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FULL TRANSCRIPT
Welcome to the STEMS Health Regenerative Medicine Podcast.
In today’s episode, we’re taking a clear, step-by-step look at how stem cell therapy actually works in real clinical settings. Not as a single treatment, not as a promise - but as a medical workflow.
Stem cell therapy is often discussed as one idea, but in practice it’s a multi-step process. Outcomes are influenced not just by the cells themselves, but by how those cells are sourced, handled, delivered, and how the body responds afterward.
The goal of this episode is education. We’ll walk through the full process in plain language - from evaluation and sourcing, to lab handling, delivery, and what happens inside the body - without overpromising results.
Let’s begin with what “stem cell therapy” means in practical terms.
In clinical care, stem cell therapy refers to the use of biologic cells or cell-derived materials as part of a regenerative treatment 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 - may be very different.
Understanding those differences helps patients ask informed questions and better interpret clinic claims.
Now let’s walk through the typical workflow.
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 being considered and whether a patient may be an appropriate candidate.
This evaluation usually includes a review of medical history and current medications, a physical exam focused on pain, mobility, and function, imaging such as X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound when appropriate, and discussion of prior treatments and how the patient responded.
The goal is not to sell a therapy. It’s to understand the underlying problem. Structural damage, inflammation, and degenerative changes can behave very differently - even when symptoms look similar.
Baseline measurements like pain scores, range of motion, and activity limitations are often documented so progress can be evaluated over time.
Stem cell therapy is most often discussed for musculoskeletal concerns such as joint pain, tendon or ligament injuries, and certain spine-related conditions. Clinicians also screen for situations where regenerative therapies may not be appropriate, such as active infection, systemic illness, or conditions requiring immediate surgery.
Imaging matters here. Ultrasound, in particular, allows clinicians to visualize soft tissues and joints in real time and helps guide accurate delivery when injections are used.
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. Common sources include bone marrow and adipose, or fat tissue. These tissues contain adult stem cells along with supportive cells.
Because the cells come 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 protocol.
From a patient’s perspective, this step is best understood as a collection process rather than surgery. Clinicians explain what to expect during consultation.
Allogeneic stem cells come 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 logistics are prioritized.
Regardless of source, clinics should clearly explain whether cells are patient-derived or donor-derived, and why that source is being considered.
Chain of custody is also important. This refers to tracking and documentation of biologic material from collection through delivery, supporting 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 lab workflows conducted in regulated environments.
At a high level, processing prepares biologic material for safe and consistent delivery.
Cell isolation separates specific cellular components from collected tissue. Concentration increases the proportion of target cells in a sample. These steps help standardize what is delivered, rather than injecting raw tissue.
Quality controls - such as viability checks, sterility practices, and time and temperature controls - play a major role in safety and consistency, even though patients don’t usually see them.
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 careful handling to maintain 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 treated and the clinical goal.
For many musculoskeletal conditions, delivery involves targeted injection into a joint or soft-tissue structure, often guided by ultrasound. From a patient standpoint, this is similar to other image-guided injections, with brief discomfort and post-procedure activity guidance.
Some protocols use intravenous, or IV, infusion instead of local injection. IV delivery introduces biologic material into the bloodstream for systemic circulation.
Local injections aim to place material directly at the target tissue. IV approaches rely more on broader biologic signaling. 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 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.
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 at a repair site. Instead of doing all the work, the foreman sends instructions that guide others. In regenerative medicine, signaling molecules may influence inflammation, cellular behavior, and tissue response.
Immunomodulation is also studied. This refers to influencing immune responses toward balance rather than suppression, which may relate to symptom changes such as pain or stiffness.
Cells also release extracellular vesicles - microscopic packages carrying proteins and genetic material. Angiogenesis, or support for new blood vessel formation, is another area of active 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 from the procedure itself. Later changes may involve gradual improvements in comfort or function, depending on many factors.
Follow-up appointments allow clinicians to compare progress against baseline measurements. In some cases, physical therapy or guided rehabilitation is recommended to support recovery.
Outcomes may be influenced by condition severity and duration, overall health, activity modification, rehabilitation adherence, and tissue type involved.
As with any medical procedure, stem cell-based therapies carry risks, including infection, bleeding, localized pain, or inflammatory flare. Screening, sterile handling, and informed consent aim to reduce these risks.
Patients are encouraged to ask detailed questions about sourcing, processing, delivery, and follow-up expectations.
Because regenerative medicine is evolving, claims can vary widely. Practical signs of transparent care include clear explanation of cell source, defined handling and delivery methods, realistic goals instead of guarantees, and willingness to discuss limitations.
Stem cell therapy is best understood as a process - not a single event. From evaluation and sourcing to 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 options and having 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.
