Are You a Candidate for Stem Cell Therapy?

A plain-English look at who may be a candidate for stem cell and orthobiologic treatment, what a candidacy consultation involves, and how to find out if it is an option for you, from IROSM in Fort Lauderdale.

The short answer

There is no single answer to whether stem cell therapy is right for you, because it depends on your condition, your history, and your goals. Some people with joint or tendon problems may be good candidates for regenerative treatment. Others are not, and a responsible physician will tell you so. The only reliable way to know is a candidacy consultation, where the treatment is evaluated for your specific case rather than assumed.

What Is Stem Cell and Orthobiologic Therapy?

Orthobiologic treatments, sometimes referred to broadly as stem cell therapy, use your body’s own regenerative cells to support the repair of damaged tissue. At IROSM, we only use your own (autologous) cells, collected and prepared in our Advanced Regenerative Lab. It is a non-surgical, in-office approach used as an alternative to surgery for appropriate patients.

This is an evolving area of medicine. Research and clinical experience have been encouraging for certain conditions, but outcomes vary from patient to patient, which is why candidacy matters so much.

A Quick Candidacy Self-Assessment

This is not a diagnosis, but it can help you understand whether a candidacy consultation is worth booking. Consider how many of these apply to you:

• You have ongoing joint, tendon, or ligament pain that has lasted more than a few months
• Rest, physical therapy, or medication has not given you lasting relief
• You have been told you may eventually need surgery, but you are not ready for it
• You want to explore non-surgical options before making a decision
• You have osteoarthritis or a tendon or ligament injury that has not fully healed
• You are in reasonably good general health
• You have realistic expectations and want an honest opinion, not a guarantee

If several of these apply to you, you may be a candidate, and a consultation is the sensible next step to find out for certain.

Who May Not Be a Good Candidate

Being honest about this matters. Regenerative treatment is not right for everyone. You may not be a candidate if your condition is too advanced to respond, if surgery is genuinely the better option for your situation, or if your general health makes the treatment inappropriate. At your consultation, if regenerative treatment is not the right path for you, Dr. Gonzalez will tell you directly and discuss the alternatives.

What Happens at a Candidacy Consultation?

A candidacy consultation at IROSM is straightforward and there is no obligation:

• Dr. Gonzalez reviews your medical history and any imaging, such as X-rays or an MRI
• He examines the affected area
• He gives you an honest assessment of whether regenerative treatment is appropriate for your specific condition
• If it is, he explains what it would involve; if it is not, he tells you what the better options are

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

Why Choose IROSM for a Candidacy Evaluation?

• A triple board-certified physician. Your evaluation is with Dr. Jorge Gonzalez, fellowship-trained at the Andrews Institute, with experience treating professional MLB and NFL athletes.
• Your own cells, prepared in-house. IROSM uses only your own regenerative cells, processed in our Advanced Regenerative Lab.
• An honest opinion. You will get a straight answer about whether this is right for you, not a sales pitch.
• A dedicated regenerative orthopedics practice. This is our focus, not a side service.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The only reliable way is a candidacy consultation. A physician reviews your history and imaging, examines the area, and tells you honestly whether regenerative treatment is appropriate for your specific condition.

Is stem cell therapy covered by insurance?

Regenerative treatments are generally considered elective and are usually not covered by insurance. We are transparent about cost and any options at your consultation.

Does IROSM use my own cells?

Yes. IROSM uses only your own (autologous) regenerative cells, collected and prepared in our Advanced Regenerative Lab.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is needed. You can call or book online directly.

This page is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice. Individual results vary, and regenerative treatments are not appropriate for every condition or patient. Candidacy is determined through clinical evaluation. Serving Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Plantation, and surrounding Broward County communities.