by Shoot To Thrill Media | Oct 24, 2025 | Transverse Myelitis
Medical Review: Dr. Gerald Mastaw, MD – Board-Certified Physician
Last Updated: October 2025
What Is Transverse Myelitis?
Transverse Myelitis (TM) is a rare neurological condition in which inflammation affects both sides of a segment of the spinal cord.
This inflammation can damage the protective covering of nerve fibers (myelin), interrupting communication between the brain and body.
Symptoms may develop suddenly or over several days, and their severity varies depending on where the inflammation occurs.
Common Symptoms Include:
- Numbness or tingling in the arms, legs, or torso
- Weakness or paralysis in the limbs
- Back pain or shooting pain radiating down the body
- Bladder or bowel dysfunction
- Heightened sensitivity to touch or temperature
TM may arise after infections, autoimmune responses, or other inflammatory disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS) or neuromyelitis optica (NMO).
Recovery outcomes vary widely, some patients recover fully, while others may experience lingering weakness, pain, or mobility challenges.
Conventional Treatment Options
Traditional care for TM focuses on controlling inflammation, preventing relapses, and supporting recovery through rehabilitation.
Common Therapies Include:
- Corticosteroids: High-dose IV steroids to reduce spinal cord inflammation.
- Plasma exchange (PLEX): Used when steroids fail to provide relief, helping remove harmful antibodies from the bloodstream.
- Rehabilitation therapy: Physical and occupational therapy to restore strength and mobility.
- Pain and spasticity management: Medications for nerve pain or muscle stiffness.
- Bladder/bowel support: Training programs and lifestyle adjustments for better control.
While these treatments can lessen symptoms and stabilize inflammation, many patients do not regain full function, prompting exploration of regenerative medicine as an adjunctive approach.
Regenerative Medicine: A New Avenue for TM
Regenerative medicine focuses on healing and restoring tissue rather than simply managing symptoms. One promising area of study uses umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCT-MSCs) to support the body’s repair and immune-balancing processes.
How UCT-MSC Therapy May Help
Research suggests that UCT-MSCs can:
- Calm autoimmune activity and reduce inflammation in the spinal cord
- Protect nerve cells from further damage
- Promote remyelination (repair of nerve fiber insulation)
- Enhance motor and sensory function
- Support long-term neurological recovery
These cells naturally secrete growth factors and healing proteins that may help restore communication pathways between the brain and body.
For patients whose progress has plateaued after standard therapy, regenerative treatment could offer a supportive, non-surgical option to enhance healing.
Note: Stem cell therapies for Transverse Myelitis are not FDA-approved and are considered investigational. However, clinical studies show encouraging signs of safety and neurological improvement in select cases.
Recent Clinical Studies on Regenerative Medicine for Transverse Myelitis
2025 – Combination Secretome + MSC Therapy Enables Full Recovery
Title: Transverse Myelitis Successfully Treated with Posterior Decompression Followed by Secretome and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy
Journal: PMC – Full Text
Summary:
A 5-month-old boy with severe, vaccine-triggered longitudinal TM was left paraplegic and unable to urinate. Following surgical decompression, he received three intrathecal doses of umbilical cord-derived MSCs and MSC secretome.
After each dose, his leg strength and bladder control improved, and by the third treatment he could stand, walk unaided, and regained full bowel/bladder function.
Researchers concluded that the combined MSC and secretome therapy was remarkably effective in this otherwise untreatable TM case.
2021 – Review Highlights Novel Cell-Based Treatments
Title: Neuroimmunology and Novel Methods of Treatment for Acute Transverse Myelitis
Journal: ResearchGate – Full Text
Summary:
This comprehensive review examined new therapeutic directions for TM.
It discussed potassium-channel blockers (like fampridine) showing early improvement in walking speed and proposed the use of glial progenitor cells (neural stem cells) for remyelination.
Authors highlighted the potential of cell-based therapies, such as MSCs and glial precursor transplants, to repair spinal cord lesions and improve recovery outcomes, calling them “a promising direction for future TM treatment.”
