Key Takeaways
- Bone marrow stem cell therapy uses your own cells. Unlike treatments using third-party donor products, BMAC (bone marrow aspirate concentrate) harvests stem cells directly from your body—no foreign biological materials.
- Treatment is minimally invasive with minimal downtime. The outpatient procedure uses local anesthesia, and most patients return home the same day.
- The body’s response develops gradually over weeks to months. This isn’t a quick fix—supporting your body’s natural processes takes time.
- Individual factors influence outcomes. Age, overall health, condition severity, and lifestyle habits affect how each person responds to treatment.
- A thorough evaluation determines appropriateness. Diagnostic imaging, medical history review, and consultation help determine whether bone marrow stem cell therapy may be suitable for your specific situation.
Exploring Alternatives for Chronic Joint and Back Pain
Many people dealing with chronic joint or back pain find themselves cycling through medications, injections, and considering surgery—often without finding lasting relief. Bone marrow stem cell therapy offers a different approach, one that works with your body’s own regenerative potential rather than simply masking symptoms.
This guide explains how bone marrow stem cell therapy works, what conditions it may address, and what to expect during treatment. Whether you’re exploring alternatives to surgery or seeking options beyond conventional pain management, understanding this therapy helps you make an informed decision.
What Is Bone Marrow Stem Cell Therapy?
Bone marrow stem cell therapy—also called BMAC (bone marrow aspirate concentrate) therapy—is a form of regenerative medicine that uses your body’s own cells to support natural healing processes.
Understanding BMAC: Your Body’s Own Cells
At Integrated Spine, Pain, and Wellness, we exclusively use autologous bone marrow stem cells—cells harvested directly from your own body. This is an important distinction from clinics that use third-party donor products from umbilical cord tissue, amniotic fluid, or other sources.
When we harvest bone marrow from your hip bone (iliac crest), we obtain a sample containing:
- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs): Multipotent cells that can differentiate into various tissue types
- Growth factors: Proteins that play roles in cellular signaling and tissue processes
- Cytokines: Molecules involved in cell communication
- Other regenerative components: Various cells and proteins that support your body’s natural healing mechanisms
This sample is then processed and concentrated in our office to increase the density of these beneficial components before being precisely delivered to the target area.
Why Autologous Matters
Using your own cells offers important advantages:
- No rejection risk: Your body recognizes its own cells
- No immune response: No foreign biological materials are introduced
- Known cell viability: Fresh cells processed the same day, not frozen products of uncertain quality
- FDA compliance: Autologous procedures using your own minimally manipulated cells fall within regulatory guidelines
How Does Bone Marrow Stem Cell Therapy Differ from Conventional Approaches?
Traditional pain management often focuses on symptom relief—medications that reduce pain signals, cortisone injections that temporarily decrease inflammation, or surgery that removes or replaces damaged structures.
Bone marrow stem cell therapy takes a different approach by delivering your body’s own regenerative cells directly to the area of concern. The goal is to support your body’s natural processes rather than simply masking symptoms.
What Happens After Injection?
Once concentrated bone marrow cells are delivered to the target area, several processes may occur:
- Cellular signaling: Growth factors and cytokines communicate with surrounding tissues
- Supporting the local environment: The concentrated cells may help create conditions favorable for natural healing
- Gradual response: Unlike medications that work immediately, the body’s response to BMAC develops over weeks to months
It’s important to understand that individual responses vary significantly. While many patients report positive experiences, results depend on numerous factors including the specific condition, its severity, and individual patient characteristics.
What Conditions May Be Addressed with Bone Marrow Stem Cell Therapy?
At Integrated Spine, Pain, and Wellness, we focus specifically on musculoskeletal conditions—joint pain, back pain, and soft tissue concerns. This is where bone marrow stem cell therapy has shown the most promise and where Dr. Goyle has extensive training and experience.
Joint Conditions:
- Knee discomfort and osteoarthritis symptoms
- Hip pain
- Shoulder issues
- Ankle and foot conditions
- Elbow and wrist discomfort
Spine-Related Concerns:
- Chronic back pain
- Neck discomfort
- Disc-related issues
- Facet joint concerns
Soft Tissue Conditions:
- Tendon injuries and tendinopathy
- Ligament damage
- Chronic soft tissue discomfort
- Sports injuries
What We Don’t Treat:
We want to be clear about our scope. We do not offer stem cell therapy for neurological conditions, autoimmune diseases, eye conditions, or systemic illnesses. Our focus remains on musculoskeletal conditions where we have the expertise and where this approach is most appropriate.
The Difference: Autologous vs. Third-Party “Stem Cell” Products
If you’ve researched stem cell therapy, you’ve likely encountered clinics advertising various “stem cell” products. Understanding the differences is crucial for making an informed decision.
What We Offer: Autologous Bone Marrow Stem Cells (BMAC)
- Harvested from your own bone marrow
- Processed fresh in our office on your treatment day
- Contains your own living mesenchymal stem cells
- No risk of rejection or immune response
- FDA-compliant when used appropriately
What We Don’t Use: Third-Party Donor Products
Many clinics offer products derived from:
- Umbilical cord tissue
- Amniotic fluid
- Placental tissue
- Other donor sources
These products raise important questions:
- Cell viability: Are living stem cells actually present after processing, shipping, and storage?
