Last medical review: February 2026 · Read time: 5 min
Important notice: This content is informational and does not replace individual medical assessment. Results may vary depending on the degree of wear. Always consult with the medical team before starting any treatment.
For millions of patients, waking up every morning means facing stiffness and stabbing pain in their knees or hips. Osteoarthritis is not just physical wear and tear; it is a condition that limits independence and the joy of movement. Traditionally, conventional medicine has offered a short path: palliative painkillers until the damage is so severe that the only option is joint replacement (prosthesis).
However, science has advanced. Today there is a "window of opportunity" before the operating room. Regenerative medicine offers biological tools designed not to mask the symptom, but to target the root cause of inflammation and promote a repair environment in the joints.
Why do joints hurt? (Beyond the bone)
Osteoarthritis is commonly understood as the wear of cartilage, that natural "shock absorber" between bones. But the pain does not come solely from bone friction; it stems from chronic inflammation of the synovial tissue and the loss of correct cellular signaling.
This is where advanced therapies make a difference. By introducing mesenchymal cells or their derivatives (such as exosomes) into the affected area, we seek an immunomodulatory effect. The goal is to "turn off" the aggressive inflammation that destroys tissue and reactivate the body's natural ability to maintain homeostasis, something vital not only in local injuries but in systemic aging processes.
The Regenerative Solution: Evidence and Expectations
At Regencord, we approach joint pain under strict biosecurity protocols. The treatment is not "magic"; it is applied biology. When using biological therapies on a knee with grade II or III osteoarthritis, we seek three clinical objectives:
- Potent Anti-inflammatory Effect: Significant reduction of pain and morning stiffness.
- Cartilage Protection: Slowing down the rate of wear, preserving the native joint for longer.
- Functional Improvement: Allowing the patient to resume daily activities, such as climbing stairs or walking, without excessive reliance on drugs.
It is fundamental to clarify that, although we have seen notable results even in athletes with complex sports injuries, success depends on the quality of the laboratory. We process our biologicals under ISO 9001 and ISO 14644 standards, guaranteeing that what is infiltrated into your knee is a sterile, viable, and safe product.
Is it possible to avoid surgery?
The honest answer is: it depends on when action is taken. Regenerative medicine is most effective when there is still viable cartilage. In cases of terminal osteoarthritis (bone on bone), surgery may still be necessary, but cell therapy can prepare the tissue for better recovery.
However, for the vast majority of patients in mild to moderate stages, these therapies represent a real alternative to postpone or indefinitely avoid the operating room. A timely medical assessment is key to determining if you are a candidate to preserve your original knee.
Frequently Asked Questions about Osteoarthritis and Stem Cells
Does the treatment regenerate cartilage completely?
We do not promise that a 70-year-old knee will return to being that of a 20-year-old. The main goal is to stop degradation, modulate inflammation, and improve the quality of existing tissue to eliminate pain. In some cases, structural improvement is observed, but the clinical focus is functional.
Is the procedure painful?
It is a minimally invasive and outpatient procedure. It is performed via direct infiltration into the joint under local anesthesia, allowing for rapid recovery without the disability of open surgery.
Does it also work for the hip or shoulder?
Yes. The biological principles of tissue repair apply to any large synovial joint, including the hip, shoulder, and ankle, as well as certain spinal conditions.
References
- Freitag, J., et al. (2016). Mesenchymal stem cell therapy in the treatment of osteoarthritis: reparative pathways, safety and efficacy - a review. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders.
- Gupta, P. K., et al. (2012). Mesenchymal stem cells for cartilage repair in osteoarthritis. Stem Cell Research & Therapy.
- Mao, G., et al. (2020). Exosomes: A New Alternative for Cartilage Engineering. Stem Cells International.
Recover your mobility with safety
Living with pain is not normal, and surgery is not your only option. If you wish to explore how regenerative science can improve your quality of life, we invite you to schedule a medical assessment with our specialists to evaluate the condition of your joints.