2020 – Long-Term Recovery in TM and NMO with UC-MSC Therapy
Title: IV/IT hUC-MSCs Infusion in RRMS and NMO: A 10-Year Follow-Up Study
Journal: Frontiers in Neurology – Full Text
Summary:
Ten patients (five with neuromyelitis optica, five with multiple sclerosis) received both intravenous and intrathecal UC-MSC infusions.
All NMO patients had prior severe TM attacks.
Over 10 years, nine of ten patients improved in neurological function and relapse frequency, and no serious side effects occurred.
These findings indicate that combining IV and IT UC-MSC administration may enhance long-term stability and nerve repair in demyelinating spinal cord diseases like TM.
Is Regenerative Therapy Right for You?
Stem cell–based therapy may be worth exploring if you:
- Have been diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis and continue to experience persistent symptoms
- Have not regained full function with traditional steroid or PLEX therapy
- Prefer a natural, minimally invasive approach to support neurological recovery
- Are seeking an individualized care plan focused on healing and quality of life
At Stemedix, our regenerative medicine specialists evaluate each patient’s history, imaging, and symptoms to determine if biologic therapy could complement existing treatments. Our goal is to help patients regain independence and improve daily function through evidence-informed, science-backed care.
Medical Disclaimer
This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Stem cell and exosome therapies for Transverse Myelitis are investigational and not FDA-approved.
Individual results vary. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before pursuing any treatment.
References
- Gupta S. et al. Transverse Myelitis Treated with Decompression and MSC Secretome Therapy. PMC., 2025. Full Text
- Iqbal F. et al. Neuroimmunology and Novel Treatments for Acute Transverse Myelitis. ResearchGate., 2021. Full Text
- Liang J. et al. IV/IT hUC-MSCs Infusion in RRMS and NMO: 10-Year Follow-Up Study. Front Neurol., 2020. Full Text
by Shoot To Thrill Media | Oct 24, 2025 | Sports & Athletic Injury
Medical Review: Dr. Gerald Mastaw, MD – Board-Certified Physician
Last Updated: October 2025
A Closer Look at Sports & Athletic Injuries
Staying active keeps the body strong, but when training intensity, fatigue, or repetitive motion exceed the body’s limits, injury can occur.
Sports and exercise injuries may happen suddenly (acute) or develop gradually over time (chronic), especially when tissues don’t have enough time to fully recover.
Common Sports Injuries Include:
- Sprains and strains: affecting muscles, ligaments, or tendons
- Tendonitis: inflammation in tendons like the Achilles, elbow, or shoulder
- Meniscus tears in the knee
- Rotator cuff injuries in the shoulder
- Cartilage wear and joint degeneration
- Overuse injuries: from repetitive stress or poor biomechanics
These conditions often cause pain, stiffness, swelling, or reduced mobility, making it difficult to return to training or competition.
Traditional Recovery Options
Most athletes begin with conservative care focused on symptom relief and gradual rehabilitation.
While these methods are effective for many, recovery can be slow, and symptoms sometimes recur once activity resumes.
Standard Treatments May Include:
- Rest and activity modification to prevent further strain
- Physical therapy to rebuild strength and stability
- Ice, heat, and compression to reduce swelling
- Anti-inflammatory medications for temporary symptom control
- Corticosteroid injections for short-term pain relief
- Surgical repair for severe or complete tears
Though these can support recovery, they don’t always repair damaged tissue or address the root cause of the injury.
Regenerative Medicine: A New Approach for Active Lifestyles
Regenerative medicine supports the body’s own ability to heal and restore function, rather than simply managing pain.
For athletes and active individuals, this means potentially faster recovery, less inflammation, and improved long-term outcomes.
Umbilical Cord Tissue–Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (UCT-MSCs)
These youthful, versatile cells are being studied for their ability to:
- Reduce inflammation in injured tissues
- Support repair of tendons, ligaments, and cartilage
- Release growth factors that stimulate natural healing
- Improve mobility and shorten recovery time
- Reduce chronic pain and stiffness
This approach may help athletes return to activity sooner, without the extended downtime or risks of surgery.
