Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Therapy for Knee Arthritis

Does umbilical cord stem cell therapy work for knee arthritis?
Stem cells have been getting a lot of hot press lately as a promising treatment option for chronic musculoskeletal pain. More and more studies are looking at how stem cells can be used to treat conditions such as arthritis. My other videos have reviewed how platelet rich plasma, bone marrow stem cells, adipose derived stem cells, and amniotic fluid products can have pain relieving effects when used to treat knee arthritis. But what about umbilical cord derived stem cells? Well in this video, we’ll go over what umbilical cord stem cells are as well as review the results of a newly published clinical trial to determine whether umbilical cord stem cell therapy works.
journals.sagepub.com/doi/full...
► Things my patients have found helpful:
Please note that I get a lot of requests and questions about what equipment is ‘best’ for treating a variety of conditions. The following is not meant to be an exhaustive or definitive list. Please use it as a starting point. If you have questions, please discuss with your healthcare provider. With that said, I have tried a number of the products below, but not all. I have included some based on positive feedback from many of my patients. As an Amazon Associate, Dr Peng earns from qualifying purchases. If you purchase any product using the below affiliate links, you are helping Dr Peng maintain this channel.
Soft Tissue & Rehab
Theragun: amzn.to/4363zJG
Massage ball: amzn.to/40BUC9f
Foam roller: amzn.to/4324E5c
Stretching strap: amzn.to/3U9a2iQ
TENS unit: amzn.to/3mcCqnI
Heating pad: amzn.to/40VidSc
Resistance bands: amzn.to/3nFyb4C
Braces & Supports
Hinged knee brace: amzn.to/3U6oyrH
Neoprene knee sleeve: amzn.to/3Zzhsgt
Volar wrist brace: amzn.to/3KawW55
Thumb spica brace: amzn.to/3nHj9vl
Ankle lace up brace: amzn.to/3m6iR0u
Tennis/Golfer’s elbow brace: amzn.to/3ZEGgE1
Superfeet orthotic inserts: amzn.to/436tRf5
Recommended Textbooks & Resources
The Trigger Point Manual: amzn.to/4340cTt
Trigger Point Wall Charts: amzn.to/3zrinVR
► Be Active. Live Healthy. Subscribe for more free videos like this: / @jeffreypengmd
► ABOUT ME
Jeffrey Peng MD is a nonoperative orthopedist and sports medicine specialist. He created a KZbin channel and blog to translate cutting edge medical knowledge and clinical research to benefit all those looking to live an active and healthy lifestyle. He focuses on maximizing non-surgical treatments for sports injuries and orthopedic conditions. He specializes in using orthobiologics and ultrasound guided minimally invasive techniques to treat osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, and musculoskeletal disorders.
Dr. Peng is board certified in sports medicine and family medicine. He completed residency with the Stanford family medicine residency program and completed his sports medicine training with the Stanford primary care sports medicine fellowship in San Jose. He is an active faculty member for both programs and is excited about training the next generation of physicians.
Dr. Peng’s sports medicine clinic is located in Campbell, California.
Twitter: @JeffreyPengMD; / jeffreypengmd
Website: www.jeffreypengmd.com/
► Disclaimer
My content reflects my own opinion and does not represent the views or opinions of my employers or hospital systems I am affiliated with. They are meant for educational purposes only. They do not substitute for the medical advice of a physician. Always seek the advice of your physician with any questions you may have regarding your health.

[@fasj]

My wife had an injection of Cord Stem Cells two days ago. It seems a miracle that her right knee’s pain and swollen knee no longer! She’s not struggling in and out of our car!!!! I’m hoping that it will continue healing her knee!! It’s incredible!

[@JeffreyPengMD]

Wow, that's great to hear! Thanks for sharing

[@drzsmith2368]

Where did your wife get the injection? Can you provide the clinic or provider name?

[@bryanthanos7871]

@@drzsmith2368 I'm wondering the same thing. Where did she go? How much did it cost?

[@drzsmith2368]

@@bryanthanos7871 Not saying this is the case here, but a great deal of the reviews on these products are disingenuous.

