Regenerative Medicine
Stem Cell Injections
Using concentrated stem cells from your own bone marrow, this advanced regenerative procedure helps repair damaged joints and tissue from the inside out, without surgery or long-term medication.
Regenexx-Certified Provider
Image-Guided Procedure
NY & NJ Locations
Overview
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What Are Stem Cell Injections?
Stem cell injections use your body's own repair cells to address damaged joints, tendons, cartilage, and soft tissue. These cells are harvested from your bone marrow, concentrated in a lab, and then injected precisely into the area that needs healing.
Stem cells are present throughout your body, ready to help repair damage as it occurs. As we age or sustain significant injuries, the body may not be able to recruit enough of these cells to fully repair the affected area. A bone marrow concentrate procedure helps overcome this by harvesting a dense population of these cells from the back of the hip, concentrating them, and delivering them directly to the site using advanced imaging guidance.
Stem Cell Injections and Bone Marrow Concentrate: What's the difference?
They refer to the same procedure. "Stem cell injections" describes what the treatment does. "Bone marrow concentrate" is the clinical term for the injectate used. At Pain Doctors Medical, Dr. Etelzon uses Regenexx SD injectate, which is a form of bone marrow concentrate that has been lab-processed to achieve a higher, more customized concentration of regenerative cells.
The Process
How Stem Cell Injections Work
The procedure is performed in-office and typically takes two to three hours from bone marrow harvest to injection.
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1
Bone marrow harvest
Using local anesthetic, Dr. Etelzon draws bone marrow from the back of the hip, an area naturally rich in regenerative cells. Most patients feel pressure rather than pain during this step.
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2
Advanced lab processing
The bone marrow is processed using Regenexx's proprietary lab techniques to concentrate the stem cells and growth factors while removing components that can interfere with healing. This is a critical step that standard bedside processing cannot replicate.
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3
Image-guided injection
Using fluoroscopy or ultrasound, Dr. Etelzon delivers the concentrated bone marrow cells precisely to the damaged joint, tendon, disc, or soft tissue. Accurate placement is essential to results.
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4
Recovery and healing
Most patients return to light activity within a few days. The regenerative response builds over weeks and months as the cells integrate and promote tissue repair.
Watch
See the Procedure Explained
This video explains how bone marrow concentrate is harvested, processed, and used to treat orthopedic conditions.
Video provided by Regenexx. All bone marrow concentrate procedures at Pain Doctors Medical use Regenexx SD injectate and protocols.
Why It Matters
Learn More About Regenexx
Not All Stem Cell Procedures Are the Same
The quality of a stem cell injection depends almost entirely on how the bone marrow is processed and how precisely it is delivered. Regenexx's advanced lab techniques produce a higher concentration of viable cells than standard bedside methods, and every injection is guided by imaging.
Standard Procedure
- Basic bedside centrifuge processing
- Fixed concentration, not customized
- Landmark-guided injection (no imaging)
- No outcomes tracking or research base
Regenexx at Pain Doctors Medical
- Advanced lab processing for higher cell concentration
- Customized formulation based on condition and diagnosis
- Fluoroscopy or ultrasound-guided precision delivery
- Protocols backed by the largest outcomes dataset in the field
163K+
Image-guided procedures performed using Regenexx injectates since 2005
44%
Of world's published research on bone marrow concentrate for orthopedics
- Dr. Etelzon is a certified Regenexx provider, one of a small number in New York and New Jersey
- Patented Bone Marrow Concentrate Protocol used for a wide range of orthopedic conditions
- Your doctor evaluates your imaging to determine whether bone marrow concentrate or PRP is the better option for your specific condition
- Both treatments may be used together as part of a comprehensive regenerative program
"Regenexx is a world leader in the field of orthopedic regenerative medicine based on scientific publications and is arguably the world's most advanced platform for in-office interventional orthopedics."
Regenexx Network
Conditions
What Do Stem Cell Injections Treat?
Bone marrow concentrate is typically used for more complex or advanced conditions where PRP alone may not provide sufficient stimulus for healing. Dr. Etelzon evaluates each patient's imaging and diagnosis to determine the right treatment.
Advanced Knee Arthritis
Moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis with significant cartilage loss where PRP may not be sufficient.
Hip Joint Degeneration
Hip arthritis, labral tears, and cartilage damage in the hip joint.
Spine Conditions
Degenerative disc disease, facet joint arthritis, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
Shoulder Conditions
Rotator cuff tears, shoulder arthritis, and complex tendon injuries.
ACL & Complex Ligament Injuries
Partial ligament tears and complex knee injuries where stronger biologic stimulus is needed.
Avascular Necrosis
Bone tissue death from reduced blood supply, particularly in the hip or knee.
Elbow, Wrist & Ankle
Joint degeneration, tendon injuries, and complex soft tissue damage in smaller joints.
