Yes, Stem Cell Therapy can help treat Tendon Injuries. We look at exactly how it works & whether you should get treatment.
The research is broken down, costs are provided in different countries for Stem Cell Treatments.
Use the Table of Content to read about anything specifically, we hope this is helpful!
What is Tendonitis?
Tendonitis happens when a tendon, the strong tissue that connects muscle to bone becomes irritated or injured. It often develops from overuse, repetitive movements, or age-related wear and tear.
Common treatments include rest, physical therapy, or corticosteroid injections, but these approaches don’t always repair the underlying tendon damage. This is where stem cell therapy is now being explored as a potential option. We break down how Stem Cells help specific Tendon injuries below.
Dealing with tendonitis can feel like a never-ending loop of rest, pain, and frustration. We’re not here to sell false hope. Just to give you honest content that helps you decide if stem cells might actually be worth exploring, and introduce you to clinics we’ve personally vetted.
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Stem Cells for Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff tears are a common shoulder injury, especially in athletes and older adults. Standard care often involves rest, physiotherapy, or even surgery, but recovery can be slow and incomplete. Stem cell therapy is being studied as a way to improve healing and reduce pain.
What the Treatment Looks Like
Cell source
Most clinics use mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from your own bone marrow or fat tissue. Some use donated umbilical cord MSCs.
Delivery method
The cells are injected directly into the injured tendon under ultrasound guidance. This targets the damaged area rather than circulating cells through the whole body.
Treatment course
In most clinics and studies, this is done as a single injection, though some protocols use a series of injections spaced weeks apart.
Combination therapy
Some providers pair MSC injections with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to further stimulate healing.
What Studies Show So Far
Clinical studies suggest that MSC injections into the rotator cuff can help: Reduce inflammation and shoulder pain.
Stimulate tendon repair by releasing healing signals.
Improve mobility and strength compared to standard care alone.
Can Stem Cell Therapy help Jumper’s Knee or Patellar Tendonitis
Yes, studies suggest stem cell therapy can help patients with jumper’s knee or patellar tendonitis by reducing pain and supporting tendon healing.
Early research shows improvements in pain, function, and even tendon structure on imaging, especially for athletes who haven’t responded to standard treatments like rest or physical therapy.
Can Stem Cells Cure Tennis Elbow
Stem cells can’t cure tennis elbow, but research shows they may help reduce pain and improve tendon healing when standard treatments fail.
Early results show better pain relief and function compared to steroid injections.
Can Stem Cell Therapy treat Bicep Tendonitis
Yes, early studies and clinic experience suggest stem cell therapy can help biceps tendonitis by reducing inflammation and supporting tendon healing.
If you’re looking at Stem Cell Clinics abroad, the biggest risk your taking is going to a clinic following poor standards. That’s why we take our vetting process so seriously. Read more about our process & why we do what we do below
Stem Cell Therapy prices for Tendonitis or Tendon injuries
Stem Cell treatment prices for tendonitis/tendon injuries range from $3,500 in India to $15,000 per joint in the likes of Japan & Dubai.
We’ve gathered our pricing data in a few different ways & we’re always updating it! We’ve done a breakdown of prices in different countries below. To compare costs globally, take a look at our Guide to Stem Cell costs around the world:
| Country | Cost (USD) | Treatment Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK | $4,800 – $13,500 | Autologous Adipose or BMAC | More Info: UK Country & Cost Guide |
| Dubai | $5,000 – $15,000 | Umbilical Cord MSCs | Higher dosage available. More Info: Dubai Country & Cost Guide |
| Colombia | $6,500 – $7,500 | Umbilical Cord MSCs | Higher dosage available. More Info: Colombia Country & Cost Guide |
| Japan | $9,000 – $15,000 | Autologous Adipose | Higher dosage. More Info: Japan Country & Cost Guide |
| Thailand | $4,700 – $9,300 | Umbilical Cord MSCs | Higher dosage. More Info: Thailand Country & Cost Guide |
| India | $3,500 | Autologous MSCs | More Info: India Country & Cost Guide |
| USA | $7,000 – $10,000 | Autologous BMAC (non-cultured) | More Info: US Country & Cost Guide |
| South Korea | $8,000 – $12,000 | Autologous Adipose or BMAC | Higher dosage. More Info: South Korea Country & Cost Guide |
Best Stem Cell Therapy clinics for Tendon Injuries
We don’t let any clinic just sign up or pay to be listed.
We speak to every clinic directly and review their medical team, the treatments they offer, how their stem cells are sourced and how they follow up with patients after treatment.
We also review licensing documents to confirm they meet the legal and medical standards of the country they operate in. For example, whether cells are processed in a GMP-certified facility or if they provide documentation on stem cell quality.
Clinics must also agree to let us collect and publish independent patient reviews. Both positive and negative.
Why Use Alt Treatment?
We don’t just list clinics, we help you choose the right one, get the best pricing and support you through the entire journey. For free.
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Top Stem Cell Therapy Clinics for Tendon Injuries
We’ve vetted Stem Cell Therapy clinics Globally who treat Tendon Injuries. Information on their processes, standards they follow & prices are on their profiles.
Compare Clinics GloballyHow Stem Cell Therapy Works for Tendon Injuries
Stem cell therapy for tendon injuries works mainly by calming inflammation and releasing powerful healing signals, rather than simply “growing” a brand-new tendon.
The Healing Mechanism
Most studies using mesenchymal stem cells show that these cells reduce pain and improve function by sending out molecules that help repair tissue and regulate the immune response.