- Quality control: What assurances exist about the product’s contents?
- Regulatory status: How do these products fit within FDA guidelines?
At Integrated Spine, Pain, and Wellness, Dr. Goyle has chosen to exclusively use autologous BMAC because you know exactly what you’re receiving—your own cells, processed fresh, and delivered the same day.
What to Expect During Bone Marrow Stem Cell Therapy
Understanding the process helps you prepare and set appropriate expectations.
Consultation and Evaluation
The process begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Goyle. During this visit:
- We review your medical history and current symptoms
- Dr. Goyle performs a physical examination
- We review any existing imaging studies (MRI, X-rays, CT scans)
- We discuss your goals and expectations
- Dr. Goyle determines whether BMAC therapy may be appropriate for your situation
Not everyone is a candidate for this treatment. We believe in honest conversations about what bone marrow stem cell therapy can and cannot do, and whether it makes sense for your specific circumstances.
Treatment Day
If you proceed with treatment, here’s what happens:
- Bone marrow aspiration: Using local anesthesia to ensure your comfort, Dr. Goyle extracts a small sample of bone marrow from your posterior iliac crest (back of your hip bone). Most patients tolerate this well.
- Processing: The bone marrow sample is processed in our office using specialized equipment to concentrate the mesenchymal stem cells and growth factors.
- Precise delivery: Using advanced image guidance—fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray) or ultrasound—Dr. Goyle delivers the concentrated BMAC precisely to the target area. This image-guided approach ensures accurate placement.
The entire procedure typically takes one to two hours, and most patients return home the same day.
After Treatment
- Some soreness at the aspiration and injection sites is normal for a few days
- We recommend limiting strenuous activity initially to support the process
- Most patients return to normal daily activities within a few days
- You’ll receive specific aftercare instructions
- Follow-up appointments allow us to monitor your progress
Timeline for Response
Unlike medications that provide immediate effects, the body’s response to BMAC therapy develops gradually:
- Weeks 1-4: Initial healing phase; you may notice gradual changes
- Months 1-3: Continued response as cells interact with surrounding tissues
- Months 3-6 and beyond: Ongoing process; many patients report continued changes during this period
Individual timelines vary significantly. During your consultation, Dr. Goyle will discuss realistic expectations based on your specific situation.
Factors That Influence Outcomes
Results from bone marrow stem cell therapy vary from person to person. Several factors may influence how you respond:
Condition-Related Factors:
- Severity and duration of your condition
- Amount of existing damage
- Specific area being treated
Patient-Related Factors:
- Age (younger patients may have more robust stem cells)
- Overall health status
- Lifestyle factors including smoking, nutrition, and activity level
- Commitment to post-procedure recommendations
Treatment-Related Factors:
- Precision of cell delivery
- Quality of the bone marrow concentrate
- Appropriateness of the treatment for your specific condition
Dr. Goyle evaluates all these factors during your consultation to help determine whether BMAC therapy may be suitable for you and to set realistic expectations.
Potential Risks and Considerations
Like any medical procedure, bone marrow stem cell therapy carries potential risks. Being informed helps you make the best decision for your situation.
Common, Typically Mild Effects:
- Soreness at the bone marrow aspiration site (hip)
- Discomfort at the injection site
- Temporary swelling or stiffness in the treated area
- Minor bruising
These effects typically resolve within a few days to a week.
Less Common Considerations:
- Infection (rare with proper sterile technique)
- Temporary increase in discomfort before improvement
- Results that don’t meet expectations
Important Medication Considerations: You may need to avoid anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs like ibuprofen) for a period before and after the procedure, as these can potentially interfere with the healing process. Dr. Goyle will provide specific guidance.
Our Complete Regenerative Medicine Approach
Bone marrow stem cell therapy is one component of our comprehensive approach to musculoskeletal pain. Depending on your condition, Dr. Goyle may recommend BMAC alone or in combination with other treatments:
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Another autologous treatment using your own blood, concentrated to increase platelet and growth factor levels. PRP can be used alone or in conjunction with BMAC.
Autologous Conditioned Serum (Regenokine®): Dr. Goyle is one of only nine physicians in the United States—and the only doctor in Arizona—offering the Regenokine® Program. This innovative treatment processes your own blood to create a serum concentrated with anti-inflammatory proteins that target inflammation at its source.
Regenokine® is the treatment professional athletes like the late Kobe Bryant used to return to competition with minimal downtime. It works differently than stem cell therapy—focusing specifically on anti-inflammatory proteins rather than stem cells—and may be appropriate for different conditions or used in combination with other treatments.
Exosome Therapy: Cell-derived messengers containing growth factors and signaling proteins that may support cellular communication and tissue processes.
MLS M8 Class IV Laser Therapy: Our state-of-the-art therapeutic laser delivers light energy to support the body’s natural processes and address inflammation. This non-invasive treatment requires no downtime and can complement regenerative injections.
