew out of interest in whether the body's natural healing could be supported. PRP has been used in various settings for some time. Amniotic membrane has a long history in wound care and eye-surface care.
Newer injectable tissue products have been promoted widely, often in seminars and online ads. Many of these uses are still unproven and not FDA-approved. Because of this, people comparing options are encouraged to look closely at claims and ask questions.
How the right doctor may help
The right doctor may help you sort through options without pressure. A visit generally starts with your history, your symptoms, a physical exam and, when appropriate, imaging or other tests. A careful provider will explain what is known, what is not, and whether a regenerative option is reasonable for your situation at all.
Doctors may also help you compare regenerative options with conventional ones. That can include therapy, medicines, procedures or surgery. A provider can say whether you are likely to be a candidate for any of them, and nothing is guaranteed.
Good questions to ask: Is this product FDA-approved for my condition? Where does the tissue come from, and is it processed to remove living cells? What are the risks and the alternatives? What is the total cost, and does insurance cover any of it? Is there any chance I am being asked to join a study, and how is that overseen? Get answers before you agree to anything.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect each other. Ongoing pain or a limiting injury can wear on mood and sleep, and stress can make pain feel heavier. Looking at the whole person, including movement, rest, relationships and stress, can add helpful context to any physical plan.
Some people find body-based support useful alongside medical care, such as the approaches listed by Somatic Experiences. Others value talking with someone about the worry and frustration that can come with a long health concern, such as through Therapists.plus. These are optional complements, not replacements for medical care.
Somatic Experiences: nervous system regulation →Somatic Experiences: embodiment and movement →Therapists.plus: mind body connection →
Keep in mind
- Only a licensed clinician can decide what is appropriate for you after an evaluation, and licensed professionals should guide your care.
- Many injectable amniotic, umbilical cord, Wharton's jelly and exosome products are not FDA-approved for joint, pain, hair or skin uses, and the FDA has warned the public about unapproved regenerative products.
- Be cautious of promises of guaranteed results, claims of avoiding surgery, or high-pressure sales; ask about risks, alternatives, total cost and insurance coverage first.
- For emergencies call 911; in a crisis call or text 988.
Be clear: most amniotic and umbilical products contain no living stem cells after processing, and the FDA has warned about unapproved regenerative products.
Doctors
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Frequently asked questions
What is a regenerative medicine clinic?
A regenerative medicine clinic is a practice that offers treatments marketed as supporting the body's natural repair processes, such as PRP or amniotic and umbilical cord products. Services and quality vary widely. A licensed clinician should evaluate you before recommending anything.
Are amniotic injections stem cell treatments?
No, they are generally not accurately described that way. Most amniotic and umbilical cord products contain no living stem cells after processing. Ask a provider exactly what a product contains and where it comes from.
Are amniotic and umbilical cord products FDA-approved?
Amniotic membrane as a wound covering and on the eye surface is the established use. Injectable amniotic, umbilical cord and Wharton's jelly products for joints, pain or similar uses are generally not FDA-approved for those purposes. The FDA has warned the public about unapproved regenerative products, so ask any provider about a product's FDA status.
Can regenerative medicine help me avoid surgery?
No one can promise that. Whether surgery is needed depends on your condition and a licensed clinician's evaluation. A provider can explain your options, their limits and the alternatives.
What is PRP?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma, a preparation made from a person's own blood that is processed to concentrate platelets. It is used in some clinics for various concerns. Ask a provider how it is prepared, what is known about its use for your situation and what it may cost.
What should I ask a regenerative medicine clinic before treatment?
Ask about the product's FDA status, its tissue source, the risks, the alternatives and the total cost. Also check with your insurance before treatment. Be wary of any clinic that guarantees results or pressures you to decide quickly.
Educational resource. Amniotic Doctors shares general information and connects people with independent doctors. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Talk with a licensed professional about your health.