Stem cell treatment is a minimally invasive way to help damaged tendons rebuild, without surgery. In a 10-year study of rotator cuff repair, adding bone-marrow stem cells improved healing and reduced re-tears (Hernigou, 2014). Korean trials found stem cell injections shrank partial rotator cuff tears by 83 to 90% and improved chronic tennis elbow. Our partner clinic in Bangkok has treated more than 1,000 patients, and a doctor reviews your scan free to recommend the treatment that fits you.
Who may be a candidate
- Tendon pain lasting more than 6 months despite good rehab
- Partial tears or degenerative tendons
- People who want to avoid or support surgery
Complete ruptures usually need surgical repair. A doctor reviews your ultrasound or MRI first: scan review.
Tendon pain for more than 3 months? Get the free guide and a doctor review of your scan.
Recent research from Asia and beyond
| Country, year | Study | What it found |
|---|---|---|
| Korea, 2018 | First-in-human trial, Stem Cells (PMID 29790618) | Stem cells injected into partial rotator cuff tears improved shoulder function and pain; tear volume shrank by 83 to 90% in the higher-dose groups |
| Korea, 2020 | 2-year follow-up, Arthroscopy (PMID 31805388) | Benefits for partial rotator cuff tears continued over 2 years through regeneration of tendon defects |
| Korea, 2015 | Pilot study, Stem Cells (PMID 26202898) | Donor fat-derived stem cells for chronic tennis elbow improved pain and performance, and tendon defects shrank over 52 weeks |
| Spain, 2023 | Clinical study, Orthop J Sports Med (PMID 37711505) | Bone marrow stem cells for chronic jumper's knee with tendon gaps gave highly significant improvement at 12 months, with no side effects |
| Brazil, 2024 | Clinical study, Cell Tissue Bank (PMID 38904737) | Fat-derived stem cells after acute Achilles rupture supported tissue regeneration and recovery of function |
Why patients choose stem cells over tendon surgery
- No incision: an ultrasound-guided injection under local anaesthetic
- No sling or boot for weeks: most people return to light activity within days
- Keeps your own tendon: helps it rebuild instead of cutting or reattaching it
- A fraction of the cost of shoulder or tendon surgery in the US
Treatment day
- Scan review and examination
- Cell preparation from your own bone marrow or fat, or screened donor tissue
- Ultrasound-guided injection into the damaged part of the tendon
- Home or hotel the same day, with a staged rehab plan
Tendon pain for more than 3 months? Get the free guide and a doctor review of your scan.
Recovery timeline
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| Days 1 to 7 | Relative rest, gentle movement |
| Weeks 2 to 6 | Isometric and light loading exercises |
| Weeks 6 to 12 | Progressive strength |
| Months 3 to 6 | Return to sport and full load |
Best suited to
Chronic Achilles, tennis elbow, partial rotator cuff tears, jumper's knee and gluteal tendinopathy that have not settled with rehab.