Interventional Procedures: For certain conditions, Dr. Goyle may recommend interventional pain procedures such as epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, or trigger point injections—either as standalone treatments or as part of a comprehensive plan.
Why Choose Integrated Spine, Pain, and Wellness
Elite Credentials: Dr. Ashu Goyle is double board-certified in anesthesiology and interventional pain management, with fellowship training from the Cleveland Clinic—one of the nation’s premier medical institutions. This combination of anesthesiology training and interventional expertise provides a strong foundation for performing regenerative procedures safely and effectively.
Autologous Only: We exclusively use your own biological materials. No third-party donor cells, no questionable products of uncertain origin or viability. When you receive BMAC at our clinic, you know exactly what you’re getting.
Image-Guided Precision: Every injection is performed using fluoroscopy or ultrasound guidance, ensuring accurate delivery to the target area.
Exclusive Access: As one of only nine Regenokine® providers nationwide—and the only provider in Arizona—Dr. Goyle offers treatment options unavailable elsewhere in the state.
Honest Expectations: Regenerative medicine offers exciting possibilities, but we believe in honest conversations about what these treatments can and cannot do. We don’t promise miracles. We provide thorough evaluations, clear explanations, and realistic expectations.
Recognition: Dr. Goyle has been recognized as a Phoenix Magazine “Top Doc” from 2011-2020, reflecting his commitment to excellent patient care.
Is Bone Marrow Stem Cell Therapy Right for You?
The right decision depends on your individual situation. Bone marrow stem cell therapy may be worth exploring if:
- You have a musculoskeletal condition affecting your joints, back, or soft tissues
- Conservative treatments haven’t provided adequate relief
- You want to explore options before considering surgery
- You’re looking for an approach that uses your own biological materials
- You have realistic expectations about the gradual nature of the response
The best way to determine whether BMAC therapy is appropriate for your situation is a consultation with Dr. Goyle. During this visit, we’ll evaluate your condition, discuss your goals, explain your options, and help you make an informed decision.
Take the Next Step
Living with chronic joint or back pain can affect every aspect of your life. If you’re exploring regenerative options that work with your body’s own healing potential, we’re here to help you understand whether bone marrow stem cell therapy may be appropriate for your situation.
At Integrated Spine, Pain, and Wellness, every patient receives a thorough evaluation and honest guidance. We’ll assess your condition, explain your options, and help you make the decision that’s right for you.
Contact Integrated Spine, Pain, and Wellness today to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between the stem cell therapy you offer and what other clinics advertise?
We exclusively use autologous bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC)—stem cells harvested from your own bone marrow, processed fresh in our office, and delivered the same day. Many other clinics use third-party products from umbilical cord tissue, amniotic fluid, or other donor sources. These products raise questions about cell viability and quality. With BMAC, you know exactly what you’re receiving—your own cells.
What conditions do you address with bone marrow stem cell therapy?
We focus specifically on musculoskeletal conditions—joint pain (knee, hip, shoulder, etc.), back and neck pain, and soft tissue injuries like tendon and ligament concerns. We do not offer stem cell therapy for neurological conditions, autoimmune diseases, or systemic illnesses.
How long before I might notice changes after treatment?
The body’s response to BMAC therapy develops gradually over weeks to months—this isn’t a quick fix. Some patients notice changes within a few weeks, while others may take several months. Individual responses vary significantly based on the condition, its severity, and patient factors. Dr. Goyle will discuss realistic timelines during your consultation.
Is bone marrow stem cell therapy painful?
Most patients tolerate the procedure well. The bone marrow aspiration site and injection areas are numbed with local anesthesia. You may feel pressure during the procedure and some soreness afterward, but significant pain is uncommon. Soreness at the aspiration and injection sites typically resolves within a few days.
How does this compare to cortisone injections?
Cortisone injections provide temporary anti-inflammatory effects that typically wear off within weeks to months. Bone marrow stem cell therapy takes a different approach—delivering your own regenerative cells to the area with the goal of supporting your body’s natural processes over time. The two treatments work through different mechanisms and may be appropriate for different situations.
What is Regenokine® and do you offer it?
Yes, Dr. Goyle is one of only nine physicians in the United States—and the only doctor in Arizona—offering the Regenokine® Program. This treatment processes your own blood to create a serum concentrated with anti-inflammatory proteins. It’s the treatment professional athletes like the late Kobe Bryant used to return to competition. It works differently than stem cell therapy and may be appropriate for different conditions. Dr. Goyle can discuss whether Regenokine® might be suitable for your situation.
Is everyone a candidate for bone marrow stem cell therapy?
No. Candidacy depends on your specific condition, its severity, your overall health, and other factors. During your consultation, Dr. Goyle will evaluate your situation and provide honest guidance about whether BMAC therapy is appropriate for you. We believe in setting realistic expectations rather than overpromising.
What qualifications does Dr. Goyle have?
Dr. Ashu Goyle is double board-certified in anesthesiology and interventional pain management. He completed his fellowship training at the Cleveland Clinic—one of the nation’s premier medical institutions. He has been recognized as a Phoenix Magazine “Top Doc” from 2011-2020 and is one of only nine Regenokine® providers in the country.
