swiss medicaIf you are suffering from pain in your knee or osteoarthritis, you may consider regenerative stem cell therapy for knees, an approach to inhibiting inflammation, reducing pain, and improving mobility. Many patients find relief through stem cell therapy, as it helps improve joint function and enables one to go back to an active life. In this article, we will discuss potential benefits, treatment options, and costs of stem cell therapy for knees.
What Is Stem Cell Therapy for Knees?
Stem cell therapy for knees is a regenerative treatment designed to repair damaged tissues and relieve knee pain, especially from osteoarthritis. It works by injecting stem cells into the joint to support healing and reduce inflammation.
How do stem cells help with knee pain?
Stem cells help relieve knee pain by reducing inflammation and supporting tissue repair. They release growth factors and signaling molecules that promote the regeneration of cartilage, ligaments, and other joint structures. These growth factors help stimulate cell repair, improve blood flow, and reduce further joint degeneration. As a result, stem cell shots for knees can provide long-term pain relief for conditions like osteoarthritis and other knee injuries.
Can stem cells repair knee damage?
Using stem cells in knee repair helps with damage by promoting tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation. This can improve joint function and relieve pain from conditions like osteoarthritis and meniscus injuries. Some studies suggest that stem cell therapy may even delay the need for knee replacement surgery. While it may not completely heal the knee, stem cell shots for knees can support your recovery and potentially postpone surgery for a longer time.
How Does Stem Cell Therapy Compare to Other Knee Treatments?
| Treatment | Procedure | Recovery Time | Risks | Effectiveness | Cost |
| Stem Cell Therapy | Minimally invasive, outpatient procedure using own cells | Short recovery, minimal downtime | Low risk, minimal side effects | Promising for mild to moderate damage | Moderate to high stem cell knee injections costs |
| Knee replacement surgery | Major surgery involving artificial joint replacement | Several months of recovery | Higher risk of infection, blood clots, anesthesia complications | Highly effective for severe damage, well-established | Generally covered by insurance, but costly |
| Corticosteroid injections | Quick injection for pain relief | Immediate relief, no recovery time | Potential for joint damage with long-term use, systemic side effects | Effective for short-term pain relief, limited long-term benefits | Affordable, often covered by insurance |
| Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy | Involves injecting platelet-rich plasma into the knee joint | Short recovery, minimal downtime | Low risk, minimal side effects | Effective for mild to moderate osteoarthritis | Moderate cost |
| Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections | Injected into the knee joint to mimic joint fluid | Short recovery, minimal downtime | Low risk, minimal side effects | Provides up to six months of pain relief, improves joint function | Moderate cost, often covered by insurance |
| Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) | Minimally invasive procedure to block pain signals | Short recovery, minimal downtime | Low risk, minimal side effects | Effective for chronic pain relief | Moderate cost, often covered by insurance |
| Physical therapy | Non-invasive exercises and treatments to improve joint function | Ongoing sessions, no downtime | Low risk, minimal side effects | Improves joint function and reduces pain, well-established | Moderate cost, often covered by insurance |
| Acupuncture | Involves inserting needles to stimulate healing | Short recovery, minimal downtime | Low risk, minimal side effects | Provides relief from joint pain, low risk | Moderate cost, often not covered by insurance |
| Yoga and exercise | Low-impact activities to improve joint health | Ongoing practice, no downtime | Low risk, minimal side effects | Improves joint function and reduces pain, well-established | Low cost, self-managed |
How Can Stem Cells Help Your Knees?
- Stem cells are anti-inflammatory and thus are very promising for reducing swelling and pain in knee ailments such as osteoarthritis.
- Joint function and mobility improve due to tissue regeneration with stem cell therapy for knee cartilage.
- Stem cell therapy could postpone knee replacement surgery.
- Most patients report higher activity levels after stem cell therapy, allowing them to carry out most of their daily activities much more comfortably.
Common Knee Problems Treated With Stem Cells
Stem cell therapy for knees is becoming increasingly common as a way to provide a solution for knee conditions.
Osteoarthritis
Stem cell shots for arthritis and osteoarthritis involves injecting mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into the knee joint to help regenerate cartilage and reduce inflammation. Some studies have shown that this treatment can provide relief from arthritis symptoms, reduce pain, and even delay the need for knee replacement surgery. The anti-inflammatory effects of stem cells for knee problems help slow cartilage degeneration, which is a key feature of osteoarthritis.
Meniscus tears
Meniscus tears, especially when they are complex or large, can be difficult to treat. Stem cell therapy offers a less invasive approach by preserving the meniscus rather than removing it. This treatment harnesses the regenerative power of stem cells, which are injected into the affected area to promote healing and repair of the damaged tissue.
