Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy is a newer treatment option that’s giving people hope when they’re dealing with joint pain, arthritis, or injuries that just won’t heal. It uses your body’s own healing cells to help repair damaged tissue, ease pain, and improve movement.

At the office of Benjamin W. Szerlip, DO, in Austin, Texas, we offer advanced treatments like stem cell therapy for orthopedic care. Dr. Szerlip is a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon who helps patients understand all their options for recovery and long-term relief. Contact us today!

What Patients Are Saying

“Got checked in and into my appointment on time. Dr. Szerlip was prompt and very informative, while allowing any questions I may have had to be addressed while explaining my condition. He explained both a rotator cuff repair and a replacement for me to choose what will be best for me. He wasn’t trying to pressure me to choose without looking at both options. He was very supportive of the procedure I decided on and very supportive.” — Dale C.

What is Stem Cell Therapy?

Stem cell therapy is a type of regenerative medicine. It uses special cells from your body, called stem cells, to encourage healing in places like joints, tendons, or cartilage. These cells have the unique ability to develop into many different kinds of cells, such as bone, muscle, or cartilage cells, depending on where they’re needed.

They don’t just become new tissue. More often, they help by sending signals that activate your body’s natural repair system. That’s what makes them so useful in treating injuries and chronic orthopedic conditions.

An athlete stretching his shoulder before exercising after receiving stem cell therapy to treat shoulder pain in Texas.

Where Do Stem Cells Come From?

For orthopedic treatments, we usually use adult stem cells that come from your own body. This keeps the treatment safe and reduces the chance of side effects.

The two most common sources are:

  • Bone marrow stem cells: These are usually taken from the hip.
  • Adipose-derived stem cells: These are taken from fat tissue (also called adipose tissue), usually taken from the belly or thigh.
 

These cells are carefully collected and then injected into the area that needs healing.

What Types of Stem Cells Are Used?

In orthopedic care, we mostly use mesenchymal stem cells, which are found in bone marrow and fat. These are known for helping repair tissues like bone, tendon, and cartilage.

Scientists also study other types of stem cells, like human embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells, in labs for future treatments, but those aren’t typically used for standard orthopedic care today. We focus on what’s safest and most effective for our patients.

What Conditions Can Stem Cell Therapy Treat?

Stem cell therapy may help reduce pain and support healing if you have:

  • Osteoarthritis, especially in the knees, hips, or shoulders
  • Tendon injuries, such as rotator cuff tears or tennis elbow
  • Cartilage damage, from wear and tear or injuries
  • Chronic joint pain, when other treatments haven’t worked
 

It’s also being studied for conditions like back pain, ligament injuries, and joint preservation.

What to Expect During the Procedure

The whole process is simple and often done right here in the office:

  1. We take the stem cells from your bone marrow or fat.
  2. We process them in a safe and sterile environment.
  3. We inject them into the problem area, using precise imaging to guide the shot.
 

There’s little downtime. Most patients go home the same day and return to normal activities soon after.

Why Choose Our Office?

At our Austin clinic, Dr. Benjamin W. Szerlip provides orthopedic care with advanced, thoughtful treatment options. As a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon, he can help you decide if stem cell therapy is a smart choice for your condition and lifestyle.

We believe in giving patients trusted options that are safe, evidence-based, and aligned with their goals, whether that means avoiding surgery, improving mobility, or simply feeling better. If you’re curious about stem cell treatments for joint pain or injury, we’d love to help.

Our team will walk you through your options and answer your questions so you can make the best decision for your care. Contact us at our Austin, Texas, office today to schedule your consultation!