[@rimyrim8429]

How much does it cost and in which hospital she got it? I would very much appreciate it if you answer me since i'm a condidate to surgery and i'm reluctant about it.

[@susananderson9619]

About 8 years ago,I paid over 3,000 bucks to get 2 units of placenta/ umbilical cord stem cells.I had 1 unit injected into my right knee and 1 unit into my upper left arm. The one in my right knee certainly helped my right knee. Now ,8 years later my left knee got severe arthritis in it 6-7 years after my right knee. But now ,years later my left knee is much more painful then my right knee. It certainly helped.

[@biologicalphysicalimmortal888]

This is so great -thanks so much

[@phoenixtropicalsvid]

I had a stem cell injection in my knee a week ago and I already see significant improvement. I am stage 2 arthritis over all with a 15mm chondral defect in my tibial plateau, 54 years old. It definitely reduced irritation in my knee and swelling almost immediately. As far as I know it was umbilical cord derived because it did not come from my body. My knee was not giving me constant pain but it was catching occasionally and slightly swollen. I still played some sports on it and was able to walk without issues. It was the sports that irritated it the most. It feels the best its felt in years right now. Getting up from a chair after sitting for a long time is no longer stiff. I don't know how this is possible other than it greatly reduced any internal swelling. Now I'm hoping some cartilage will fill in. Fingers crossed.

[@andyatmosphere]

YOU would be surprised how many Drs have wanted to do a full KNEE REPLACEMENT instead of alternative treatments. The medical industry has become untrustworthy. ALWAYS seek many opinions before the chop your knee off.

[@atokurafuto2669]

Hope this review helps ; I got umbilical cord stem cell injections about 1,5 months ago on both knees for my bilateral ostroarthritis, grade 2 bilateral torn acl, grade 2 unilateral mcl torn, unilateral meniscus degeneration, and unilateral chondral injury posteromedial patella. Pre treatment : Both of my knees were in chronic pain and I felt my knees burning like someone literally torching them with fire, I was unable to stand up nor move my upper body too much and of course I was unable to bend my knees. Also even a smallest vibration would cause me severe pain. Post Treatment : Within hours the pain instantly gone like pooff, and I was able to bend my legs again. The next day I was already able to stand up eventhough not completely upright yet and I was also able to walk a little. The second day post treatment I was able to walk a short distance although my walks were still so stiff and I walked like a robot lol, and then I was already being assigned for physiotheraphy and learn to walk again. During recovery there is a significant improvement I felt on my knees, for the first two weeks I can still feel like there is a cable being stuck on my knees everytime I bend and straightened my legs and sometimes a minor pain if I stand up or walk too long, but the discomfort gradually went down and my knees are getting more and more comfortable. Recent Updates : Up until now there is no significant pain on both knees, just a little spasm and muscle fatigue here and there on the foot, ankles, lower legs & thigh due to systematic muscle weakness caused by covid I had a few months prior to injuries and some discomfort on both of my ankles because they supports most of my weight since the knees are still in recovery mode. But as for the knees, they are so far so good ! Although I still can't run, do squad or climb stairs just yet, but probably will be able within months judging by the current progress (my doctor estimated 6-8 months to full recovery for my complex conditions) Note : The complications I'm suffering however seems to slowed down my recovery progress a bit than other people who sustained injuries with normal conditions, which means they might recover or feel better much quicker than me. But considering all the complications I'm suffering, UC is doing a pretty amazing job for 1,5 months. The latest progress is I can already kneel on bed, walk a long distance with minimal support and short distance without any support. Praise The Lord !

[@JeffreyPengMD]

Thanks for sharing your experience

[@atokurafuto2669]

UPDATE September : Just got my latest MRI result, my MCL and Meniscus are healed, torn ACL also healed only its still inhomogen, some parts are thicker some parts are still thin (considered normal bcs its only been 2,5 months since injections). OA is still there but no significant pain, probably need longer time but I really hope it will heal eventually.

[@mithunkumar-vm5iw]

@@atokurafuto2669 i wish you good recovery. I don't see this treatment available in india

[@brutallyhonestguy5985]

@@mithunkumar-vm5iw in which country we could find this treatment ?

