Hello, I am Dr. Hidenori Shimada of Grand Green Osaka Umekita Clinic in Osaka, Japan.
Chronic joint pain from conditions like osteoarthritis can significantly impact daily life. While options range from medication to surgery, many are exploring less invasive approaches. Regenerative medicine, particularly adipose-derived stem cell therapy, is gaining attention as a potential option for managing joint pain. This article explains the basics of this therapy and what to consider if you’re thinking about it for osteoarthritis.
What Is Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Therapy?
Adipose-derived stem cell therapy is a treatment that uses your own body’s cells. It begins with the collection of a small amount of fat tissue, usually from the abdomen, in a minimally invasive procedure. From this tissue, Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) are isolated and then multiplied in a specialized laboratory. These cultured cells are later administered back into your body, typically through an intravenous (IV) infusion.
MSCs are known for their ability to influence their local environment. Research indicates they secrete various substances, such as anti-inflammatory molecules and growth factors. The primary objective is not necessarily to regrow cartilage but to use these cellular actions to help manage inflammation and support the body’s own repair mechanisms within the joint.
How Might Stem Cells Address Osteoarthritis Pain?
Osteoarthritis involves the gradual breakdown of joint cartilage, which leads to pain, stiffness, and chronic inflammation. The potential therapeutic action of MSCs in this context is thought to be based on several mechanisms:
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: A key area of research is the ability of MSCs to modulate the immune system. They may help calm the excessive inflammatory response in an arthritic joint, which is a major source of pain and can contribute to further tissue damage.
- Support for Tissue Repair (Trophic Effects): MSCs release growth factors that can signal to surrounding cells. This may help create a more favorable environment for existing cartilage cells and support the overall health of the joint tissue.
- Homing Effect: When administered intravenously, MSCs have been reported to exhibit what is known as the “homing effect”—a tendency to travel through the bloodstream and accumulate at sites of inflammation or injury. This ability could allow them to reach affected joints and exert their effects where they are most needed.
It is important to understand that this therapy is aimed at managing symptoms and improving quality of life, not as a definitive cure for osteoarthritis. Individual outcomes can vary, and research is ongoing to better define its long-term effectiveness.
Key Considerations Before Treatment
If you are considering adipose-derived stem cell therapy, a thorough consultation with a physician is essential to determine if it is a suitable option for your specific condition. Here are some important points to discuss:
- Medical Suitability: A doctor must evaluate your overall health, the severity of your osteoarthritis, and your medical history to determine eligibility. This therapy is not appropriate for everyone and is not a substitute for standard treatments.
- Regulatory Framework in Japan: In Japan, regenerative medicine is regulated under the Act on the Safety of Regenerative Medicine. This ensures that treatments are provided based on plans approved by the authorities and that cell processing occurs in licensed facilities. At Grand Green Osaka Umekita Clinic, our therapies comply with this act.
- Treatment Costs: This is a private medical treatment and is not covered by Japanese public health insurance. Patients are responsible for the full cost. All details regarding fees, the number of treatments, and the treatment period should be confirmed during the consultation.
A physician’s diagnosis is required to assess the potential risks and side effects based on your individual health status.
Exploring Your Options in Osaka
For those in or visiting the Osaka and Umeda area, Grand Green Osaka Umekita Clinic provides consultations for individuals interested in regenerative medicine for joint pain. Our process starts with a comprehensive evaluation to understand your condition and discuss all available treatment paths, including non-surgical options like adipose-derived stem cell therapy.
We prioritize providing patients with clear and balanced information. During a consultation, our physicians will explain the potential actions, limitations, risks, and costs involved. To understand the specific process, from fat collection to cell administration, and to review details on fees and potential side effects, we encourage you to visit our detailed information page.
Learn more about Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Therapy here.
Conclusion: An Informed Decision Is Key
Adipose-derived stem cell therapy is an evolving field in the management of osteoarthritis, offering a potential non-surgical option focused on reducing inflammation and supporting the joint environment. However, it is not a guaranteed solution, and its efficacy is still being evaluated in clinical research. The most crucial step is to consult with a medical professional who can provide an accurate diagnosis and help you weigh the pros and cons of this and other treatments based on your personal health needs. Making an informed choice is fundamental to managing your joint health effectively.
References
- PubMed: Clinical Efficacy and Safety of the Intra-articular Injection of Autologous Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Phase III, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. (2023)
- PubMed: Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSCs) for Knee Osteoarthritis: Repeated MSC Dosing Is Superior to a Single MSC Dose and to Hyaluronic Acid in a Controlled Randomized Phase I/II Trial. (2019)
- PubMed: Intra-Articular Injection of Autologous Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Phase IIb, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. (2019)
- PubMed: Intra-articular injection of mesenchymal stem cells for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: a proof-of-concept clinical trial. (2014)
- PubMed: Efficacy and safety of mesenchymal stem cells in knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. (2025)
- PMC: The Effect of Intra-articular versus Intravenous Injection of Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Experimentally-Induced Knee Joint Osteoarthritis. (2021)
- PMC: Cell-free therapy for canine osteoarthritis: current evidence and prospects. (2022)
- PMC: Intra-Articular Injection of Autologous Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Phase IIb, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. (2019)
- MHLW (Japan): Regenerative Medicine — Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan
Supervising Physician
Director, Medical Corporation Shimada Clinic
Head of Clinical Practice, Grand Green Osaka Umekita Clinic
Hidenori Shimada
Graduated from the University of Tokushima Faculty of Medicine in 2005. After his initial residency, he obtained U.S. medical certification (ECFMG) and trained as a sub-intern in general surgery at the University of Washington. After completing the doctoral program at Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine and working as a researcher at the Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, he founded Shimada Clinic in 2013. At Grand Green Osaka Umekita Clinic (https://umekitaclinic.org), he is engaged in a wide range of care, from internal medicine and pediatrics to cell therapy and aesthetic medicine.
* The physician supervision of this article covers its academic content only and does not constitute a recommendation of any specific treatment or product.