Many people have questions regarding stem cells, regenerative medicine and orthobiologic treatments.
The first step is to clearly explain what we are actually injecting — because terminology can easily create misconceptions.
A Shift in Scientific Understanding
The term “stem cell therapy” understandably suggests that we inject a cell that directly becomes new tissue. However, decades of research have shown that this is not how these cells function in clinical use today.
- In 1991, Arnold Caplan, PhD (Case Western Reserve University) first described the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) — a cell capable of regenerating tissue.
- By 2017, after extensive research, he published “Time to Change the Name,” demonstrating that these cells do not become new tissue directly.
- Instead, they act as Medicinal Signaling Cells — abbreviated MSC — because they secrete growth-factor-rich extracellular vesicles (exosomes) that activate the patient’s own local tissue-specific progenitor cells to repair injury.
Dr. Caplan has a great interview from 2022 where he goes into more depth on mesenchymal cells, pericytes, and modern regenerative thinking. You can access the full discussion here:
Open Dr. Caplan’s 2022 interview (DOI: szac026)
How Your Body Uses Pericytes & Exosomes to Heal
These Cells Exist Naturally as Pericytes
In every person, precursor cells called pericytes sit quietly around blood vessels in a dormant or resting state.
How They Activate During Injury
The Modern Regenerative Approach
Today’s regenerative therapies focus on signaling and stimulating your body’s own repair pathways, rather than implanting replacement tissue.
This approach leverages your natural biology for safer, more effective healing.
There are several categories used clinically:
| Therapy Type | Key Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|
|
Autologous Bone Marrow
|
Low MSC %, high growth factors | Patient-derived Patient-derived |
|
Micronized Autologous Adipose Tissue
|
Higher MSC % | Patient-derived Patient-derived |
|
Allograft Placental / Umbilical Tissue Matrix
|
Structural graft + signaling | Donor (regulated tissue graft) Donor |
|
Purified Exosome Products
|
No cells; pure signaling | Donor cell-line derived (varies internationally) Donor cell-line |
|
MSCs
|
Companies typically give Total Nucleated Cells – not actual MSC numbers. Patients can get higher numbers of these cells overseas. | Donor from Wharton's Jelly or adipose (most typical) Donor-derived |
The Products We Use
Depending on the clinical scenario, The Osteopathic Center uses a wide range of biologic therapies. Based on patient outcomes, the Placental Tissue Matrix has consistently shown the best long-term healing results.
- ✔ Placental tissue graft (preferred option) — visible micronized matrix that provides structural scaffold support along with potent regenerative signaling.
- ✔ Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) — patient-derived cytokines and platelets that enhance graft effectiveness and promote sustained healing.
Regulatory & Safety Standards
The connective tissue matrix used at The Osteopathic Center follows strict regulatory and safety standards, ensuring the highest quality biologic care and patient safety.
- ✔ GTP + GMP compliant for processing and manufacturing standards
- ✔ FDA-registered human tissue matrix
- ✔ AATB-accredited — meeting strict tissue banking and graft safety benchmarks
Reasons to Choose Us
Multiple Convenient Locations
Quick and Effective Solutions
