Stem Cell Therapy for Osteoarthritis: Gentle Relief for Your Joints

Stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis at the ROC Regenerative Center in Aschheim near Munich offers you a modern approach to treating osteoarthritis biologically, reducing pain, and maintaining mobility for as long as possible. Instead of merely alleviating symptoms or resorting to joint replacement surgery at an early stage, we utilize the body’s own regenerative processes to positively influence the joint environment and develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific situation.

Minimally invasive

Minimally invasive, outpatient treatment without major surgery

Regenerative approach

The body's own cells support healing and tissue regeneration

Personalized therapy 

Not a one-size-fits-all program, but a customized solution for you

What are stem cells?

Stem cells are among the body’s own cells that can trigger tissue repair processes. In orthopedics, they are used to biologically influence a damaged joint environment, dampen inflammatory reactions, and promote the regeneration of cartilage and surrounding structures. This approach is particularly coming into focus in the treatment of osteoarthritis, because the goal is to treat not only the pain but also the damaged tissue itself.

What is joint stem cell therapy?

In stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis, we use the body’s own cells—derived from the patient’s own fat, blood, or ear cartilage—to stimulate regenerative processes in the affected joint. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and create a more biologically favorable environment for the joint. At ROC, we do not merely focus on the affected joint; we also assess cartilage damage, inflammatory activity, daily stress on the joint, and previous treatments. You can find an overview of our orthopedic services under Orthopedics at ROC.

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

Belly fat

Using the SVF/MFAT procedure , we harvest regenerative cells from the body's own adipose tissue.

Blood

We process the patient's own blood on an outpatient basis and use its regenerative components for treatment.

ear cartilage

In the AMT procedure, we harvest tissue from the ear cartilage for the treatment of osteoarthritis and cartilage defects.

The procedure used depends on the severity of the osteoarthritis, the affected joint, any misalignments or instability, and your treatment goals. Autologous fat contains many regenerative cells and signaling molecules; autologous blood can be quickly processed on an outpatient basis; and AMT technology is particularly suitable for damaged cartilage tissue as well as small to medium-sized defects. For more information on knee treatment, see AMT Stem Cell Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis.

Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy for Joint Pain

  • Pain relief: Stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis aims to reduce inflammatory responses and alleviate pain during daily activities and when under physical strain.
  • Promoting tissue regeneration: Rather than merely treating symptoms, the procedure supports biological processes within the joint and improves the environment for cartilage and adjacent structures.
  • Avoiding major surgery: Many patients want to delay joint replacement for as long as possible and are looking for a joint-preserving alternative.
  • Autologous material: The treatment uses the patient's own cells or components, which can help ensure good tolerability.
  • Personalized Treatment Plan: At the ROC, diagnosis, treatment selection, and follow-up care are coordinated to meet individual needs, rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution.

The Stem Cell Therapy Process for Joints at the ROC

We begin with a thorough analysis of your joint, including a clinical examination, ultrasound, and additional imaging if necessary. We assess your pain profile, range of motion, previous injuries, and your personal goals. Based on this, we select the appropriate treatment and create your personalized treatment plan. Depending on the findings, additional measures may also be considered, such as components from our osteoarthritis therapy or combined approaches, as described on the page Osteoarthritis, Stem Cell Therapy, and Denervation.

Relieve joint pain without surgery

The treatment is performed on an outpatient basis and is gentle on the tissues. In autologous blood therapy, we draw blood, process it, and inject the resulting cell preparation directly into the affected area. In SVF therapy, the material is derived from the patient’s own adipose tissue; in the AMT method, it is derived from ear cartilage. The injection is followed by structured follow-up care that includes load management, tailored exercise, and, if necessary, additional measures. Regenerative medicine does not work like a light switch: the joint needs time for biological processes to begin and for resilience to develop.

Videos on stem cell therapy

A report on MünchenTV 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 Joint Pain

What are the side effects of stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis?

Following stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis, temporary reactions such as a feeling of pressure, swelling, bruising, or a brief increase in pain usually occur. Since the patient’s own tissue is used, the risk of adverse reactions is reduced. The exact level of activity permitted after the procedure depends on the technique used, the joint involved, and the patient’s condition.

How much does stem cell treatment for osteoarthritis cost?

The cost of stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis depends on the procedure chosen (whether the stem cells are harvested from the patient’s own blood, fat, or ear cartilage) and on whether one or more joints are being treated.

The following guidelines apply at ROC: See the cost overview

Depending on the procedure and your individual treatment plan, the costs include diagnostics, cell collection, processing, and injection, as well as follow-up care. After a personal consultation, we will provide you with a transparent cost estimate.

Important: Statutory health insurance plans generally do not currently cover this service, as it is considered an elective medical procedure. For those with private health insurance or government-subsidized coverage, it may be advisable to submit a prior request along with a cost estimate to determine whether reimbursement is possible.

Can stem cell therapy help with osteoarthritis?

Yes, stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis can reduce pain, influence inflammatory processes, and improve joint function. The effectiveness depends on the severity of the osteoarthritis, the joint involved, associated factors, and post-treatment care. Early- to mid-stage osteoarthritis often responds better to treatment than advanced cases.

Can osteoarthritis be treated with stem cells?

Damaged cartilage regenerates only to a limited extent. Stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis aims to improve the biological environment within the joint and stimulate regenerative processes. The extent of actual cartilage regeneration depends heavily on the initial findings.

How long do the effects of stem cell therapy last?

The duration of the effects varies. It depends on age, joint stress, the severity of osteoarthritis, joint alignment, and any accompanying treatments. With AMT and MFAT therapy, the ROC often reports long-lasting effects lasting several years. A personalized assessment can only be made after diagnosis and examination.

Is stem cell therapy covered by health insurance?

In many cases, stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis is a self-pay service. You will receive a clear breakdown of costs before treatment begins. To make an informed decision, it is important to consider not only the cost, but also your suitability for the treatment, your goals, and the realistic chances of success.

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.