[@mithunkumar-vm5iw]

@@brutallyhonestguy5985 hi , hope you are doing well, above guy undergone this treatment seems from Japan. I guess it's available in us or Europe but only in few hospitals, you need to contact hospital and enquire about this.

[@johnlane9743]

Dr. Jeff - thanks for taking on this new, exciting and complex subject. I've just subscribed and look forward to exploring your catalog of vids. Hopefully I will find something on PBM (Red Light Therapy). (A guy in pain - who doesn't want to be duped)

[@JeffreyPengMD]

I'll be sure the cover that in the future!

[@leisurely6711]

Hey doc is what your talking about the same as wharton’s jelly?

[@kinghippo818]

I'm getting stemcell treatment in April for my shoulder and lower back. I'll come back here and give an update on the results.

[@JeffreyPengMD]

Good luck!!

[@bensonto5260]

Hi King Hippo, could you please update us how is the your umbilical cord stem cell treatment? 1) does it fix your shoulder and lower back pain? if yes how long does it take? Out of 10 how will you describe your pain now? 2) Which clinic did you do the treatment? Is that stem cell institute Panama? Or Dreambody clinic ? or others Thanks a lot !! (I'm suffering back pain, L4/5 disc bulging, disc desiccation since 2004 March) I am researching and looking for the best option, Thanks a lot !!

[@jeffereyturk2685]

While watching your video I noticed that there seems to be confusion about umbilical cord stem cells - Cord blood and cord tissue are two different sources of stem cells. Cord blood would have HLA expression, which cord tissue wouldn't. That's why it may be interesting to treat the joints with MSC cells AND Chondrocytes and/or Cartilage exosomes for regenerating the cartilage.

[@gendaminoru3195]

But what about multipotent stem cells from spinal fluid for knee OA?

[@LittleFarm311]

Where is a reputable clinic to receive these injections. I’m near Kansas City.

[@JeffreyPengMD]

Try your local academic medical center's orthopedic and sports medicine department

[@rodrigosepulveda4559]

Umblical cord mesenchymal stem cell therapy does work, I've had both PRP which was short lived, and provided no permanent relive, and I've had Mesenchymal stem cells derived from umbilical cord and it is far better and long lasting than a PRP, mainly because the regenerative proprties of MSC shots are permanent, and you can reverse ostioarthritis from a alevel 4 to a level 2. you can add me to the study if they need more candidates, it seems like the push against MSC shots continues because the FDA has decided to prolong the agony instead of promoting the cure. I'ts the nature of the business, not the nature of the study. I suggest looking for a clinic overseas where they do these MSC shots.

[@dameionrutherford5452]

Your video on marrow stem cells vs prp was great so how does it translate to umbilical to prp. Even though fda has not approved it , plenty of facilities are using chord products and Wharton’s jelly stem cells to inject. If no statistical difference was shown with Marrow stem vs prp can we conclude the same for umbilical ?

[@JeffreyPengMD]

Hot off the press comparing adipose to amniotic cells: journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/03635465221126683 This whole field needs more research before we can answer these questions.

[@dameionrutherford5452]

@@JeffreyPengMD Thanks for this. So if you were the patient, would you try PRP before spending all the money on either self stem cells or umbilical stem cell injection?

[@fashionsavvy611]

Will this stem cell injection work when knee is wobbly n feel discomfort while walking but wearing a band to tighten it helps on walking also I don’t have pain on my knee.

[@JeffreyPengMD]

Best to talk with your docs

[@natashab3412]

Several US docs have been providing umbilical stem tx for yrs in South America. I'd like to see comparative of adipose v umbilical

[@JeffreyPengMD]

We'd all love to see those studies!