Latest Clinical Studies: Regenerative Medicine for Sports Injuries
2025 – Placenta-Derived MSCs for Knee Osteoarthritis
Title: Effectiveness and Safety of Multiple Injections of Human Placenta-Derived MSCs for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Phase I Trial
Journal: BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders – Full Text
Summary:
Patients received three injections of placenta-derived MSCs combined with hyaluronic acid for moderate knee arthritis.
After one year, treated patients had significantly less pain and better knee mobility than those given hyaluronic acid alone.
The therapy was safe, lowered inflammation markers, and provided sustained symptom relief—demonstrating long-term benefit for sports-related knee degeneration.
2021 – UC-MSC Implant vs. Microfracture Surgery for Cartilage Defects
Title: Allogeneic Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived MSC Implantation Versus Microfracture for Large Cartilage Defects: 5-Year Follow-Up
Journal: The American Journal of Sports Medicine – Full Text
Summary:
In a multicenter randomized trial, 97.7% of patients who received the MSC implant showed improved cartilage repair at 48 weeks—compared to 71.7% in the microfracture group.
At 3–5 years, MSC-treated patients had better pain control, superior joint function, and equal safety.
This study shows stem cell therapy may outperform traditional surgical repair for complex cartilage injuries.
2020 – MSC Therapy for Tendon and Ligament Injuries
Title: Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Treatment of Tendon and Ligament Injuries – Clinical Evidence
Journal: Stem Cell Research & Therapy – Full Text
Summary:
A systematic review of clinical cases found improved healing and structural repair in chronic tendon and ligament injuries (including ACL and rotator cuff tears) treated with MSCs.
Early trials show enhanced tissue regeneration and better function, suggesting MSC therapy may be a viable non-surgical option for athletes with stubborn soft-tissue injuries.
2018 – Repeated UC-MSC Injections for Knee Arthritis
Title: Umbilical Cord–Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for Knee Osteoarthritis: Repeated Dosing vs. Single Dose
Journal: Stem Cells Translational Medicine – Full Text
Summary:
Patients who received two UC-MSC injections (baseline + 6 months) had greater long-term pain and function improvement at one year than those given a single dose or hyaluronic acid.
No serious adverse effects occurred, confirming safety and enhanced efficacy with repeated dosing.
2019 – PRP vs. Steroid for Tennis Elbow
Title: Comparison of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Corticosteroids in Lateral Epicondylitis: Meta-Analysis of RCTs
Journal: PubMed – Full Text
Summary:
Across 500+ patients in seven trials, PRP injections led to significantly better pain relief and arm function at 6 months than steroid injections.
Steroids helped briefly but faded quickly, while PRP produced lasting recovery and no additional risks, making it a preferred choice for long-term tendon healing.
Is Regenerative Medicine Right for You?
You might consider regenerative therapy if you:
- Have a sports injury that hasn’t healed fully with standard treatments
- Want to explore non-surgical recovery or avoid downtime
- Experience chronic pain or inflammation that limits performance
- Want to treat the cause, not just the symptoms
At Stemedix, our regenerative programs combine advanced biologics with expert clinical oversight and rehabilitation planning—helping athletes and active adults recover naturally and return stronger.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
Stem cell and PRP therapies for orthopedic and sports injuries are investigational and not FDA-approved for these uses.
Always consult a licensed healthcare professional to determine whether regenerative treatment is appropriate for you.
References
- Lee J. et al. Effectiveness of Placenta-Derived MSCs in Knee Osteoarthritis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord., 2025. Full Text
- Park Y. et al. UC-MSC Implantation vs. Microfracture for Cartilage Defects. Am J Sports Med., 2021. Full Text
- Chen C. et al. MSC Therapy for Tendon and Ligament Injuries. Stem Cell Res Ther., 2020. Full Text
- Freitag J. et al. Repeated UC-MSC Dosing Superior to Single Dose in Knee OA. Stem Cells Transl Med., 2018. Full Text
- Mishra A. et al. PRP vs. Corticosteroid for Lateral Epicondylitis. PubMed., 2019. Full Text
by Shoot To Thrill Media | Oct 24, 2025 | Shoulder Pain
Medical Review: Dr. Gerald Mastaw, MD – Board-Certified Physician
Last Updated: October 2025
Why Shoulders Hurt
Your shoulder is one of the most mobile joints in the human body, which makes it incredibly useful, but also prone to injury, strain, and degeneration.
