(954) 751 6990

Are You a Candidate for Stem Cell Therapy?

An honest guide to who it may fit, from Dr. Jorge A. Gonzalez, MD, triple board-certified

Stem cell therapy is not right for everyone. Whether it fits you depends on your condition, your health and your goals. Some people with joint or tendon problems may be a good fit. Others are not, and an honest doctor will tell you so.

In this guide, Dr. Jorge Gonzalez, MD at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale explains who may be a good fit, who may not, and how to find out for sure.

Book Your Appointment Now: (954) 751-6990 Make an Inquiry Online
Dr. Jorge Gonzalez checks a patient with ultrasound for stem cell therapy in Fort Lauderdale
Important Notice from IROSM: This page is a guide, not a diagnosis. After an exam at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale, Dr. Jorge Gonzalez will tell you whether a treatment made from your own cells fits your condition, or whether another option, including surgery, is the better choice.

The Short Answer

The only way to know if stem cell therapy fits you is a consultation, where a doctor looks at your own history, imaging and exam. This page can help you decide whether that visit is worth booking.

What Is Stem Cell Therapy?

Stem cell therapy uses cells from your own bone marrow or fat. They are collected, prepared the same day in our office, and injected into a painful joint or tendon with ultrasound or X-ray guidance. At IROSM, only your own cells are used, never donor cells.

This is a newer area of medicine. Results for some conditions have been encouraging, but they vary from person to person. That is why deciding who it fits matters so much. For the full overview, see stem cell therapy in Fort Lauderdale.

A Quick Self-Check

This is not a diagnosis. Count how many of these sound like you:

  • You have joint, tendon or ligament pain that has lasted more than a few months
  • Rest, physical therapy or medicine has not helped enough
  • You have been told you may need surgery someday, but you are not ready for it
  • You want to learn about non-surgical options before you decide
  • You have arthritis, or a tendon or ligament injury that has not fully healed
  • You are in fairly good general health
  • You want an honest opinion, not a promise

If several of these apply, stem cell therapy may be worth asking about, and a consultation is the next step.

Who May Not Be a Good Fit

Being honest about this matters. Stem cell therapy may not fit you if:

  • Your joint is very worn, with little cartilage left
  • Surgery is the better choice, for example a joint that locks or gives way because of a torn piece
  • You have an infection, some cancers or blood problems, or take medicines that make it unsafe
  • You expect a promise that it will work

If it is not the right path for you, Dr. Gonzalez will tell you directly and explain the other options.

What Happens at the Consultation

  • Dr. Gonzalez reviews your history and any X-rays or MRI.
  • He examines the painful area, often with an ultrasound scan in the office.
  • He tells you honestly whether a treatment made from your own cells fits your condition.
  • If it does, he explains what it involves and what it costs. If not, he tells you what the better options are.

You leave with a clear answer, whether that answer is yes or no.

Stem Cells, PRP or Something Else?

Stem cell therapy is not the only option. PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is made from a small sample of your blood and is simpler to prepare. In one study of knee arthritis, the two worked about the same (see the research below). Learn more in PRP vs stem cell vs laser therapy and PRP therapy in Fort Lauderdale. For knees, see stem cell injections for knees.

Stem cell therapy is usually not covered by insurance. Read the truth about stem cell injection costs. Have more questions? See common questions about stem cells and is stem cell therapy legal in the United States.

What the Research Says

  • Bone marrow cells compared with PRP for knee arthritis: A study randomly split people with knee arthritis into a bone marrow concentrate injection or a PRP injection. Both groups improved, and the results were about the same for two years. The bone marrow treatment did not do better than PRP. Anz AW, et al. Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate Is Equivalent to Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis at 2 Years: A Prospective Randomized Trial. Am J Sports Med. 2022;50(3):618-629. View the study.

Stem Cell Therapy Consultations in Fort Lauderdale

Providing stem cell therapy consultations to residents in Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Plantation, Oakland Park, Tamarac, and Broward County, and to patients from Miami-Dade County. We also offer stem cell therapy in Hialeah. For our Hialeah office, se habla español.

Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (IROSM)
3333 West Commercial Blvd, Suite 101
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Phone: (954) 751-6990

Frequently Asked Questions About Stem Cell Therapy

How do I know if I am a candidate for stem cell therapy?

How do I know if I am a candidate for stem cell therapy?
The only reliable way is a consultation. A doctor reviews your history and imaging, examines the area and tells you honestly whether a treatment made from your own cells fits your condition.

Who is not a good candidate for stem cell therapy?

Who is not a good candidate for stem cell therapy?
It may not fit people with a very worn joint, a problem that needs surgery, an infection, some cancers or blood problems, or people expecting a promise that it will work. Dr. Gonzalez explains your options.

Does IROSM use my own cells?

Does IROSM use my own cells?
Yes. IROSM uses only your own cells, usually from bone marrow or a small amount of fat, prepared the same day.

Is stem cell therapy covered by insurance?

Is stem cell therapy covered by insurance?
It is usually not covered. Our team explains the cost clearly at your consultation, before any treatment begins.

How soon can I be seen in Fort Lauderdale?

How soon can I be seen in Fort Lauderdale?
Most new patients can be seen within the same week. You can call (954) 751-6990 or book online.

Do I need a referral to be seen at IROSM?

Do I need a referral to be seen at IROSM?
It depends on your insurance. Many HMO, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans need a referral from your primary care doctor before you see a specialist. Please check with your plan, or call us at (954) 751-6990 before your visit to confirm.

Get an Honest Answer About Stem Cell Therapy

Triple board-certified · Fellowship-trained at the Andrews Institute · Fort Lauderdale & Hialeah

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Jorge Gonzalez at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale to find out whether a treatment made from your own cells fits your condition. Same-week appointments are usually available.

Book Your Appointment Now: (954) 751-6990 Make an Inquiry Online
Dr. Jorge A. Gonzalez, MD
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Jorge A. Gonzalez, MD
Institute: Institute of Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (IROSM)
Last reviewed: September 2026

Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes and does not constitute formal medical advice. Individual patient outcomes will vary. Stem cell therapy at IROSM in Fort Lauderdale requires a clinical examination by Dr. Jorge Gonzalez to establish candidacy. Serving Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Plantation, and surrounding Broward County communities.