Stem cell therapy for joints

Innovative joint regeneration without surgery

At the ROC Regenerative Center in Aschheim near Munich, joint stem cell therapy offers you a modern, biologically based treatment option for osteoarthritis and joint pain that helps preserve joint function. Instead of relying solely on pain medication or eventual joint replacement, we use your own cells to specifically target and support inflamed and worn-out structures in the knee, shoulder, wrist, or other joints.

Minimally invasive

A minimally invasive, outpatient procedure that does not require major surgery

Regenerative approach

Your own cells trigger the healing process

Quick recovery

No long downtime thanks to the body's own regenerative abilities

What are stem cells?

Stem cells are among the body’s own cells that can trigger tissue repair processes. This also activates stem cells from neighboring structures, which can support the regeneration of damaged areas. In addition, when stem cells come into contact with damaged tissue, they can release anti-inflammatory signaling molecules and growth factors, thereby influencing the natural healing process.

What is joint stem cell therapy?

In joint stem cell therapy, our team prepares the patient’s own stem cells so that they can be injected in concentrated form into the affected joint. The goal is to boost the body’s natural healing process in joints affected by osteoarthritis or overuse, reduce pain, and improve mobility. Studies show that mesenchymal stem cells can reduce pain and improve joint function in the long term in cases of osteoarthritis; at the same time, further research is underway worldwide to more precisely define the benefits and limitations. At ROC, we combine these findings with the experience gained from treating numerous patients and integrate the therapy into a holistic treatment concept—from diagnosis to follow-up care.

At ROC, we isolate stem cells in three different ways:

Belly fat

Using the SVF procedure , we extract stem cells from abdominal fat

Blood

Stem cells collected via blood draw using the Miracell® SMART M-CELL2 System

ear cartilage

In the AMT procedure, we harvest stem cells from the ear cartilage

Our team of doctors injects the harvested cells into the affected joint, where they release anti-inflammatory signaling molecules and stimulate the regeneration of cartilage, the joint capsule, and surrounding structures. This creates a biological joint environment that reduces pain and makes movement more comfortable again.

Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy for Joint Pain

  • Avoiding Surgery: Many patients are able to postpone major procedures, such as joint replacements, by opting for stem cell therapy, thereby gaining more active years without needing an artificial joint.
  • Pain relief: By reducing inflammation in the arthritic joint, pain is often significantly reduced—whether climbing stairs, playing sports, or going about daily activities.
  • Promoting tissue regeneration: Stem cells support the regeneration of cartilage surfaces and joint capsules, which is particularly important in cases of osteoarthritis of the knee, shoulder, or wrist.
  • Good tolerability: Because we use autologous (the patient’s own) cells, the risk of adverse reactions is lower than with many drug therapies.
  • Short recovery time: The treatment is performed on an outpatient basis, so you’ll be back on your feet in no time and can gradually resume your normal daily activities.

The Stem Cell Therapy Process for Joints at the ROC

The process begins with a comprehensive orthopedic examination using modern diagnostic tools such as open MRI, ultrasound, or digital X-rays. You will discuss with your doctor which joint is the primary focus, the severity of the osteoarthritis (for example, grade 4 osteoarthritis in the knee), and any pre-existing conditions. Based on this, your personalized treatment plan is developed—often in combination with additional procedures such as autologous blood therapy (PRP) or denervation for osteoarthritis.

Relieve joint pain without surgery

Stem cells are harvested from the patient’s own fat, blood, or ear cartilage using a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia. After processing, your treating physician injects the concentrated cells into the affected joint under image guidance—for example, into the knee in cases of osteoarthritis, into the shoulder joint, or into the thumb’s metacarpophalangeal joint. Immediately after the injection, you should rest the joint briefly and then gradually increase the load. Many patients report less pain and improved mobility in the weeks that follow. Our team will closely support you—including, if desired, with physical therapy, exercise planning, and complementary orthobiological measures.