[@mtease9247]

Why do these providers not gather data from their own cases ? I had a very successful autogulous stem cell procedure from bone marrow, adipose , & blood in 2014. Ultrasound guided along with mini arthroscopy (fluoroscopy). Induced injury to cartilage defects from medial meniscus tear with the growth factors in a gel form. Took time to regenerate, but going strong nine yrs now ! I should have done both knees right away. Cost & worried about efficacy initially stopped me. The Dr has sadly passed away a few yrs ago who performed my procedure. He was a boss certified Rheumatologist with training in ultrasound and arthroscopy. Dr Nathan Wei was a great doctor!! He said the technology wasn’t safe to use allogenic cells, but autogulous was. Thing is I’m older now & other knee is more arthritic. I’d like to use the Wharton’s jelly from umbilical cord stem cells . But safety & efficacy is my biggest concern.

[@mtease9247]

Meant board certified , but yes, he was a boss ! Lol

[@natashab3412]

@@mtease9247 i wondered. Lol ty for clarifying.

[@erdemakgus4339]

​@@mtease9247Hello friend, how are you now? Can you walk and run easily? Can you go up and down stairs? How are your pains now? Don't ask me on my page. What is your age and weight?

[@johannwolf1]

I recently learned from someone who was considering both knees replaced with fake ones... had what he called Placenta Stem cells - placed on his lymph nodes in his belly. He showed me two small scars on the sides of his lower belly and said it was basically a quick procedure done with local anesthetic in the clinic. It was a year or two ago and he claims his knees have never been better, and his father and other friends have all done the procedure with amazing results. He told me they have been doing this in mexico for decades now... and it's incredibly affordable. I'm considering for my lower back which is worsening for 4 years now. Sounds too good to be true. Any advice?

[@JeffreyPengMD]

Sounds too good to be true! Would love to see clinical trials on this

[@johannwolf1]

@@JeffreyPengMD Me too. But the testimonial is very compelling. So apparently these were some kind of implant on the lymph glands in his belly... not injections ... he showed me two 1 cm long matching scars at the belt line between hips and navel. Heard about anything like this?

[@blue4974]

I saved my own children cord stem cell. Do you think that might help get better result using my own children stem cell. Where can I go to to this

[@JeffreyPengMD]

To my knowledge, commercial products like these are not currently available.

[@wh8267]

I have an appointment for intervenous stem cell therapy for a neurologic condition. The more I read about this the more worried I get that any of these ultimately engrafted stem cells have the babies DNA in them and could set up some type of graft versus host reaction. The people that are talking about this downplay that as a risk but I don’t see how you can downplay it. When people get bone marrow transfusions they go on immunosuppressive the rest of their life. Do you have any thoughts about long-term immunogenicity stem cells if there is an element of engraftment. Not really sure very good good information is on this.

[@JeffreyPengMD]

Definitely not well studied! You are correct, there is not a lot of information on IV stem cell therapy. It's still an active area of research.

[@judyfasola3737]

Please I too am considering intervinious embryonic stem cells from donated placenta at Dr Kong in California ...she owns Chara Biologics also ...is this where you are having it done . your feedback is appreciated ❤️

[@drzsmith2368]

@@judyfasola3737 i hate to inform you but it’s been clinically proven Chara does not inject stem cells. Her therapy does not contain 1 live stem cell. The product does contain anti-inflammatory proteins and properties (like all amniotics do), but does nor cannot ( legally) contain live stem cells.

[@cktkb]

@@judyfasola3737 I went to Dr. Kong and she is the real deal. Helped me with my heart/back and neck. I fell 45 days after the treatment and reversed all that had been healed. I am going to save some money and go back again, that's how much I believe in stem cells and Dr. Kong.

[@erdemakgus4339]

​@@cktkbHello friend, what did you have done? Did you have stem cell surgery on your knee? Did you see any benefits? How many years ago did you have it done? How old are you? What exactly was wrong with your knee?

[@guitarsz]

Hi doctor, if MSC are not FDA approved and doctors aren't supposed to use them, why are there clinics all over the US that offer them? Is there some type of loophole?

[@MK4Hisglory]

Mesenchymal SC are considered experimental, but there are states such as TX and CO that have places that will administer them. Insurance won’t cover it because it’s deemed “experimental”.

[@mbdulka]

Umbilical cord MSCs work well ... but you can't get them but only in a few places (Panama, Columbia, Russia, a few others) due to big pharma ... but it's coming. They're just super expensive. For potential users -- think of it this way -- if you get your own stem cells, you put in stem cells into your body and "heal at the rate of your age" -- whereas umbilical cord cells heal at the rate of the new born -- it's hyper accelerated. Also, instead of 10s of thousands of your own you get 10s of millions ... more studies are coming.