Ligament injury ACL, MCL, and PCL
Ligament injuries, such as those to the ACL, MCL, or PCL, can significantly impact knee function and stability. Stem cell shots for knees help damaged tissues, supporting the healing process and improving knee function over time. This can lead to better stability and mobility in the affected knee.
Cartilage damage
Damage to the cartilage is a very common problem in knee conditions such as osteoarthritis. Stem cells injections for knees help decrease pain and subsequently improve knee functions.
Chronic knee pain
Chronic knee pain can result from arthritis, injuries, or wear and tear. Stem cell treatment for knees helps ease pain by promoting the repair of damaged tissue, often reducing the need for pain medications.
Who Can Benefit From Stem Cell Therapy?
Stem cell therapy offers hope to patients suffering from a variety of knee disorders.
People with knee pain that won’t go away
For chronic knee pain that resists treatment, stem cell treatment for knees might offer help by diminishing inflammation and easing the suffering that may result from such conditions as osteoarthritis.
Athletes recovering from knee injuries
Stem cell therapy for sports injuries supports knee injury recovery by reducing inflammation. Because of its less invasive method of administering treatment, the athlete will already be back to training and competing sooner.
Anyone who wants to avoid or postpone knee surgery
Stem cell injections for knees are a less invasive treatment before resorting to surgery for any early-stage issues. It uses the body’s own cells to support healing and potentially delay the need for surgery.
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Choosing the Right Clinic for Stem Cell Therapy for Knees
When opting for a clinic for knee stem cell therapy in the UK and other countries, consider the qualifications and experience of doctors in regenerative medicine, testimonials and reviews from those who have undergone treatment in the past. Also, search for clear information on the procedure and stem cell knee injections costs.
Swiss Medica, one of the most reputable stem cells clinic, offers advanced regenerative treatments for knee pain in a patient-centered environment:
- No obligation consultations to discuss with the doctor your condition, ask questions, and learn more about the procedure before starting treatment.
- Our stem cell treatment for knees to each patient’s condition, goals and severity of injury.
- Transparent information on costs of stem cell therapy for knees from the very beginning.
- Various types and methods of stem cells and routes of administration guarantee proper treatment for each case.
- Strict quality control that guarantees the purity, safety, and effectiveness of stem cells for knee repair.
- Dedicated stem cell preparation and dosing are accomplished in-house for maximum therapeutic benefit.
- Our doctors are specialized in regenerative medicine and have been treating knee conditions for years now.
- We assist with accommodation and airport transfers and provide ongoing medical consultations.
- Our medical center in Serbia is easily accessible through direct flights from major cities.
- With long-term follow-up after treatment, we ensure that you are able to maintain success and optimal recovery.
- Many patients commonly report substantial relief from pain and improved mobility after stem cell treatment for knee injuries.
Our new hospital in Belgrade provides a modern, comfortable environment designed to support a smooth and stress-free experience for knee pain treatment.
What Happens During Stem Cell Therapy?
It’s important to know what to expect during stem cell therapy for knees to make an informed decision.
- Cell extraction: doctors can use fat (adipose) tissue, bone marrow, or donor placenta and umbilical cord stem cells for knees.
- Processing and isolation of the cells: this stage helps isolate only those cells that are useful.
- Stem cell injection: stem cells are injected into the knee joint or adjacent soft tissue of the knee.
- Regeneration: the body uses the potential of stem cells for regeneration for knee injuries and starts the self-healing process. To support the result, your doctor may suggest medical device therapies and additional procedures.
- Recovery and follow-up: you undergo recovery and rehabilitation. The doctor supervises and observes this process.
How long does the procedure take?
The process of stem cell injections for knees can take about 90 minutes. It consists of harvesting stem cells from the patient’s own body, usually either from the bone marrow or adipose tissue, processing these cells, and injecting them into the knee joint under imaging control.
When will you feel results?
Patients usually feel improvements and pain relief following the procedure with stem cells for knee repair within a few weeks to a few months. Timing can differ based on individual factors such as the severity of the condition and overall health. Patients should follow the post-procedure guidelines to support healing and ensure a smooth recovery.
What are the success rates?
Stem cell therapy for knees success rates vary depending on the specific condition and individual patient factors. While some have reported significant improvement in pain in relation to general function, other patients report more modest benefits.
At Swiss Medica, we have treated over 10,000 patients with various conditions, with a success rate approaching 80%. We offer a no-obligation consultation with our medical advisor where you can ask any questions you may have and find out potential benefits of stem cells for regeneration for knees.