Videos on stem cell therapy

A report on MĂĽnchenTV about our stem cell therapy
Patient reports on stem cell therapy for the knee
An ear in the knee? AMT stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis
Stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis of the wrist

Costs

You can find an overview of treatment costs here:

Your benefits at the ROC in Aschheim

Specialists

Experienced physicians with many years of expertise in regenerative medicine

Personalized consultation

Customized treatment plans tailored to your specific condition

Innovative Technology

State-of-the-art equipment and scientifically sound methods

In-house laboratory

Thorough assessment of the viability and number of stem cells

Our experienced team of doctors

Dr. Daniel Filesch

Dr. med. Daniel Filesch

Specialist in orthopaedics and trauma surgery

Dr. Martina Berger

Martina Berger

Doctor for regenerative orthopaedic procedures

Dr. med. Edan Manos

Dr. med. Edan Manos

Doctor for regenerative orthopaedic procedures

Dr. Patrick Heine

Patrick Heine

Specialist in orthopaedics and trauma surgery

Modern medical offices in Aschheim, near Munich

Frequently Asked Questions About Stem Cell Therapy for the Knee

How much does stem cell therapy for a joint cost?

The cost of joint stem cell therapy depends on the method used and the number of joints treated. The following guidelines apply at the ROC: See the cost overview

If another joint is treated, an additional 50% of the base price will be charged for each joint. During your in-person consultation in Aschheim, you will receive a transparent cost estimate that takes your individual situation into account, such as the severity of your osteoarthritis and any additional therapies.

Is autologous blood therapy effective for osteoarthritis?

In cases of osteoarthritis, autologous blood therapy (PRP) is often used to complement stem cell therapy at the joint. PRP contains concentrated growth factors derived from your blood and helps regulate inflammation and support repair processes within the joint. Many treatment approaches combine PRP and stem cells to both relieve pain in the short term and promote long-term regeneration. At ROC, your doctor will discuss whether a combination with autologous blood stem cell therapy or other procedures is suitable for your knee, shoulder, or wrist.

Does stem cell therapy work for joint problems?

Studies on stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis show, on average, significant pain relief and improved function, particularly in cases of mild to moderate osteoarthritis. At the same time, professional societies continue to view the method as an innovative procedure that has not yet been fully standardized. At ROC, we incorporate this scientific data, our own experience from numerous applications, and alternative treatment options into your personalized recommendation. It is important to have realistic expectations: Stem cell therapy does not regenerate completely destroyed cartilage; rather, it supports the existing tissue and can significantly reduce pain and limitations in daily life.

How long do the effects of stem cell therapy on the joint last?

The duration of the effects of stem cell therapy on the joint depends on the severity of osteoarthritis, the amount of stress on the joint, and any underlying medical conditions. Many patients report sustained improvement over 12 months and longer. In studies on stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis, improvements are often still evident after one to two years, sometimes in combination with PRP. Your doctor at the ROC will discuss with you when a follow-up treatment is advisable and how you can stabilize the results through exercise therapy or weight management.

Does stem cell therapy help with joint pain?

Many patients with osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, shoulder, or wrist report less pain in daily life and during physical activity after treatment. Stem cell therapy for joint pain targets the inflammatory process and tissue regeneration, rather than merely suppressing symptoms. However, in cases of advanced grade 4 osteoarthritis, severe misalignment, or instability, additional measures—such as denervation or surgical corrections—are often necessary to achieve optimal results.

Is stem cell therapy covered by health insurance?

In Germany, public health insurance providers currently classify stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis as an innovative treatment that is not covered under standard insurance benefits. As a result, patients generally bear the costs themselves. Private health insurance providers may cover a portion of the expenses, depending on the policy and the individual case. At the ROC in Aschheim, you will receive comprehensive information and a detailed cost estimate before beginning stem cell therapy on the joint, so that you can make your decision with confidence.

Would you like to learn more? Contact usto schedule a consultation and learn more about stem cell therapy at the ROC Regenerative Center in Aschheim.

Contact, appointment & directions

ROC Ortho
Private Orthopedic Practice
St.-Emmeram-Str. 5
85609 Aschheim

Email: praxis@roc-ortho.de
Phone: +49 89 46259930

Opening hours

Monday7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday7:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thursday7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.