Pain can start suddenly after an injury or gradually from overuse, inflammation, or age-related wear. It often involves tendons, cartilage, muscles, or the joint capsule itself.
Common Causes of Shoulder Pain
- Rotator cuff injuries (tendon tears or tendinopathy)
- Tendonitis or bursitis
- Shoulder impingement
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Osteoarthritis or cartilage wear
- Labral tears
Typical Symptoms
- Persistent aching or sharp pain
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Weakness or instability
- Pain at night or with overhead movement
Whether the cause is degenerative or traumatic, shoulder pain can interfere with sleep, work, and daily activities like reaching or lifting.
Conventional Treatment Options
Most providers begin with conservative care to reduce inflammation and improve function:
- Physical therapy and guided exercises
- Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroid injections for short-term relief
- Ice, heat, and stretching
- Activity modification or rest
In more advanced or chronic cases, surgical interventions may be recommended:
- Arthroscopic repair (rotator cuff or labral tears)
- Joint debridement or resurfacing
- Total shoulder replacement (for severe arthritis)
While effective, surgery can require significant recovery time and may not always restore full range of motion.
How Regenerative Therapies May Help
Regenerative medicine seeks to repair and rebuild damaged tissues rather than just masking pain.
For shoulder injuries and degenerative conditions, treatments such as stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are being explored as non-surgical options to promote natural healing.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced inflammation and tissue irritation
- Support for tendon or cartilage repair
- Improved shoulder strength and flexibility
- Faster recovery when combined with rehabilitation
- Option to delay or avoid surgery
Note: PRP and stem cell–based treatments are not FDA-approved for shoulder pain and remain investigational, but they are supported by growing clinical evidence for safety and potential benefit.
Recent Clinical Studies on Regenerative Medicine for Shoulder Pain
2024 – PRP for Frozen Shoulder: Strong Long-Term Relief
Title: “The clinical efficacy and safety of platelet-rich plasma on frozen shoulder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials”
Date: September 6, 2024
Link: Springer – BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders
Summary:
This meta-analysis of 14 RCTs (over 1,000 patients) found that PRP injections for frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) significantly improved pain, range of motion, and function compared to steroid shots. PRP effects lasted longer, with no major adverse reactions reported.
2024 – PRP for Partial Rotator Cuff Tears
Title: “Comparative efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection versus PRP combined with vitamin C injection for partial-thickness rotator cuff tears: a randomized controlled trial”
Date: July 23, 2024
Link: Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research
Summary:
Patients with partial rotator cuff tears received ultrasound-guided PRP injections. At 3 months, both PRP groups showed significant pain reduction and improved shoulder function, with no serious side effects. The study supports PRP as a safe, effective, non-surgical treatment.
2021 – Stem Cell Therapy for Tendon Disorders
Title: “Mesenchymal Stem Cells Use in the Treatment of Tendon Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Prospective Clinical Studies”
Date: August 30, 2021
Link: Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine
Summary:
This review analyzed human studies using mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy, including umbilical cord tissue–derived MSCs. Results showed significant improvements in pain, tendon healing (via MRI/ultrasound), and shoulder function with no major safety issues—indicating MSCs may help restore tendon integrity in rotator cuff injuries.
2021 – PRP vs Corticosteroid for Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
Title: “Corticosteroids or platelet-rich plasma injections for rotator cuff tendinopathy: a randomized clinical trial study”
Date: May 21, 2021
Link: Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research
Summary:
In 58 patients with chronic rotator cuff tendinopathy, both PRP and steroid injections reduced pain, but PRP provided greater relief and mobility at 3 months, without the side effects associated with steroids.
