Stem Cells

Cell-based procedures offered to support the body's own repair processes. What they involve, what to ask, and how to find a provider whose credentials have been checked.

Researched and edited by Rob MartinezNot medically reviewed. No clinician has reviewed this page. Why that mattersLast updated 2026-09-17

Regulatory and evidence status

Evidence is early and condition-specific. Ask any provider to point you to studies for your exact situation, not to general claims.

What it is

Stem cell therapy covers a range of procedures that use cells intended to support the body's natural repair processes. At the clinics listed here that usually means cells drawn from your own bone marrow or fat, or from screened perinatal tissue, prepared and placed at a target site.

Most of these procedures are not approved by the FDA, and results vary from person to person. That is exactly why a filtered list is not enough: the value is narrowing your search to providers whose licensing and credentials have been checked, then knowing the questions that separate a careful clinic from a marketing operation.

What providers commonly offer it for

  • Osteoarthritis and joint discomfort
  • Tendon and ligament injuries
  • Orthopedic and musculoskeletal recovery

What a first visit usually involves

  1. A consultation and review of your history, often with imaging of the target area.
  2. A conversation about the cell source and how it is screened.
  3. The procedure itself, usually an injection at the target site.
  4. A follow-up plan and a clear picture of what recovery looks like.

Questions to ask a provider

  • What is the source of the cells, and how are they screened?
  • How many of these procedures do you perform each month?
  • What does the published evidence say for my specific condition?
  • What are the risks, and what happens if it does not work?
  • Is this FDA approved for my condition, and if not, how do you handle that?

Stem Cells: common questions

Is stem cell therapy FDA approved?
For most uses, no. Many procedures are offered as investigational or under other regulatory pathways. Ask each provider directly how their specific offering is regulated.
Where do the cells come from?
Commonly your own bone marrow or fat, or screened donor perinatal tissue. A reputable provider will tell you the source and the screening process without hesitation.
How do I know a clinic is legitimate?
Look for licensing, transparency about sourcing and evidence, and real volume of experience. Every clinic in this directory has had its credentials checked, and you should still ask the questions above.

This page describes a treatment, not any one clinic's version of it, and it is information rather than medical advice. Read the editorial policy.