Evidence of Repair
In some cases, imaging and surgical follow-ups have confirmed that injected MSCs can contribute to tendon regeneration, such as healthier tendon fibers or reduced swelling. For example, higher doses of MSCs have been linked to stronger pain relief and even visible tissue repair in studies on tennis elbow and patellar tendinopathy.
Why Results Can Vary
Results vary depending on the tendon treated. Rotator cuff tears tend to show the most consistent improvements, while conditions like Achilles or patellar tendonitis have produced more mixed findings.
The Takeaway: How It Works
- This suggests that stem cells likely work best through a combination of effects:
- Reducing inflammation.
- Boosting local healing.
- And in some cases, directly aiding tissue repair.
To read more on the actual research, take a look at our article on Stem Cell Research for Tendonitis.
Types of Stem Cells Used to Treat Tendon Injuries
The most common type of stem cells used for tendon injuries are mesenchymal stem cells, usually taken from bone marrow, fat tissue or donated umbilical cord.
These cells are popular because they can calm inflammation, release healing signals and support the body’s natural repair process:
Bone Marrow–Derived MSCs
These are taken from the tissue inside bones, usually the pelvic (hip) bone, through a needle aspiration.
Bone marrow MSCs have been studied the longest and are considered the “classic” source for orthopedic use.
They are naturally involved in maintaining bone, cartilage, and connective tissue, which is why researchers believe they are well-suited for repairing tendon and joint injuries.
Drawback: The procedure can be uncomfortable and the number and potency of MSCs decline with age.
Adipose (Fat)–Derived MSCs
These are collected through a minor liposuction procedure, often from the abdomen or thigh.
Fat tissue contains a very high concentration of MSCs compared to bone marrow, so even a small sample can yield millions of cells.
Adipose MSCs are particularly valued for their strong anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties, making them attractive for chronic tendonitis and sports injuries where reducing inflammation is key.
Advantage: The procedure is less invasive than bone marrow aspiration, and recovery is generally quicker.
Umbilical Cord–Derived MSCs
These cells (including those from Wharton’s Jelly) are donated after birth and processed in a lab.
They are young, active, and do not require collection from the patient.
Use Case: These cells are commonly used in allogeneic therapies (donor to recipient).
Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy for Tendon Injuries
Stem cell therapy for tendon injuries may reduce pain, improve function & even support tendon repair, offering several potential benefits:
Pain Reduction
- Many studies show patients report less pain compared to standard care or steroid injections.
- Benefits often continue for months after treatment.
Improved Function & Mobility
- Better movement and strength in affected joints (rotator cuff, knee, elbow).
- Helps athletes and active patients return to sport sooner.
Potential for Tissue Repair
- Some imaging studies show healthier tendon fibers or reduced degeneration after MSC injections.
- Still early, but evidence suggests stem cells may aid actual healing, not just symptom relief.
Alternative to Surgery
- For partial tears or chronic tendonitis, stem cell therapy may reduce the need for invasive procedures.
- Useful for patients who failed physical therapy or steroid injections.
Low Rejection Risk
- MSCs (from bone marrow, fat, or umbilical cord) are generally safe and well-tolerated.
- Reported side effects are minimal in clinical trials.
Longer-Lasting Relief Compared to Steroids
- Steroid injections often provide only short-term improvement.
- MSCs may offer more durable benefits by addressing inflammation and repair.
Risks of getting Stem Cell Therapy for Tendon Injuries
Risks of stem cell therapy for tendon injuries include mixed results, differences in clinic practices, possible side effects like swelling or infection & high costs:
Variable Results
- Not all patients respond the same way. Some report major improvements, while others see little or no benefit.
Lack of Standard Protocols
- Clinics use different cell sources, doses & delivery methods, which makes outcomes inconsistent.
Unregulated Clinics
- In places without strict oversight, some providers may offer “stem cell” treatments that aren’t genuine or properly tested, increasing the chance of poor results or even harm.
Side Effects and Complications
- Most are minor (swelling, soreness, temporary pain at the injection site).
- In rare cases, there’s a risk of infection or improper injection into surrounding tissues.
Unproven Long-Term Effects
- Short-term safety data is reassuring, but long-term effects are still being studied.
- No guarantee of permanent tendon repair.
Cost and Accessibility
- Treatments can be expensive, and insurance usually doesn’t cover them since they are considered experimental.
So, should I get Stem Cell Therapy for my Tendon Injuries?
Stem cell therapy may be worth considering if you’ve tried standard treatments like rest, physiotherapy or injections and are still struggling with pain or limited function.
It has shown promise in studies for conditions like rotator cuff tears, jumper’s knee, Achilles tendonitis and tennis elbow, especially in reducing pain and helping patients return to activity.
That said, it’s still considered experimental. Results vary, long-term data is limited, and treatments can be costly.
To read about the other conditions Stem Cells can treat, check out our article on What conditions can Stem Cell Therapy treat, or our whole Areas of Treatment section.
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Yes! Studies show Stem Cells reduce pain, improve blood flow, and help repair tendon damage. But, results aren’t guaranteed for everyone, go in with your eyes wide open.
Aside from Stem Cells, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy and low-intensity shockwave therapy are emerging options.
Costs range from $3,000 to $15,000 per session. To compare costs globally, check out our Guide to Costs Globally.
Common risks of getting Stem Cells are fever and local pain/swelling at the injection site. We go into all of the side effects in more detail in our Stem Cell Therapy Side Effects Article
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