Failed Conservative Treatment
Conditions that have not responded to cortisone, PT, or prior PRP and may benefit from a stronger biologic approach.
PRP or Bone Marrow Concentrate: How does Dr. Etelzon decide?
Both treatments use your body's own biology. PRP is typically used for mild to moderate conditions and soft tissue injuries. Bone marrow concentrate is reserved for more advanced degeneration or cases where a stronger regenerative stimulus is needed. In some cases, Dr. Etelzon uses both together. The decision is always based on your diagnosis, imaging, and clinical history — not a standard protocol.
Your Visit
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Bone marrow concentrate procedures take longer than PRP appointments. Plan for a two to three hour visit on procedure day.
- Before your appointment Dr. Etelzon reviews your imaging and full clinical history. She will confirm that bone marrow concentrate is appropriate for your condition and explain exactly what the procedure involves and what to expect from recovery.
- Bone marrow harvest Local anesthetic is used at the harvest site on the back of the hip. Most patients describe the sensation as pressure. The harvest itself takes 15 to 20 minutes.
- Lab processing While the bone marrow is processed in the lab, you rest. This step typically takes 30 to 60 minutes and is what separates Regenexx from standard bedside procedures.
- Image-guided injection The concentrated cells are injected under fluoroscopy or ultrasound. You may feel mild pressure at the injection site. The procedure itself is brief once the processing is complete.
- Recovery Some soreness at both the harvest site and injection site is normal for a few days. Most patients return to light activity within a week. The regenerative response builds over three to six months.
- Insurance Bone marrow concentrate procedures are not currently covered by most insurance plans. Dr. Etelzon's team will walk you through pricing during your consultation.
What Patients Gain
Getting Back to What Matters
The patients who come to Pain Doctors Medical are not looking for a temporary fix. They want to get back to cooking Sunday dinners, keeping up with grandchildren, hiking trails they stopped believing were possible, and moving through their days without pain defining what they can and cannot do.
Stem cell injections are not a guarantee, and Dr. Etelzon will always be honest about what is realistic for your specific condition. But for the right patient, this procedure can be a meaningful step toward reclaiming function that felt lost.
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Common Questions
Stem Cell Injection FAQs
Are these real stem cells?
Yes. The stem cells used in this procedure come from your own bone marrow and are autologous, meaning they come from your own body. This is different from embryonic or donor stem cell treatments. Bone marrow is one of the richest sources of adult mesenchymal stem cells, which are the type most relevant to orthopedic tissue repair.
How does this differ from a standard stem cell procedure I've seen advertised?
Many clinics advertise stem cell treatments that use fat-derived cells or amniotic products. Regenexx procedures use bone marrow concentrate with advanced lab processing, which produces a higher and more customized concentration of the specific cell types relevant to orthopedic healing. Every injection is also image-guided, which most advertised "stem cell" procedures are not.
Is bone marrow concentrate more effective than PRP?
It depends on the condition. Bone marrow concentrate contains a richer mix of cell types and is generally reserved for more advanced degeneration or complex injuries. PRP is appropriate for many conditions and is typically tried first. Dr. Etelzon uses your imaging and clinical history to determine which approach, or combination of approaches, is right for you.
How long until I see results?
Because bone marrow concentrate works by stimulating your body's own repair process, results build over time. Most patients begin noticing improvement at six to twelve weeks, with continued progress over three to six months. Some patients with more advanced degeneration may see gradual improvement over a longer period.
Can I avoid surgery with stem cell injections?
For some patients, yes. Bone marrow concentrate procedures have helped many people avoid or delay joint replacement surgery. Dr. Etelzon will give you an honest assessment of whether regenerative treatment is likely to provide meaningful benefit for your specific condition and degree of degeneration.
Patient Stories
What Patients Are Saying
★★★★★
"Dr. Etelzon always makes sure you are comfortable and leave her office with less pain than you came in with. She gets to the root of the problem. No long waits, efficient visit. Highly satisfied with my treatment plan."
★★★★★
"Doctor Etelzon is very knowledgeable and really cares about her patients. She will take her time to discuss the patient's problem, answer questions, and use her expertise to help."
★★★★★
"Dear Dr. Etelzon, thank you again. I am starting to feel more like myself again. Today I decided to go do my nails, which I had not done for a long time. I also asked my daughter if we could go to the park. A big weight has been lifted."
* Like all medical procedures, procedures using Regenexx lab processes have a success and failure rate. Patient reviews and testimonials on this site should not be interpreted as a statement on the effectiveness of treatment for anyone else.
Find Out If Stem Cell Injections Are Right for You
Dr. Etelzon reviews your history, imaging, and goals before recommending any procedure. Your consultation is a conversation, not a commitment.
Schedule Your ConsultationOr explore our full Regenerative Medicine Procedures page, or learn about PRP Injections.