Hello, I am Dr. Hidenori Shimada of Grand Green Osaka Umekita Clinic in Osaka, Japan.
When considering treatments for knee osteoarthritis, many people think of local injections directly into the joint. However, some advanced regenerative medicine approaches in Japan, including at our clinic in Osaka, utilize intravenous (IV) infusion. This might seem counterintuitive: why treat a knee problem with a whole-body approach? This article explains the scientific thinking behind using an IV drip for adipose-derived stem cell therapy for knee pain.
Knee Pain Is Often More Than a Local Issue
Knee osteoarthritis is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While it feels like a localized problem in the knee, emerging research suggests a connection to low-grade, systemic inflammation throughout the body. This chronic inflammation can contribute to the progression of osteoarthritis and affect overall health. A treatment that only targets the knee joint might not address this underlying systemic environment. The IV infusion approach is based on the idea that to effectively support the knee, it may be beneficial to also address the broader inflammatory state of the body.
Harnessing the “Homing Effect” of Stem Cells
One of the key concepts behind IV administration is the “homing effect” of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). When introduced into the bloodstream, MSCs have been reported to navigate towards sites of injury or inflammation. They are thought to detect chemical signals (cytokines and chemokines) released by damaged tissues and migrate to those areas to exert their effects. By using an IV infusion, the goal is to allow these cells to circulate throughout the body and naturally accumulate where they are needed most, including the inflamed knee joint. This allows for a more systemic, body-led distribution of the cells, potentially addressing not only the primary site of pain but also other areas of underlying inflammation.
Adipose-Derived Stem Cells: A Systemic Approach to Repair and Regulation
Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), which are collected from your own fat tissue, are known for their potential to modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. When administered intravenously, they are not just expected to become new cartilage cells. A primary proposed mechanism is their paracrine effect—the secretion of various beneficial molecules, such as growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines. These substances can help create a more favorable environment for tissue repair and calm excessive inflammatory responses. This systemic anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory action is a core reason for choosing IV infusion over a purely local injection for certain patients. It aims to rebalance the body’s internal environment to better support its own healing capacity.
Local Injection vs. IV Infusion: Understanding the Options
It is important to understand that both local injections and IV infusions are valid methods of administration, each with its own rationale. The choice depends on the treatment philosophy and the specific goals for the patient.
- Local Intra-articular Injection: This method delivers a high concentration of stem cells directly to the target area—the knee joint. It is a straightforward approach focused entirely on the local problem.
- Systemic IV Infusion: This method takes a broader view, aiming to reduce systemic inflammation that may be contributing to the knee problem while relying on the homing effect to guide cells to the joint. It addresses the body as an interconnected system.
At Grand Green Osaka Umekita Clinic, our approach with adipose stem cell therapy often involves IV infusion because we believe in addressing the systemic factors that contribute to chronic conditions like osteoarthritis. A physician’s assessment is crucial to determine the most suitable approach for an individual’s condition.
What to Consider Before Seeking Treatment in Japan
If you are considering stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis in Japan, it is essential to be well-informed. This treatment is a form of regenerative medicine provided under Japan’s Act on the Safety of Regenerative Medicine. It is considered an elective treatment and is not covered by public health insurance.
Before proceeding, a thorough consultation with a physician is necessary. During this consultation, you will discuss your medical history, the specifics of the treatment, the expected number of sessions, the total cost, and any potential risks or side effects. The suitability of this therapy is determined on a case-by-case basis. It is not a guaranteed cure, and outcomes can vary. The goal is to manage symptoms and support the body’s natural repair mechanisms as one potential option among various knee pain treatments.
Learn More About Your Options in Osaka
Understanding the difference between a local and systemic approach is a key step in making an informed decision about your health. The use of IV infusion for adipose stem cell therapy reflects a comprehensive perspective on managing knee osteoarthritis, focusing on the body’s overall inflammatory environment.
At Grand Green Osaka Umekita Clinic, we provide detailed consultations for patients interested in regenerative medicine. To learn more about our adipose-derived stem cell therapy, including the process and features of our systemic approach, please visit our detailed information page. We are here to help you understand your options for knee pain treatment.
For more details on our Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Therapy, please see our service page: Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Therapy at Umekita Clinic.
Local Injection
- Directly into the knee joint
- High concentration at the site
- Focuses on the local problem
Systemic IV Infusion
- Addresses systemic inflammation
- Uses the 'homing effect'
- Treats the body as a system
This diagram summarizes the key concepts discussed in the article
References
- PMC: An update on the effect of intra-articular intervention strategies using nanomaterials in osteoarthritis: Possible clinical application. (2023)
- PMC: Research progress on mesenchymal stem cell‑derived exosomes in the treatment of osteoporosis induced by knee osteoarthritis (Review). (2025)
- PMC: Comparison of Pain and Complications between Outpatients and Inpatients Treated with Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate for Knee Osteoarthritis. (2024)
- PMC: Perspectives on Osteoarthritis Treatment with Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae. (2024)
- 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.