Explore their differences, their potential, and why an individualized medical evaluation matters.
Knee pain and other joint problems can make everyday activities, such as walking or climbing stairs, more difficult. When discomfort persists, many people look for options that may help them feel better and stay active. Prolotherapy and stem cell–based therapies are two approaches attracting growing interest. Although both are being explored for joint conditions, they work in different ways.
What Is Prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy involves a series of small injections of a solution, usually containing dextrose (a type of sugar), into specific areas of the body. The goal is to encourage a local response that may help relieve certain symptoms. Research involving people with knee osteoarthritis has reported improvements in pain and the ability to perform daily activities [1–3]. However, results vary, and this procedure has not been consistently shown to rebuild damaged tissue.
What Are Stem Cell–Based Therapies?
Mesenchymal stem cells, also known as mesenchymal stromal cells, have attracted considerable interest in regenerative medicine. They can be obtained from sources such as bone marrow, adipose (fat) tissue, and umbilical cord tissue. These cells can communicate with other cells through biological signals, a characteristic that has prompted research into how they may influence the surrounding tissue environment.
Regenerative medicine is an area of research with exciting possibilities. Some people with knee osteoarthritis have experienced improvements in pain and mobility after receiving certain cell-based preparations [4–7]. However, outcomes vary from person to person and among products, and these therapies have not been consistently shown to regenerate cartilage or cure osteoarthritis.
What About Cells Derived From Umbilical Cord Tissue?
Umbilical cord tissue is one of the sources currently being investigated. Research published in 2025 reported improvements in certain symptoms among people with knee osteoarthritis, but magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) did not confirm visible cartilage restoration [7]. These findings encourage continued research and underscore an important distinction: feeling better is not necessarily the same as repairing a joint.
What Should You Consider Before Making a Decision?
Both approaches require a medical evaluation. Injections may cause temporary pain or swelling and, less commonly, complications such as infection or bleeding. With cell-based therapies, the source and quality of the product, how it is administered, and each person’s overall health are also important considerations. In addition, findings from injections into the knee should not be assumed to apply to intravenous treatments or other medical conditions.
Appropriate exercise, physical therapy, weight management when indicated, and other measures recommended by your physician remain important parts of joint care. These approaches should not be replaced without a sound clinical reason.
A Positive, Responsible Outlook on the Future
Regenerative medicine is opening new avenues for understanding how cells interact with the body’s tissues. If you are experiencing persistent joint pain, speaking with a healthcare professional can help you explore the options that may be appropriate for your individual needs.
This article is intended for informational purposes only. It does not promise a cure or tissue regeneration, nor does it imply that any specific product or procedure has received regulatory authorization.
Speak to Stemwell today to find out more
Stem cell therapy represents an exciting new treatment avenue for hamstring injuries, with the potential to promote quicker healing and improve your overall quality of life. Our expert team at Stemwell are dedicated to supporting you and finding the right treatment option to meet your needs.
If you would like to find out more about stem cell therapy you can contact us with any questions, or apply today to check your eligibility.
References
1.Sit RWS, Wu RWK, Rabago D, Reeves KD, Chan DCC, Yip BHK, et al. Efficacy of intra-articular hypertonic dextrose (prolotherapy) for knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial. Ann Fam Med. 2020;18(3):235-242. doi:10.1370/afm.2520.
2. Wee TC, Neo EJR, Tan YL. Dextrose prolotherapy in knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2021;19:108-117. doi:10.1016/j.jcot.2021.05.015.
3.Chen YW, Lin YN, Chen HC, Liou TH, Liao CD, Huang SW. Effectiveness, compliance, and safety of dextrose prolotherapy for knee osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis and metaregression of randomized controlled trials. Clin Rehabil. 2022;36(6):740-752. doi:10.1177/02692155221086213.
4. Sadeghirad B, Rehman Y, Khosravirad A, Sofi-Mahmudi A, Zandieh S, Jomy J, et al. Mesenchymal stem cells for chronic knee pain secondary to osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2024;32(10):1207-1219. doi:10.1016/j.joca.2024.04.021.
5. Tabet CG, Pacheco RL, Martimbianco ALC, Riera R, Hernandez AJ, Bueno DF, et al. Advanced therapy with mesenchymal stromal cells for knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Orthop Translat. 2024;48:176-189. doi:10.1016/j.jot.2024.07.012.
6. Cao M, Ou Z, Sheng R, Wang Q, Chen X, Zhang C, et al. Efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cells in knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2025;16(1):122. doi:10.1186/s13287-025-04252-2.
7. Pico OA, Espinoza F, Cádiz MI, Sossa CL, Becerra-Bayona SM, Canencio Salgado MC, et al. Efficacy of a single dose of cryopreserved human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a randomized, controlled, double-blind pilot study. Cytotherapy. 2025;27(2):188-200. doi:10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.09.005.
