Regenerative medicine · Arthritis
Regenerative Medicine for Arthritis in Honolulu
Regenerative medicine for arthritis at Aloha Stem Cell means using your own cells and platelets, through PRP or autologous stem cell therapy, to support joints affected by wear-and-tear osteoarthritis. It is not a cure for arthritis and does not regrow lost cartilage by itself, but for carefully selected patients it may reduce pain and improve function. We start every arthritis consultation by making sure you have the right diagnosis, because treatment depends heavily on what kind of arthritis you actually have.
Honest, patient-first care
Start with a conversation
01 · Understanding arthritis
Osteoarthritis, and why your joints hurt
Arthritis is not one disease. The most common form, osteoarthritis, is a wear-and-tear condition: the cartilage that cushions a joint gradually thins, the space narrows, and the bones and surrounding tissue become irritated. It tends to develop with age, after injury, or under years of repetitive load, and it typically affects weight-bearing joints like knees and hips.
There are also inflammatory forms, such as rheumatoid arthritis, which are driven by the immune system attacking the joints. This distinction matters enormously. Regenerative injections are discussed for osteoarthritis support, not as a treatment for immune-mediated inflammatory arthritis, which belongs under rheumatology care. We will be straight with you about which category your situation falls in.
02 · The options
PRP and stem cell therapy for arthritis at our clinic
Both of our regenerative treatments start with your own biology. PRP concentrates the platelets and growth factors from a small blood sample, and autologous stem cell therapy collects your own cells from bone marrow or fat tissue and delivers them back to the joint. Both are injected directly into the area that needs support.
How we choose between them, or whether we recommend either at all, depends on the joint, the severity of wear, your imaging, and the evidence for each approach in your situation. There is no default answer, and we do not sell packages.
03 · Evaluation first
How we evaluate your arthritis
A good regenerative evaluation is mostly a diagnostic exercise. We take a thorough history, review any X-rays or MRI reports, and assess the degree of joint damage. Severity grading matters: regenerative therapy is most often discussed for mild to moderate osteoarthritis, while advanced bone-on-bone joints may not respond well.
If regenerative therapy is unlikely to help you, we will say so and talk about the alternatives that have a better chance, including joint replacement when it is genuinely the right call. Protecting you from wasted time and money is part of the job.
04 · The evidence
What the science shows, honestly
PRP is the most studied regenerative option for knee osteoarthritis, with many trials reporting improvements in pain and function, though results vary and some studies show little difference from placebo. Cell-based therapies are promising and actively researched, but the evidence remains mixed and the field has not converged on standard methods.
Most important: these treatments are not FDA-approved for arthritis, and no clinic can guarantee a specific result. We are transparent about all of this, and we design each plan around what the evidence supports for you.
05 · The timeline
What to expect over time
Regeneration is slow by design. Improvement, when it comes, typically builds over weeks to months rather than days. Expect some temporary soreness after an injection, then a gradual return to activity with rehabilitation as an important partner. Follow-up appointments let us track progress and adjust the plan.
You will always know what to do, when to do it, and who to call. That is the standard at our clinic.
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions about regenerative medicine for arthritis
Can regenerative medicine cure arthritis?
No, and we do not claim it can. Regenerative treatments do not reverse arthritis or regrow lost cartilage on their own. For some patients they meaningfully reduce pain and improve function, and for others they do not. The goal is support and symptom relief, not a cure.
Which joints can be treated for arthritis?
We most commonly discuss regenerative therapy for knees and hips, and it can be relevant to other joints such as the shoulder. The decision depends on the joint, the severity of the arthritis, and what your imaging shows. This is settled at your consultation, not over the phone.
PRP or stem cells for arthritis, which is better?
There is no universal winner. PRP is simpler and more extensively studied for knee osteoarthritis; cell-based therapy may be discussed for other situations. The right choice depends on the specific joint and the evidence. We walk through that comparison honestly with you.
Is regenerative medicine covered by insurance?
Most health plans consider regenerative treatments investigational for arthritis and do not cover them. We provide the full pricing picture in writing before you commit, so you can decide with complete information.
Can I have treatment if I already take arthritis medication?
Possibly, but it depends on the medication. Some drugs can influence healing and inflammation in ways that matter for regenerative therapy. Tell us everything you take, and we will give you a straight answer about how it affects candidacy.
Talk to the clinic
Get honest answers before you decide anything
Every treatment at Aloha Stem Cell starts with a conversation, not a sales pitch. Tell us what is going on and Phil will get back to you with straight answers and a clear next step.
What happens next
After you get in touch, Phil will call or write back to understand your situation, answer your questions, and set up a consultation if that is the right next step. No pressure and no obligation.
Send us a message
Tell us a little about your condition and how we can help. Fields marked with * are required.
Not sure if this is the right step for you?
One phone call gets you honest answers, a clear picture of your options, and, if it makes sense, a consultation at our Honolulu clinic. No pressure and no obligation.
Good to know
- Autologous treatments from your own body
- Honest answers about costs and evidence
- Suite 511, 1314 South King St
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