What Kind of Stem Cells Are Used for Knees?
For the treatment of knee arthritis, doctors use mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), their exosomes, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). MSCs and PRP are injected to help heal the tissue, improve knee function, and decrease pain.
To deliver immediate symptom alleviation and also support the effect of stem cell injections for knees, our physicians may provide medical device therapies:
- Spark/Shockwave therapy (SSW)
- Ultrasound therapy
- Super Inductive System (SIS)
- Electrotherapy
- Magnetic Resonance-Based Stimulation Therapy (MBST)
- Targeted Radiofrequency (Tecar) and many others.
Is Stem Cell Therapy Safe?
Stem cell treatment for knees is considered generally safe. However, as with any medical treatment, it comes with some potential side effects:
- Mild fever;
- Fatigue and sleeplessness;
- Pain, swelling, or redness around the site of administration;
- Slight headache.
Most side effects do not last long, subside within a few days, and may be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Is stem cell therapy FDA-approved?
The approval process for stem cell therapy by the FDA is long and continuous. The absence of FDA approval for specific stem cell treatments does not necessarily mean that they are unsafe or unverified.
Though taken with care according to U.S. governmental directives, mesenchymal stem cells are widely regarded as safe and are used in many countries with strict regulation. There are good results concerning pain reduction and tissue regeneration with stem cell therapy for knee cartilage. Swiss Medica follows high standards of safety: all its treatments comply with strict legal and ethical considerations.
How Much Does Stem Cell Therapy for Knees Cost?
The cost of knee stem cell therapy in the UK and other countries can vary greatly. The cost of treatment depends on the provider, location, and specific treatment protocol, typically ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 per session.
Prices for knee stem cell therapy in the UK, the US, and some European countries can be higher. However, patients seeking effective and affordable alternatives may consider treatment in Serbia, where high-quality stem cell therapy is available at a lower cost while maintaining excellent medical standards.
Swiss Medica, located in Serbia, offers treatment at a cost between €7,000 and €31,000, depending on the condition being treated and the number of treatments needed. We offer an all-inclusive package for the treatment, excluding travel costs.
*The prices mentioned are indicative and subject to change based on individual factors, including the condition’s severity and the number of stem cells needed. Prices are valid as of January 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stem Cell Therapy for Knees
1. Is stem cell therapy safe?
Generally safe, but like any medical treatment, stem cell injections for knees entail some short-term side effects. These may include mild swelling, soreness, or temporary discomfort at the injection site.
2. Is stem cell therapy covered by insurance?
Usually, the insurance does not cover therapies using stem cells in knee repair. That is why it is recommended to compare the stem cell therapy for knees prices across different clinics before undergoing treatment.
3. When will I see results?
Results following therapy using stem cells to repair knees vary from person to person. Improvements typically become apparent within a range of a few weeks to several months after treatment.
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Thinking about your next step? We’re here to help! Chat with our specialists for free and see if stem cell therapy could be a good fit for you.
Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor
List of References
Migliorini F, Rath B, Colarossi G, Driessen A, Tingart M, Niewiera M, Eschweiler J. Improved outcomes after mesenchymal stem cells injections for knee osteoarthritis: results at 12-months follow-up: a systematic review of the literature. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2020 Jul;140(7):853-868. doi: 10.1007/s00402-019-03267-8. Epub 2019 Aug 27. PMID: 31456015.
Esquivel D, Mishra R, Srivastava A. Potential use of stem cell therapies for treating osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Ann Transl Med. 2024 Aug 1;12(4):72. doi: 10.21037/atm-23-1951. Epub 2024 Feb 23. PMID: 39118961; PMCID: PMC11304433.
Huang R, Li W, Zhao Y, Yang F, Xu M. Clinical efficacy and safety of stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020 Mar;99(11):e19434. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000019434. PMID: 32176071; PMCID: PMC7220405.
Anderson JA, Little D, Toth AP, Moorman CT 3rd, Tucker BS, Ciccotti MG, Guilak F. Stem cell therapies for knee cartilage repair: the current status of preclinical and clinical studies. Am J Sports Med. 2014 Sep;42(9):2253-61. doi: 10.1177/0363546513508744. Epub 2013 Nov 12. PMID: 24220016; PMCID: PMC4019709.
Chen, X., Zheng, J., Yin, L., Li, Y., & Liu, H. (2023). Effect of mesenchymal stromal cells transplantation on the outcomes of patients with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic Research. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1002/jor.25724
Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor
