To learn more about regenerative and restorative stem cell therapy treatments, visit stemshealthregenerativemedicine.com or schedule a consultation at our Miami Beach clinic, located at 925 W 41st St #300A, Miami Beach, FL 33140, You can also reach us by phone at (305) 677.0565.
FULL Transcript
Welcome to the STEMS Health Regenerative Medicine Podcast.
In this episode, we’re walking through a practical, step-by-step guide to how stem cell therapy actually works - from initial evaluation, to cell sourcing, to delivery, and finally to what happens inside the body afterward.
Stem cell therapy is often discussed as a single idea. But in real clinical settings, it’s a multi-step medical workflow. Outcomes are influenced not just by the cells themselves, but by how those cells are sourced, handled, delivered, and how the body responds over time.
The goal of this episode is education - not promotion. We’ll explain each step in plain language, without overpromising results, so patients can better understand the process and evaluate regenerative care claims more accurately.
Let’s start by clarifying what “stem cell therapy” means in practical terms.
In clinical use, stem cell therapy refers to the use of biologic cells - or cell-derived materials - as part of a regenerative care plan. That plan may involve different cell sources, processing methods, and delivery routes depending on the condition being addressed.
Importantly, stem cell therapy is not a single standardized treatment. Two patients may both be described as receiving stem cell-based care, yet their workflows - from sourcing to delivery - can differ substantially.
Understanding those differences helps patients ask better questions and interpret claims with more clarity.
Now let’s walk through the typical workflow, step by step.
Step one is patient evaluation and treatment planning.
Before any discussion of cells, regenerative care begins with a medical evaluation. Clinicians assess whether stem cell-based approaches are even being considered, and whether a patient may be an appropriate candidate.
This evaluation typically includes a review of medical history and current medications, a physical examination focused on pain, mobility, and function, imaging studies such as X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound when appropriate, and discussion of prior treatments and how the patient responded to them.
The goal is not to sell a therapy, but to understand the underlying problem. Structural damage, inflammation, and degenerative changes can behave very differently, even when symptoms appear similar.
Baseline measurements - such as pain scores, range of motion, or activity limitations - are often documented so changes can be evaluated over time.
Stem cell therapy is most commonly discussed for musculoskeletal concerns like joint pain, tendon or ligament injuries, and certain spine-related conditions. These discussions focus on tissue quality, inflammation, and function, rather than a diagnosis alone.
Clinicians also screen for situations where regenerative therapies may not be appropriate, such as active infection, certain systemic illnesses, or conditions requiring immediate surgical intervention.
Imaging plays an important role here. Ultrasound, in particular, allows clinicians to visualize soft tissues and joints in real time. When injections are used, ultrasound guidance helps confirm accurate placement and provides documentation of where biologic material is delivered.
Step two is stem cell sourcing - where the cells come from.
Broadly, stem cells fall into two categories based on origin: autologous and allogeneic.
Autologous stem cells come from the patient’s own tissue. Commonly discussed sources include bone marrow and adipose, or fat tissue. These tissues contain populations of adult stem cells along with supportive cells.
Because the cells originate from the patient, compatibility concerns are minimized. Autologous workflows often occur on the same day, where cells are collected, processed, and delivered during a single visit, depending on the protocol.
From the patient’s perspective, this step is best understood as a collection process rather than surgery. Specifics vary, and clinicians explain what to expect during consultation.
Allogeneic stem cells, on the other hand, are derived from screened donors. These cells are processed and stored according to established standards before being distributed for clinical or research use.
Donor screening, testing, and documentation are central to this approach. Allogeneic products may be considered when standardization, availability, or logistical factors are prioritized.
Regardless of source, clinics should be transparent about whether cells are patient-derived or donor-derived, and why a particular option is being discussed.
Chain of custody matters at this stage. This refers to tracking and documentation of biologic material from collection through delivery. Proper labeling, handling, and record-keeping support safety, traceability, and accountability.
Step three is laboratory processing and handling.
After sourcing, cells undergo processing. Processing doesn’t mean the same thing everywhere. It can range from minimal preparation to more complex laboratory workflows performed in regulated environments.
At a high level, processing prepares biologic material for safe and consistent delivery.
Cell isolation involves separating specific cellular components from collected tissue. Concentration refers to increasing the proportion of target cells within a sample. These steps help standardize what is delivered, rather than injecting raw tissue.
Quality control measures - such as viability checks, sterility practices, and time and temperature controls - play a central role in safety and consistency, even though patients rarely see them directly.
In some workflows, biologic material is used the same day. In others, it may be stored through cryopreservation, or controlled freezing, for later use. Proper storage requires traceability and careful handling during thawing to preserve cell quality.
Step four is delivery into the body.
Delivery refers to how and where biologic material is introduced. The route is chosen based on the tissue being addressed and the clinical goal.
For many musculoskeletal conditions, delivery involves targeted injection into a joint or soft-tissue structure, often using ultrasound guidance. From a patient standpoint, this is similar to other image-guided injections, with brief discomfort and post-procedure activity instructions.
Some protocols use intravenous, or IV, infusion instead of local injection. IV delivery introduces biologic material into the bloodstream, allowing systemic circulation.
Local injections aim to place material directly at a target tissue. IV approaches rely more on biologic signaling and systemic distribution. The choice depends on clinical rationale - not a one-size-fits-all rule.
Step five is what happens after delivery.
One of the most common questions patients ask is whether stem cells “turn into new tissue.” In reality, regenerative responses involve multiple mechanisms.
Research generally focuses on both direct cellular activity and indirect signaling effects.
Homing refers to the tendency of cells or signals to localize toward areas of injury or inflammation. Damaged tissues release chemical cues that differ from healthy tissue.
The tissue microenvironment - factors like oxygen levels, blood supply, inflammation, and mechanical stress - plays a major role in how biologic material behaves after delivery.
Paracrine signaling is another key concept. Rather than becoming replacement tissue, delivered cells may release substances that influence nearby cells.
A common analogy is a foreman on a repair site. Instead of doing every repair directly, the foreman sends instructions that guide other workers. In regenerative medicine, signaling molecules may influence inflammation, cellular activity, and tissue response.
Immunomodulation is also studied. This refers to influencing immune responses toward balance rather than suppression. These interactions may relate to symptom changes such as pain or stiffness, depending on individual biology and condition severity.
Cells also release extracellular vesicles - microscopic packages containing proteins and genetic material that can influence nearby cells. Angiogenesis, or support for new blood vessel formation, is another area of research. These mechanisms remain under investigation rather than guaranteed outcomes.
Step six is healing timeline and follow-up.
Regenerative processes are not immediate. Patients are often advised that changes may occur gradually over weeks or months.
Early changes may include temporary soreness or inflammation related to delivery. Later changes may involve gradual improvements in comfort or function, depending on many factors.
Follow-up appointments allow clinicians to assess progress relative to baseline measurements. In some cases, physical therapy or guided rehabilitation is recommended to support recovery.
Factors influencing outcomes include condition severity and duration, overall health, activity modification, rehabilitation adherence, and tissue type involved.
As with any medical procedure, there are risks. These may include infection, bleeding, localized pain, or inflammatory flare. Screening, sterile handling, and appropriate patient selection aim to reduce these risks.
Clinics are responsible for informed consent, accurate documentation, and avoiding unsupported claims. Patients should feel encouraged to ask detailed questions at every step.
When evaluating stem cell claims, practical indicators of transparent care include clear explanation of cell source, defined handling and delivery methods, realistic goals rather than guarantees, and willingness to discuss limitations.
Stem cell therapy is best understood as a process - not a single event. From evaluation to sourcing, lab handling, delivery, and post-treatment biology, each step plays a role in how the body responds.
Understanding this workflow gives patients a clearer framework for evaluating regenerative care and engaging in informed conversations with licensed providers.
Before we close, a brief disclaimer.
The information provided in this episode is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Treatments and outcomes described may not be appropriate for every individual. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider to determine the best course of care for your specific needs.
Certain regenerative medicine procedures discussed - such as stem cell therapy, exosome therapy, or other biologic treatments - may be considered investigational or not FDA-approved for all conditions. Florida law requires disclosure of this status. While these procedures may be offered in accordance with state and federal guidelines, their safety and efficacy have not been fully established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Results vary, and no guarantee of outcome is implied. All medical procedures involve potential risks, which should be discussed with your provider prior to treatment.
Thanks for listening to the STEMS Health Regenerative Medicine Podcast.
We’ll see you next time.