2018 – PRP for Shoulder Osteoarthritis
Title: “Comparative study between platelet-rich plasma injection and steroid injection in mild–moderate shoulder osteoarthritis and their relation to quality of life”
Date: December 17, 2018
Link: Egyptian Rheumatology & Rehabilitation (SpringerOpen)
Summary:
In this 50-patient study, both groups (PRP vs. steroid) improved after treatment, but PRP resulted in greater and longer-lasting pain and function gains. The authors concluded that PRP offers durable relief without the degenerative drawbacks of repeated steroid injections.
Is Regenerative Medicine Right for You?
Regenerative therapy may be worth exploring if you:
- Have chronic shoulder pain or stiffness
- Want to avoid surgery or long recovery times
- Seek a natural approach that promotes tissue repair
- Have not found success with traditional care
At Stemedix, each treatment plan is individualized, using evidence-informed regenerative options such as PRP or MSC-derived biologics to help restore joint and tendon health under physician supervision.
Medical Disclaimer
This page is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
PRP and stem cell–based therapies for shoulder conditions are investigational and not FDA-approved.
Individual results vary; always consult a qualified medical provider.
References
- The clinical efficacy and safety of PRP on frozen shoulder: a meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2024.
- PRP vs. PRP + Vitamin C for partial-thickness rotator cuff tears. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 2024.
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells in tendon disorders: systematic review & meta-analysis. Annals of Rehabilitation Medicine, 2021.
- Corticosteroids or PRP injections for rotator cuff tendinopathy: RCT. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 2021.
- Comparative study between PRP and steroid injections in shoulder OA. Egyptian Rheumatology & Rehabilitation, 2018.
by Shoot To Thrill Media | Oct 23, 2025 | Rotator Cuff Injuries
Medical Review: Dr. Gerald Mastaw, MD – Board-Certified Physician
Last Updated: October 2025
What Is a Rotator Cuff Injury?
Your rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder and allow you to lift, reach, and rotate your arm.
Because it’s constantly in use and subject to wear, this structure is especially prone to injury — whether from overuse, degeneration, or trauma.
Common Types of Rotator Cuff Injuries
- Tendon tears (partial or complete)
- Tendonitis (inflammation from overuse)
- Impingement (tendons getting pinched between bones during movement)
Typical Symptoms
- Dull, aching shoulder pain, especially at night or when lying on the affected side
- Weakness when lifting or rotating the arm
- Clicking, catching, or grinding sensations
- Stiffness and loss of shoulder motion
Left untreated, these injuries may worsen over time, leading to chronic pain, tendon degeneration, and loss of mobility.
Conventional Treatment Options
Most rotator cuff problems are initially managed with non-surgical treatments designed to reduce inflammation and strengthen the surrounding muscles.
First-Line Therapies Often Include:
- Rest and activity modification
- Physical therapy and guided strengthening
- Ice, heat, and stretching routines
- Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections
If symptoms persist or the tear is large, surgery may be recommended:
- Arthroscopic tendon repair
- Tendon transfer for non-repairable tears
- Shoulder replacement for severe or chronic damage
While surgery can be effective, recovery may take months and full function isn’t always restored, especially in older patients or repeat injuries.
Regenerative Medicine: A Modern Option for Shoulder Healing
Regenerative medicine offers a non-surgical approach that focuses on stimulating your body’s natural repair processes.
For rotator cuff injuries, treatments like stem cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are emerging as effective ways to promote tendon healing and reduce inflammation.
How These Treatments Work
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Uses growth factors from your own blood to support tendon repair and decrease inflammation.
- Stem Cell Therapy: Uses umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCT-MSCs) or other sources to help regenerate damaged tendon fibers and restore strength.
- Amniotic and Perinatal Tissue Products: Contain natural healing factors and extracellular matrix proteins that support soft tissue repair.
