Stem Cell Therapy vs. Knee Replacement: Risks, Recovery, and Outcomes Compared

• Chronic knee pain caused by the deterioration of cartilage is often a concern among older adults.
• Knee replacement surgery is the most common treatment for advanced joint deterioration.
• Stem cell therapy offers a less invasive, alternative treatment option for chronic knee pain with the potential of a quicker recovery time.

As the U.S. population ages, knee replacement surgeries are becoming more common. General wear and tear, injuries, inflammation, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions can limit the mobility of one or both knees, increasing pain and making it difficult to enjoy physical activities.

Stem cell therapy represents a radical alternative to knee replacement surgery. It uses the cells’ natural healing properties to signal repair and regrowth in the affected area, helping patients find relief without surgery. Compare the costs and benefits of stem cell therapy vs knee replacement to find the best solution for your chronic pain.

Chronic Knee Pain

Chronic knee pain remains a widespread concern among older adults. The condition affects roughly 25 percent of adults, with osteoarthritis being the most likely cause among those over 50 (Nguyen et al., 2011). Wear and tear from old age can destroy the cartilage that insulates the nerves in the knee. Inflammation and injuries like fractures put pressure on the nerves, causing pain that prevents individuals from leading active lifestyles.

Knee replacement surgery is the most common treatment for advanced joint disease. It is considered safe and can provide lasting relief for the affected area, with implants typically lasting 20 years or more.

As the population increases and people live longer, knee replacements are becoming more common. From 1979 to 2002, procedures increased eightfold among those over 65 (Nguyen et al., 2011). Approximately 790,000 total knee replacements are now performed in the U.S. every year (Ray, 2024).

The procedure is standard across the medical system, but some patients and providers are exploring various knee replacement alternatives. In some cases, surgery may be considered too risky. Patients may try losing weight to put less pressure on their knees, taking pain medications, or using less invasive procedures like nerve ablation and cartilage regeneration. These options often provide temporary relief but may not be a suitable alternative to surgery.

Stem cell therapy has ushered in a new era of non-surgical knee replacement alternatives. Stem cells are known for their ability to signal repair in various cell types, relieve inflammation, and regrow damaged tissue, including cartilage that insulates the nerves. The procedure can help treat joint damage at the source by alleviating inflammation and restoring healthy tissue without surgical intervention or placing artificial joints into the body.

Understanding the Procedures

Stem cell therapy for knee pain is potentially as effective as knee replacement surgery in relieving pain and restoring mobility. Let’s compare the procedures regarding recovery times, potential risks, and patient outcomes.

What is Stem Cell Therapy?

Stem cell therapy for knee pain and osteoarthritis is minimally invasive. It uses the natural healing properties of pluripotent stem cells to help regenerate tissue. Pluripotent stem cells signal repair in over 220 tissue types, including cartilage, bone, and nerve endings.

Instead of collecting stem cells from bone marrow via surgery, providers at Stemaid Institute collect the patient’s stem cells using a simple skin biopsy. These cells tailor embryonic pluripotent stem cells to the patient’s body. They are injected near the knee to relieve inflammation and help promote regeneration before the body disposes of them naturally.

What is Knee Replacement Surgery?

While considered safe, knee replacement surgery is a significant operation requiring anesthesia. Patients generally feel well enough to leave the hospital the same day, but may need to stay overnight for observation. During the procedure, an orthopedic surgeon removes the worn cartilage and inserts a metal or plastic plate into the joint to restore functionality and reduce pain. The procedure is usually followed by several weeks of physical therapy.

Comparing Recovery Times

There can be a significant difference in the recovery times from stem cell therapy vs knee replacement surgery.

Recovery After Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy for non-surgical knee replacement requires minimal downtime, helping many patients resume regular activity after a few days. The procedure combines stem cells with other natural healing techniques, including Plurisomes™ (exosomes from pluripotent stem cells), chelation, peptides, nutraceuticals, ozone therapy, physiotherapy, and massage, to hasten recovery and improve overall wellness.

Recovery After Knee Replacement Surgery

A full recovery from knee replacement surgery often takes six months to a year (University of Maryland Medical System, 2025). For the first week or so, patients are frequently prescribed opiates for pain. They then undergo weeks of physical therapy to learn to walk with an artificial plate. Patients must also walk or stretch hourly during the first six to 12 weeks to prevent blood clots.

Risks Involved

Discover the risks involved with stem cell therapy and knee replacement surgery.

Risks of Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy has minimal risks and no reported side effects. The cells are disposed of naturally, so nothing remains in the body. Some patients experience redness or tenderness near the injection site.

Risks of Knee Replacement Surgery

Surgery is inherently more risky than non-surgical techniques. Surgery requires anesthesia, which can lead to complications like allergic reactions, breathing difficulties, or cardiovascular problems. Any surgical procedure can also lead to infection if bacteria or a foreign object enter the body. Blood clots can also occur during recovery without regular physical activity.

Outcomes and Long-Term Benefits

Outcomes vary depending on the patient and their condition. Learn how stem cell therapy can benefit you compared to knee replacement surgery.

Outcomes of Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell injections for osteoarthritis can relieve pain and inflammation during the first two weeks of therapy. While studies remain limited, research suggests that injections could relieve pain up to six months after treatment. Depending on the recovery, this can help patients delay or even avoid surgery.

Outcomes of Knee Replacement Surgery

Patients continue to experience pain months following surgery. It can take several weeks or more for the wound to heal and inflammation to subside. The artificial plate may last 20 years, but if problems persist, the procedure may need to be repeated after ten years.

Start Your Stem Cell Therapy Journey Today

If you are not a good candidate for knee replacement surgery, try stem cell therapy. Stemaid Institute is the world’s leading provider of pluripotent stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis. We have helped dozens of patients with knee pain find lasting relief and avoid or delay surgery.

Contact us for a free phone consultation to learn more about the procedure and whether you are a good fit for this therapy. Our providers will answer your questions and help you arrange your visit to our world-class facility in Los Cabos, Mexico. They will review your condition and explain the process, cost, and potential benefits to ensure you see improvements.

Lasting relief is possible without surgery. 

FAQs

Is stem cell therapy better than knee replacement?

Stem cell therapy offers comparable benefits to knee replacement surgery with fewer risks and side effects and faster recovery times. It is minimally invasive and does not require surgery, with most patients resuming normal activities within a few days. Surgery may provide longer-lasting benefits depending on your condition, but it can take a significant toll on your body. Regular stem cell injections can delay or even eliminate the need for surgery.

What are the pros and cons of stem cells for knee pain?

Stem cell injections for knee pain provide fast relief without risks or side effects, but they may need to be repeated every six months to provide lasting relief. Patients can quickly return to an active lifestyle, and stem cell treatment can help patients delay or avoid surgery.

How can I avoid knee surgery?

Knee pain is common among older adults but can be managed or eliminated with regular stretching, physical activity, and medications. Losing weight and flushing toxins from the body can also help reduce pain by relieving inflammation and increasing mobility.

Knee replacement alternatives include stem cell injections designed to reduce inflammation and regrow healthy tissue around the nerves. This therapy can relieve pain but may need to be repeated every six months.

How long do stem cell knee injections last?

The benefits of stem cell knee injections last around six months. Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can further extend the benefits. If symptoms return, you can schedule another round of injections to avoid surgery.