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Stem Cell Therapy for Osteoarthritis (Knee, Hip, Shoulder)

At the Stem Cells Transplant Institute in Costa Rica, we provide personalized mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy programs to help reduce joint inflammation, support joint health, and promote the body’s natural repair processes in the knees, hips, and shoulders.

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Reviewed: 19 Apr 2026

What Is Osteoarthritis (OA)?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic, progressive condition characterized by the gradual wear-and-tear of joint cartilage and surrounding tissues. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones may rub more closely against each other, commonly leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. In later stages, bone spurs and episodes of bone-on-bone contact can occur.

According to the Global Burden of Disease Study (2021), more than 528 million people worldwide are living with osteoarthritis — a number that has increased by nearly 113% since 1990 — making it one of the most common chronic joint conditions and a leading cause of disability in older adults.

OA of the knee, hip, or shoulder can significantly limit daily activities and quality of life. It is a long-term condition managed through lifestyle measures, physical therapy, medications, injections, and when appropriate, surgical interventions. Each option has benefits and considerations that must be evaluated.

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Why Seek Stem Cell Therapy for Osteoarthritis in Costa Rica?

Stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, and shoulder is offered at the Stem Cells Transplant Institute located in San José, Costa Rica, within a certified clinical facility operating under structured protocols and orthopedic physician supervision. These programs are designed for patients exploring investigational options prior to joint replacement surgery.

Patients from the United States, Canada, and Europe who are in that position travel to Costa Rica because MSC joint therapy is administered under proper medical supervision, uses quality-controlled cell preparations, and costs a fraction of what equivalent private procedures would involve in North America. Most protocols are completed in two to three days, and patients can return home shortly thereafter, depending on clinical guidance.

Current imaging, joint-specific symptom history, and prior treatment records are all part of the pre-treatment review to determine candidacy. Each protocol is designed around the specific joint involved (knee, hip, and shoulder presentations each require a different clinical approach) and the degree of degeneration.

Common Characteristics

  • Joint pain that worsens with activity
  • Morning stiffness or stiffness after periods of rest
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Swelling or joint tenderness
  • Crepitus (a grinding or crackling sensation)
Evidence-Based Treatment

Why Stem Cell Therapy for OA?

Osteoarthritis involves progressive cartilage degeneration, changes in the surrounding bone, and chronic inflammation within the joint. Research suggests that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may help modulate immune and inflammatory activity, support cartilage health through paracrine signaling, and contribute to a more balanced joint environment. 

MSCs have also been studied for their ability to release growth factors that may promote tissue repair responses and provide protective effects to cartilage cells. Early preclinical and clinical evidence indicates potential benefits; however, these findings remain under active investigation and are not guaranteed for every patient. 

(Evidence remains preliminary, and ongoing controlled clinical trials are required to confirm the magnitude and consistency of these effects.)

1

Calming joint inflammation

MSCs have been investigated for their potential to modulate joint inflammation by reducing immune-cell activation and lowering levels of inflammatory cytokines and mediators in osteoarthritic tissue. (Cao et al. 2025)

2

Supporting cartilage health

They may help support cartilage health through paracrine signaling that promotes extracellular matrix production and provides protective effects to cartilage cells against further degeneration. (Cao et al. 2025)

3

Improving the joint environment

MSC-derived factors may contribute to a more balanced joint environment by supporting tissue-repair responses, helping maintain joint lubrication, and promoting local tissue and microvascular health. (Zhu et al. 2021)

4

Countering oxidative stress

MSCs may help counter oxidative stress in cartilage by releasing antioxidant molecules that protect cartilage cells from premature injury. (Zhu et al. 2021)

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Expected Benefits and Clinical Observations

Although individual responses vary widely, published studies and clinical observations have reported potential supportive improvement in the following functional domains:

Reduced pain
20-45%
Icono morado de una cara sonriente rodeada de tres signos de más, simbolizando positividad, mejora continua y bienestar.
Improved function
15-40%
Reduced inflammation
15-35%

*These percentages summarizes ranges reported in selected clinical studies and observational cohorts under controlled conditions and standardized outcomes measures. They are not specific to any single study or to treatments performed at Stem Cells Transplant Institute. They should not be interpreted as averages, promises, or guaranteed results for individual patients. Evidence for MSC therapy in osteoarthritis remains preliminary, and ongoing controlled clinical trials are still evaluating the magnitude, durability and consistency of these effects. All observations should be considered exploratory and hypothesis-generating rather than definitive proof of efficacy.