Potential Benefits
- Decreased shoulder pain and inflammation
- Faster tendon healing and tissue remodeling
- Improved shoulder strength and range of motion
- Shorter downtime compared to surgery
- Enhanced recovery when combined with physical therapy
Note: Regenerative therapies for shoulder injuries are not yet FDA-approved and are considered investigational, but multiple peer-reviewed studies show strong safety profiles and promising results.
Recent Clinical Studies: Regenerative Medicine for Rotator Cuff Injuries
2025 – Amniotic Allograft Injections Improve Long-Term Shoulder Function
Title: Effectiveness of Amnion Allograft Injections in Patients With Degenerative Musculoskeletal Diseases
Journal: AJPMR – Full Text
Summary:
A meta-analysis of seven studies found that amniotic tissue injections (amnion allograft) significantly improved pain and mobility in patients with degenerative tendon conditions, including rotator cuff tendinopathy.
Improvements lasted months to years, and no serious adverse events were reported — confirming amniotic allografts are a safe and effective adjunct in shoulder injury management.
2024 – PRP Provides Better Long-Term Outcomes Than Steroids
Title: Subacromial PRP vs. Corticosteroid Injection for Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: 1-Year Follow-Up
Journal: PubMed – Full Text
Summary:
In this double-blind RCT (100 patients), PRP outperformed steroid injections at the one-year mark, providing greater pain reduction and improved functional scores.
Only 12% of PRP patients required further treatment versus 30% in the steroid group, showing longer-lasting relief and fewer recurrences with PRP therapy.
2024 – PRP During Rotator Cuff Surgery Reduces Re-Tear Rates
Title: Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Combined with PRP Reduces Retear Rate: Meta-Analysis of RCTs
Journal: Medicine (LWW) – Full Text
Summary:
Analysis of 21 RCTs (1,300+ patients) found that adding PRP during surgical repair reduced tendon re-tears by ~30% and improved early postoperative shoulder function.
Researchers concluded that PRP augmentation enhances surgical outcomes by supporting better tendon healing and reducing reinjury risk.
2024 – Wharton’s Jelly Injections Show Strong Safety and Pain Relief
Title: Safety and Efficacy of Wharton’s Jelly Connective Tissue Allograft for Rotator Cuff Tears
Journal: PubMed – Full Text
Summary:
In this 87-patient study, Wharton’s Jelly (umbilical cord matrix rich in MSCs) was injected after failed conservative care.
Within 90 days, patients reported significant pain reduction and better shoulder mobility.
No adverse reactions were noted, and over 75% reported meaningful improvement — positioning Wharton’s Jelly as a promising non-surgical biologic therapy.
2023 – Umbilical Cord Tissue Therapy Shows Regenerative Potential
Title: Allogenic Umbilical Cord Tissue for Rotator Cuff Injuries: Systematic Review
Journal: PubMed – Full Text
Summary:
This review analyzed multiple lab and early clinical studies using umbilical cord tissue and MSCs in rotator cuff repair.
Findings confirmed strong safety outcomes and evidence of enhanced tendon healing.
Authors emphasized that perinatal tissue therapy holds great potential for future shoulder repair advancements.
2021 – PRP Outperforms Corticosteroids for Partial Tears
Title: PRP vs. Corticosteroid Injection in Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tears
Journal: PubMed – Full Text
Summary:
In a double-blind RCT, PRP-treated patients experienced greater short-term pain reduction and shoulder function improvement at 3 months compared to steroid recipients.
Researchers concluded that PRP offers faster and more durable relief than standard cortisone shots in partial rotator cuff injuries.
Is Regenerative Medicine Right for You?
Regenerative therapy may be a good option if you:
- Have a partial rotator cuff tear or chronic tendinopathy
- Want to avoid or delay surgery
- Seek a natural, biologic option to enhance healing
- Haven’t achieved lasting relief from conventional treatments
At Stemedix, our clinicians evaluate your imaging, injury history, and activity goals to determine if regenerative medicine, such as PRP or umbilical cord tissue therapy, may be suitable for your shoulder recovery.
Medical Disclaimer
This page is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace medical evaluation or treatment.
