Why Stem Cells Are Effective for Joint Problems

— Science, Clinical Results, and Real Cases

1. Understanding Joint Degeneration

Joint problems such as osteoarthritis, cartilage injury, ligament damage, and chronic inflammation often result from:

• Cartilage degeneration – loss of the smooth, cushioning surface between bones.

• Poor blood supply – cartilage has limited self-repair ability due to lack of direct blood vessels.

• Chronic inflammation – persistent immune activity that accelerates tissue breakdown.

Conventional treatments like painkillers, steroids, and joint replacement manage symptoms but do not restore damaged tissue.

2. How Stem Cells Work in Joint Repair

1) Regeneration of Cartilage and Soft Tissue

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) can differentiate into chondrocytes (cartilage cells) and produce extracellular matrix, helping restore the joint’s smooth surface and function.

2) Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects

MSCs secrete anti-inflammatory molecules that reduce pain, swelling, and joint stiffness, while modulating immune cells to prevent further damage.

3) Secretion of Growth Factors

Stem cells release bioactive factors (e.g., TGF-β, IGF-1, VEGF) that promote new blood vessel formation, tissue repair, and pain relief.

4) Protection of Existing Cells

Stem cells help protect surviving cartilage cells from further degeneration by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

3. Real-World Case Examples

• Case 1 – Severe Knee Osteoarthritis
  A 68-year-old patient with advanced knee osteoarthritis, unable to walk without pain, received intra-articular MSC injections. After 3 months, pain score reduced by 70%, walking distance improved from 100 meters to over 1 km, and MRI showed increased cartilage thickness.

• Case 2 – Sports-Related Cartilage Injury
  A 35-year-old athlete with a meniscus tear underwent MSC therapy combined with physiotherapy. Within 8 weeks, joint swelling subsided, mobility returned, and the patient resumed competitive training in 6 months — avoiding surgery.

• Case 3 – Early Hip Degeneration
  A 55-year-old office worker with hip pain unresponsive to medication received MSC therapy. Pain relief was noticed within 4 weeks, with sustained improvement at 12-month follow-up, delaying the need for hip replacement.

4. Advantages of Stem Cell Therapy for Joint Problems

• Minimally invasive – No large incisions or long recovery times.

• Regenerative approach – Targets root cause, not just symptoms.

• Compatible with other treatments – Can be combined with physiotherapy, PRP, or TCM.

• Potential to delay or avoid surgery – Especially valuable for older patients or those with surgical risks.

5. Our Expertise

Our government-invested stem cell research center and hospital specializes in advanced regenerative medicine. We have treated multiple joint-related cases with measurable improvements in pain, mobility, and imaging results.

If you are experiencing knee, hip, shoulder, or other joint pain, we welcome you to consult our medical research team. We will evaluate your condition, review your medical history, and create a personalized stem cell treatment plan for optimal recovery.