[@JeffreyPengMD]

Hopefully we get more studies!! Exciting area of research.

[@scottsimmons4704]

CPI in Tijuana minutes from San Diego offers the OP is $$ but 2 weeks later seems to be working

[@cktkb]

That is only if you get expanded stem cells, where they put the original cells in an incubator and (in simple terms, xerox them to make more) But in the states, you may use original MSG's that are NOT incubated. Look up Dr. Kong at uplyftcenter in Chatsworth, CA. That's where i decided to go because I couldn't afford going abroad. I'm not affiliated with her, I just did my homework and found her out here in California.

[@MrOcto13]

It's available in the Philippines

[@MK4Hisglory]

There are places in the US where they’re available. I know of TX and CO.

[@judyfasola3737]

I paid $5000 in hips umbilical cord stem cells..... didn't work.... osteoarthritis in hips .... having them replaced 😥😥😥

[@JeffreyPengMD]

Thanks for sharing

[@shonadushanek3642]

I’m considering stem cells to both hips. I’m not sure where to go in Mexico and I’m wondering how often it’s not successful as in Judy’s case

[@darian5428]

Does it regenerate cartilage?

[@JeffreyPengMD]

No, currently there is no evidence to support that any type of orthobiologics treatment regenerates anything.

[@mohamedsaeed1938]

But from your experience , does it regenerate the cartilage ?

[@bryanthanos7871]

@@JeffreyPengMD How is the treatment helping the patient if it is not regenerating cartilage?

[@MK4Hisglory]

That is the purpose of mesenchymal stem cells, that they help the body grow and regenerate new tissue.

[@user-zi6ig9jz4b]

Stem Cells the teeth When is this technique applied?

[@JeffreyPengMD]

Hi! I'm not sure what you mean with your question. Would you be able to clarify?

[@user-zi6ig9jz4b]

@@JeffreyPengMD tooth growth With stem cells

[@JeffreyPengMD]

Sorry, I am not familiar with the use of biologic therapy for teeth!

[@user-zi6ig9jz4b]

@@JeffreyPengMD When are the clinical trials?

[@user-zi6ig9jz4b]

@@JeffreyPengMD When is it used?

[@rins6126]

Can I just inject my own umbilical cord blood into myself? I don't have pain, just eczema patches

[@ninjamaxfitness9566]

Yeah if you still have the one from birth if your parents froze it you can do it

[@truthcantbehidden2165]

I'm soo poor 😢 also the insurance company won't cover the costs 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@JeffreyPengMD]

Hopefully as more research continues to support the use of biologics, insurance companies will cover it one day!

[@truthcantbehidden2165]

@@JeffreyPengMD It's all about money. FDA and big pharma

[@wabatley]

We got it done in Puerta Villa for $3,000 per knee. 50 million MSC per knee.

[@bryanthanos7871]

@@wabatley What was the name of the place you went to?

[@with.the.y]

@@wabatley How was your recovery process and where did you go? I was thinking of going to CPI but they are so expensive.

[@mohamedsaeed1938]

Is it precancerous ?? As i heard umblical cord stem cells can induce regeneration of thousands of the cells Not the same from adipose stem cells which induce 60 cells only !! Am i right ?

[@JeffreyPengMD]

In theory this is possible, which is why this type of therapy needs more investigation to not only prove efficacy, but also safety.

[@immortalityIMT]

The FDA at some stage needs to act against these types of treatments and those that perform them.

[@JeffreyPengMD]

Yes, unfortunately this field is ripe for patients seeking a miracle cure and malintent healthcare providers looking to make a quick buck.

[@Reaperlock822]

Screw the fda! Just look how they handled covid! I will most likely do the opposite of what fda says at this point!

[@bryanthanos7871]

@@taxationistheft711 I have severe knee arthritis. Can you tell me where you went for treatment and how much is costs?

[@barbarasmith2413]

Still believe in the FDA?