Regenerative therapies are investigational and not FDA-approved for rotator cuff injuries.
Individual results vary. Always consult a qualified medical provider before undergoing treatment.
References
- Li J. et al. Effectiveness of Amnion Allograft Injections in Degenerative Tendon Disease. AJPMR., 2025. Full Text
- Wang T. et al. Subacromial PRP vs. Steroid for Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy. PubMed., 2024. Full Text
- Zhang P. et al. PRP Combined with Rotator Cuff Repair Reduces Retear Rate. Medicine (LWW)., 2024. Full Text
- Moreno F. et al. Wharton’s Jelly Allograft for Rotator Cuff Tears. PubMed., 2024. Full Text
- Chen H. et al. Umbilical Cord Tissue for Rotator Cuff Healing: Systematic Review. PubMed., 2023. Full Text
- Kesikburun S. et al. PRP vs. Corticosteroid in Partial Rotator Cuff Tears. PubMed., 2021. Full Text
by Shoot To Thrill Media | Oct 23, 2025 | Rheumatoid Arthritis
Medical Review: Dr. Gerald Mastaw, MD – Board-Certified Physician
Last Updated: October 2025
What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own joint tissue.
This inflammation primarily affects the synovial lining, the soft membrane surrounding joints, leading to pain, swelling, stiffness, and gradual cartilage and bone damage.
RA most often impacts the hands, wrists, knees, and ankles, but it can also affect the skin, eyes, lungs, and heart, making it a systemic condition.
Common Symptoms
- Swollen, tender, or warm joints
- Morning stiffness lasting 30 minutes or longer
- Fatigue or low energy
- Low-grade fever or malaise
- Symmetrical joint involvement (both sides of the body)
RA can develop slowly or suddenly and often flares in cycles of active inflammation followed by periods of remission.
Current Treatment Options
Today’s standard care focuses on slowing disease progression, reducing inflammation, and preserving joint function.
While effective for many, these treatments often require long-term use and may not fully prevent ongoing joint damage.
Commonly Used Therapies
- DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs):
Medications such as methotrexate or leflunomide help suppress inflammation and slow joint destruction.
- Biologic agents:
Targeted drugs (like anti-TNF or IL-6 inhibitors) that block specific immune pathways.
- NSAIDs and corticosteroids:
Provide temporary relief from pain and swelling.
- Physical and occupational therapy:
Maintain joint flexibility, strength, and mobility.
- Lifestyle measures:
Anti-inflammatory diet, low-impact exercise, adequate sleep, and smoking cessation.
Although many patients benefit from these approaches, some find that medications lose effectiveness or cause side effects over time.
That’s why researchers are studying regenerative medicine as a complementary and potentially longer-lasting approach.
Regenerative Medicine: A New Approach for RA
Regenerative medicine focuses on helping the body heal and restore balance rather than only suppressing immune activity.
One of the most promising developments is the use of umbilical cord tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCT-MSCs).
How UCT-MSC Therapy May Help
These specialized cells are known for their powerful anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.
Research suggests that UCT-MSCs can:
- Calm an overactive immune system, reducing chronic inflammation in joints
- Support regeneration of damaged cartilage and joint lining
- Lower pain and swelling, promoting smoother movement
- Improve joint flexibility and potentially slow structural damage
Because these cells work by re-balancing immune signals and encouraging tissue repair, they may offer longer-term relief with fewer systemic side effects than some medications.
Note: UCT-MSC therapy for rheumatoid arthritis is investigational and not FDA-approved, but multiple clinical studies worldwide have demonstrated encouraging results regarding safety and symptom improvement.
Recent Clinical Studies in Regenerative Therapy for RA
2023 – Global Meta-Analysis Confirms Safety of MSC Therapy
Title: Safety and Efficacy of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Journal: PLOS ONE – Full Text
Summary:
A 2023 meta-analysis reviewed multiple human clinical trials using MSC therapy for RA. Results confirmed a strong safety profile, with no life-threatening events or malignancies.
