How Does Stem Cell Therapy Work and What Are the Risks?

Stem cell therapy utilizes special cells—known as stem cells—which have the remarkable ability to develop into various cell types, such as muscle, nerve, or blood cells. Our medical team carefully harvests these stem cells from sources like your own bone marrow or fat tissue, ensuring both safety and compatibility. The collected cells are then processed in our state-of-the-art facility to concentrate their regenerative properties.

Once ready, the stem cells are strategically injected into the affected area—such as a damaged joint, tendon, or soft tissue—depending on your specific condition. The goal is to promote natural healing by either transforming into the needed cell types or by releasing growth factors that stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation. For example, our patients with osteoarthritis often choose stem cell therapy to help regenerate cartilage and improve joint function, potentially reducing pain and enhancing mobility.

Golden State Medical Center also follows the latest research and clinical guidelines to ensure that our stem cell treatments are safe, ethical, and effective. While some applications of stem cell therapy, such as for orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions, are already being used in our practice, we stay informed about ongoing research in areas like neurological disorders, autoimmune conditions, and heart disease.

At Golden State Medical Center, we are committed to staying at the forefront of innovative medical treatments to provide our patients with the best possible care. Currently, the only well-established and routinely accepted use of stem cell therapy is hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, better known as bone marrow transplantation. This procedure is primarily used to treat certain blood and immune system disorders, including leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and inherited blood diseases like sickle cell anemia and thalassemia. These therapies have become standard practice and have helped many patients achieve remission or manage their conditions more effectively.

We closely follow developments in stem cell research as new therapies are being studied for their potential to repair or regenerate tissues and organs affected by disease or injury. For example, researchers are exploring stem cell treatments for neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and multiple sclerosis, as well as for spinal cord injuries and stroke recovery. Orthopedic applications, such as repairing cartilage, treating osteoarthritis, and healing difficult bone fractures, are also areas of active research that may impact our future offerings.

Other promising avenues of stem cell research include the regeneration of insulin-producing cells for type 1 diabetes, restoring vision in certain eye diseases, and skin regeneration for burn victims. Additionally, studies are underway to assess the effectiveness of stem cell therapies in managing autoimmune conditions and chronic illnesses, such as COPD.

We are dedicated to providing our patients with evidence-based care, and we encourage anyone interested in stem cell therapy to discuss the latest scientific findings, clinical trials, and available options with our experienced medical team.

FDA-approved stem cell treatments have gone through a formal review process to evaluate safety, quality, manufacturing controls, and effectiveness for specific medical uses. These approved treatments are not general-purpose therapies for every type of pain, injury, arthritis, or wellness concern. The FDA notes that currently approved stem cell products in the United States are mainly blood-forming stem cells, also called hematopoietic progenitor cells, used for certain conditions affecting the blood-forming system.

Unproven or experimental stem cell treatments are different because they may not have enough clinical evidence to confirm safety or results for the condition being treated. Some clinics may market regenerative products for orthopedic pain, neurological conditions, anti-aging, or general healing without FDA approval for those uses. At Golden State Medical Center, patients should feel comfortable asking questions about the type of regenerative treatment being discussed, the source of the cells, expected benefits, possible risks, and whether the treatment is FDA-approved for their specific condition. Dr. Steven Scott Newman, D.C., and the team focus on helping patients make informed decisions based on their symptoms, goals, and available care options.

Short-term side effects after stem cell therapy can vary depending on the treatment area, injection method, patient health, and the type of regenerative product used. Some people may experience temporary soreness, stiffness, swelling, bruising, warmth, or tenderness at the injection site. Mild discomfort may occur as the body responds to the procedure. These effects are often short-term, but patients should always follow the aftercare instructions provided by their healthcare team.

More serious risks, although less common, may include infection, bleeding, nerve irritation, allergic reaction, worsening pain, or an unexpected response to the injected material. The FDA has also warned that unapproved regenerative products may carry additional risks if they are not properly tested, manufactured, stored, or administered. At Golden State Medical Center, Dr. Steven Scott Newman, D.C., and the team can review your health history, symptoms, and treatment goals before discussing whether regenerative care is appropriate. Patients should ask about realistic expectations, recovery time, possible side effects, and when to seek medical attention after treatment.

Golden State Medical Center in San Ramon, CA, helps patients explore stem cell therapy through a personalized and educational approach. Under the care of Dr. Steven Scott Newman, D.C., the clinic focuses on understanding each patient’s pain concerns, mobility limitations, health history, and treatment goals before recommending care. The team explains how regenerative treatments may support tissue repair, what patients can realistically expect, and what risks or side effects should be considered. Golden State Medical Center also offers supportive services such as chiropractic care, physical rehabilitation, PRP therapy, hyaluronic acid injections, massage therapy, and joint-focused treatments to help patients receive well-rounded care. For more information, please contact us or request an appointment online. We are located at 2551 San Ramon Valley Blvd. Suite 108. San Ramon, CA 94583. We serve patients from San Ramon CA, Dublin CA, Blackhawk CA, Danville CA, Alamo CA, Diablo CA, Dougherty CA, Tassajara CA, Livermore CA, and Pleasanton CA.