If you’re researching options for stubborn joint or back pain, chances are you’ve run into the term stem cell therapy.
Before you decide on a treatment path, it’s important to understand what stem cell therapy is, how it’s performed, and why some providers—like Dr. Schubert at Sidney Chiropractic—choose Wharton’s jelly–derived regenerative tissue instead for pain relief and healing.
Stem Cell Therapy 101
Traditional stem cell therapy typically uses cells taken from your own body (autologous) or a close family member.
The two most common sources are:
- Bone marrow (aspirated from inside a bone)
- Adipose tissue (fat harvested via a mini-liposuction)
The goal is to concentrate cells thought to support repair, then inject them into damaged tissues. While this sounds straightforward, there are practical considerations you should weigh carefully.
Key Considerations (and Why They Matter)
Age-related cell quality
When stem cells are harvested from your bone marrow or fat, they’ve aged along with you. As we get older, these cells can lose a meaningful portion of their regenerative potential—one reason children heal quickly, while adults tend to recover more slowly.
If the cell population you’re relying on is less robust, the results may be less predictable.
Invasiveness and risks of bone marrow extraction
Collecting bone marrow requires the doctor to drill into bone. Any invasive procedure carries a risk of infection and post-procedure pain.
There’s also a practical concern: after treatment, cells may migrate back to the drill site—not the injured tissue you were hoping to support.
Toxin storage in adipose tissue
Adipose (fat) tissue can store environmental toxins. If cells are harvested from fat, those stored substances may be reintroduced into the body with the injection, which is a reasonable concern for many patients.
Because of these limitations, it’s essential to do your homework and compare approaches before choosing any stem cell–based therapy.
Considering Stem Cell Therapy? Get the facts first.
Call (937) 492-4681 to speak with our team or schedule a free consultation to review your options.
Why Dr. Schubert Prefers Wharton’s Jelly–Derived Regenerative Tissue
At our clinic, Dr. Schubert does not use stem cell therapy for pain relief.
Instead, he prefers regenerative medicine injections that contain Wharton’s jelly–derived regenerative tissue to help the body address underlying problems and relieve pain—without the drawbacks of bone marrow or adipose harvests.
What is Wharton’s jelly?
Wharton’s jelly is a rich, gelatinous substance found in the umbilical cord.
After a healthy, planned C-section, and with the full consent of the mother, umbilical cords may be donated for medical use. Neither mother nor baby is harmed, and donors are carefully screened to help ensure high-quality tissue. This tissue is processed under strict standards, then used in simple, minimally invasive injections—usually requiring little to no downtime.
What’s in the injection?
Wharton’s jelly–derived preparations are known for containing a broad array of healing properties, including:
- Cytokines
- Growth factors
- Proteins
- Lipids
- Peptides
- Hyaluronic acid
- Exosomes
- Amino acids
- And more
This powerful mix is used to encourage your body’s own natural healing mechanisms—supporting tissue repair and calming irritation in targeted areas.
How This Compares to Traditional Stem Cell Approaches
- No harvesting procedure. There’s no drilling into bone and no fat harvest, which eliminates those associated risks and discomforts.
- Time-friendly. The in-office injection is minimally invasive; most people return to normal activities quickly.
- Consistent quality. Because Wharton’s jelly comes from young, healthy tissue, it avoids the age-related decline seen with adult bone marrow and adipose sources.
- Designed to support repair. The biologically active components in Wharton’s jelly are selected to assist the body’s repair processes rather than merely masking pain.
As with any medical treatment, individual results vary and no therapy can guarantee a specific outcome—but understanding the trade-offs helps you make the most informed choice for your health and lifestyle.
Is Regenerative Tissue Right for You?
If you’ve been weighing traditional stem cell therapy for knee pain, shoulder issues, back pain, or other musculoskeletal problems, it’s worth discussing whether Wharton’s jelly–derived regenerative tissue offers a safer, simpler, and more practical alternative.
During a complimentary consultation, Dr. Schubert will review your history, examine the affected area, and discuss whether you’re a good candidate.
Have questions about stem cells vs. regenerative tissue?
Call (937) 492-4681 and we’ll walk you through the differences so you can choose confidently.
Our Clinic: Whole-Person Care at Sidney Chiropractic
At Sidney Chiropractic, Dr. Schubert provides a range of chiropractic services and regenerative medicine therapies for people whose injuries or chronic conditions limit how they move, work, or enjoy life.
We offer non-surgical, drug-free options because problems in the musculoskeletal system affect more than your body—they can impact your social, mental, and emotional well-being, too.
Our mission is to help restore you to optimal (or near-optimal) function, improving your overall quality of life.
We accept most insurance providers and offer payment plans, and our friendly team will help you navigate scheduling and benefits. Please call our office for current hours and availability.
Ready to Explore Your Options?
If you’re considering stem cell therapy, start with the facts. Learn how our Wharton’s jelly–derived regenerative tissue approach differs from traditional bone marrow or adipose procedures—and whether it’s a better fit for your goals.
Call Sidney Chiropractic at (937) 492-4681 to schedule your free consultation today. We’ll answer your questions, outline a personalized plan, and help you take the next step toward moving—and living—better.