Timeline of Reported Improvements

Published studies and patient-reported outcomes suggest that improvements after mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy for OA may develop gradually over time. These timelines are illustrative summaries rather than predictions, and individual responses vary significantly.

1-3 months
Some patients report reduced soreness and improved morning stiffness.
3-6 months
Functional changes, such as increased comfort during walking or daily activities, may become more noticeable.
6-12 months
Some patients report sustained symptom improvement over time.

*These timelines summarize patterns reported across selected published studies and observational cohorts. They are not specific predictions, and they do not represent expected outcomes for any individual patient. Individual experiences va ry considerably, and some patients may experience minimal or no improvement. Evidence for MSC therapy in OA remains preliminary, and larger controlled clinical trials are needed to validate these observations. All timelines should be interpreted as exploratory and non-confirmatory.

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Patient Stories & Testimonials

Frequently Asked Questions

Many patients have a short immediate recovery period and are able to walk and resume light activity soon after the procedure. Some individuals report modest improvements within 1–2 months, with gradual changes continuing over the following months; in certain cases, patients report clearer changes around 6 months, and may continue to be reported for up to a year. The procedure is generally performed on an outpatient basis, and most patients are discharged the same day.

Yes —we offer stem cell therapy as a complement to standard orthopedic care. Patients often combine MSC therapy with physical therapy, rehabilitation programs and other supportive measures aimed at supporting joint function and mobility. If you are considering combining therapies, keep your home doctor involved so everyone coordinates timing and medications safely.

When selecting a stem cell clinic for osteoarthritis, patients may consider the following factors:

  • Transparency regarding the source and processing of cells (autologous versus umbilical-cord–derived MSCs), including how cells are handled, tested, and prepared.
  • Clinical experience with orthopedic conditions such as knee, hip, and shoulder osteoarthritis, along with clearly defined treatment protocols and follow-up plans.
  • Availability of clear pre- and post-treatment guidance. 
  • Patient coordination services, including travel logistics, accommodation support, and post-procedure follow-up.


At SCTI, treatment protocols may involve autologous MSCs (derived from adipose tissue or bone marrow) or cultured umbilical-cord–derived MSCs, depending on the patient’s clinical profile and evaluation.

Yes. SCTI offers phone and virtual consultations that allow our medical team to review relevant medical history, imaging studies, and current medications list before you travel. This initial remote review helps determine whether a patient may be a candidate for treatment and allows for preliminary discussion of the proposed plan, estimated costs, and expected length of stay.

Final treatment decisions are made after an in-person medical evaluation.

SCTI works with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Depending on the clinical evaluation and treatment protocol, MSCs may be autologous (derived from the patient’s own adipose tissue or bone marrow) or allogeneic umbilical-cord–derived MSCs that are cultured and prepared under controlled conditions for clinical use. 

The choice of cell source is determined by patient-specific factors and medical considerations.

Stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis works by reducing joint inflammation and supporting natural tissue repair. Stem cells help improve the joint environment, which may reduce pain, improve mobility, and support cartilage health.

Stem cell therapy for hip osteoarthritis may help reduce pain, improve joint function, and support mobility. While results vary, many patients experience less stiffness and better movement as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

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Key Research Studies

Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Knee Osteoarthritis: Meta-Analysis of RCTs

Stem Cell Research & Therapy • 2025

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating safety and therapeutic efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis.

View published study

Regenerative Potential of MSCs for Knee Osteoarthritis and Chondral Defects

Arthroscopy Journal • 2021

Systematic review and meta-analysis assessing clinical outcomes and cartilage repair potential of mesenchymal stem cells in knee osteoarthritis.

View published study

Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Osteoarthritis Therapy

American Journal of Translational Research • 2021

Scientific review describing mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and regenerative effects of MSC therapy in osteoarthritis treatment.

View published study

Summary of MSC Clinical Trials in Knee Osteoarthritis

Acta Orthopaedica Belgica • 2024

Clinical review summarizing outcomes and safety findings from multiple mesenchymal stem cell trials in knee osteoarthritis patient

View published study
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