What it is
Regenerative medicine is a broad, loosely used term. It can describe established care, such as certain wound coverings and eye-surface treatments that use amniotic membrane, as well as newer approaches that are still being studied. Because the label covers so much, it helps to ask what exactly a clinic is offering.
Some clinics also offer injectable products made from amniotic tissue, umbilical cord, Wharton's jelly or exosomes, or other biologic preparations. These are often marketed for joints, pain, hair or skin. In general, injectable amniotic, cord, Wharton's jelly and exosome products are not FDA-approved for those uses, and the FDA has warned the public about unapproved regenerative products.
These products are not the same as stem-cell treatments. Most amniotic products contain no living stem cells after processing, and they should not be described as regrowing cartilage or tissue. A licensed clinician decides what is appropriate for you after an evaluation.
How it’s traditionally been approached
Traditionally, people with joint, muscle or skin concerns have started with conventional care: a primary care visit, rest and activity changes, physical therapy, medications, or procedures chosen by a licensed clinician. Many of these approaches are well understood and widely available.
Orthopedic and sports medicine doctors commonly evaluate bones, joints and soft tissue. Dermatology and aesthetics providers focus on skin, hair and appearance. Regenerative medicine clinics may draw on several of these areas and sometimes offer newer options.
Newer biologic options have generally been approached with more caution because the evidence and regulatory status vary by product and by use. Reasonable people and providers hold different views, and none of these approaches is right for everyone.
How the right doctor may help
The right doctor may help by listening to your history, examining you, and explaining what is going on in plain language. A visit generally includes questions about your symptoms, past care and goals, and may include a physical exam or imaging if the clinician feels it is appropriate. No outcome is guaranteed.
A good provider may also lay out a range of options, including conventional ones, and explain the possible benefits and risks of each. If a clinic offers a biologic product, you can ask whether it is FDA-approved for the intended use, where the tissue came from, and whether it contains living cells.
Helpful questions include: What are the risks? What are the alternatives? What is the total cost, and will insurance cover any of it? Check insurance before treatment, and feel free to get a second opinion. Providers.plus can help you find licensed providers to compare.
The whole-person view
Body, mind and stress affect each other. Ongoing pain or worry about a health concern can raise stress, and stress can in turn change how the body feels, sleeps and recovers. Looking at the whole person, including movement, rest, nutrition and emotional well-being, is often part of good care.
Some people find body-based support helpful alongside medical care, such as Somatic Experiences, which focuses on how the body holds tension and stress. Others value talk therapy through Therapists.plus to cope with the uncertainty of a health journey. Neither replaces a medical evaluation, and each approach has its place.
Somatic Experiences: nervous system regulation →Somatic Experiences: embodiment and movement →Therapists.plus: mind body connection →
Keep in mind
- Licensed professionals should guide your care, especially for serious or worsening conditions.
- Many injectable amniotic, umbilical cord, Wharton's jelly and exosome products are not FDA-approved for joint, pain, hair or skin uses; ask any provider about a product's FDA status.
- Be cautious of promises to regrow tissue, avoid surgery or guarantee results, and always ask about total cost and insurance before treatment.
- For emergencies call 911; in a crisis call or text 988.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a regenerative medicine doctor do?
A regenerative medicine doctor evaluates your concern and discusses options that may include conventional care and, in some cases, newer biologic approaches. What they offer varies widely by clinic and training. A licensed clinician decides what is appropriate for you after an evaluation.
How do I find a regenerative medicine doctor near me?
Start by looking for licensed providers, such as orthopedic and sports medicine doctors, dermatology and aesthetics providers, or regenerative medicine clinics, through a directory like Providers.plus. Check their credentials and training, and read how they describe their services. Consider a consultation with more than one provider to compare.
Are amniotic injections FDA-approved?
Generally, no, injectable amniotic products are not FDA-approved for joint, pain, hair or skin uses, and the FDA has warned the public about unapproved regenerative products. Amniotic membrane used as a wound covering and on the eye surface is the established use. Ask your provider about the specific product's FDA status.
Are amniotic products the same as stem-cell treatments?
No. Most amniotic products contain no living stem cells after processing, so calling them stem-cell treatments is not accurate. They also should not be described as regrowing cartilage or tissue.
What should I ask a regenerative medicine doctor before treatment?
Ask about the product's FDA status, where the tissue came from, the possible risks, and the alternatives, including conventional options. Also ask for the total cost and check with your insurance before treatment. A trustworthy provider should answer these questions clearly.
Can regenerative medicine help me avoid surgery?
No one can promise that. Whether any option may be appropriate depends on your condition and a licensed clinician's evaluation. Be cautious of any provider who guarantees you can avoid surgery or promises specific results.
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.