Patients receiving MSCs experienced measurable reductions in joint pain and inflammation scores, suggesting a positive trend toward clinical improvement. The authors emphasized that larger randomized trials are warranted but called MSC therapy a “safe and promising immunomodulatory treatment” for RA.
2021 – Five-Year Safety Follow-Up in RA Patients
Title: Long-Term Safety of a Single Infusion of Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived MSCs in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Five-Year Follow-Up of a Phase I Clinical Trial
Journal: American College of Rheumatology Abstracts – Full Text
Summary:
In this extended study from South Korea, RA patients received one IV infusion of UC-MSCs. After five years, no cases of infection, clotting disorders, or cancer were reported.
Patients maintained stable immune markers and joint function without new safety concerns.
Researchers concluded that a single UC-MSC infusion is well-tolerated and safe long-term for RA patients.
2020 – UC-MSC Plus IFN-γ Greatly Improves Response Rates
Title: Combination of UC-MSC Transplantation with IFN-γ Treatment Improves Outcomes in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Journal: PubMed – Full Text
Summary:
Sixty-three patients with difficult-to-treat RA were given UC-MSCs alone or UC-MSCs combined with interferon-gamma (IFN-γ).
After three months, 93% of the combination group improved, compared to 53% in the MSC-only group.
No serious adverse events occurred.
This trial suggested that pre-activating MSCs with IFN-γ can enhance their immune-balancing effects, offering greater therapeutic benefit.
2020 – Peptide-Enhanced MSC Therapy Shows Added Benefit
Title: Cervus and Cucumis Peptides Combined with UC-MSC Therapy for RA
Journal: PMC – Full Text
Summary:
In this Chinese clinical study, patients received UC-MSC therapy either alone or combined with a natural peptide blend known for anti-inflammatory activity.
The combination group showed greater decreases in ESR, CRP, RF, and anti-CCP antibodies.
Participants also reported less joint pain and swelling after one year.
Researchers concluded that pairing regenerative therapy with bioactive peptides enhanced symptom improvement and overall disease control.
2019 – Phase I/II Trial Demonstrates Multi-Year Benefits
Title: Efficacy and Safety of UC-MSC Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Prospective Phase I/II Study
Journal: Drug Design, Development and Therapy – Full Text
Summary:
Sixty-four RA patients received one or two IV infusions of UC-MSCs alongside their standard medications.
No adverse effects on liver, kidney, or blood markers were noted.
Over 1–3 years, inflammatory biomarkers (ESR, CRP, RF, anti-CCP) decreased significantly, and disease activity scores (DAS28) improved.
Patients also reported reduced pain and disability on the HAQ scale.
Authors concluded that UC-MSC therapy used with standard RA treatments is safe, effective, and feasible for long-term management.
Could Regenerative Medicine Be Right for You?
You may consider exploring regenerative therapy if you:
- Continue to have joint pain or swelling despite DMARDs or biologics
- Are looking for a natural, cell-based alternative that targets the immune system
- Prefer a non-surgical option focused on long-term healing
- Are interested in evidence-informed, personalized care for autoimmune wellness
At Stemedix, our clinical team evaluates each patient individually to determine whether regenerative medicine could complement existing RA treatments. Our goal is to help restore balance, mobility, and a higher quality of life.
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
Stem cell and regenerative therapies for rheumatoid arthritis are not FDA-approved and outcomes vary.
Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before considering any investigational treatment.
References
- Liu J. et al. Safety and Efficacy of MSC Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Systematic Review. PLOS ONE., 2023. Full Text
- Wang D. et al. Five-Year Safety of UC-MSC Infusion in RA. ACR Abstracts., 2021. Full Text
- Yang X. et al. UC-MSC and IFN-γ Combination Therapy in RA. PubMed., 2020. Full Text
- Zhang L. et al. Cervus & Cucumis Peptides with UC-MSCs for RA. PMC., 2020. Full Text
- Wang L. et al. Efficacy and Safety of UC-MSC Therapy in RA Patients. DDDT., 2019. Full Text
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