[Editor Note: Robert Leaverton presents a positive experience with stem cell therapy for ailing knees. However, there are many caveats in pursuing this route. As Robert indicates in his conclusion, there are some indications that the therapy may have gotten ahead of the science. For a report on the state of stem cell therapy for joint repair, see this NYT article.]

I am a very active 82 year old skier, former runner. My knees were in pain to the point that I had to consider replacement if I wanted to continue skiing. I live and ski in Utah during the ski season. I ski at least six days a week,  seven if the POW is good.

Viable alternative? Research carefully, caveat emptor. Results may vary.

I went to a stem cell seminar in Spring 2018. I listened to the information and decided I should investigate further. I had the exam, some x-rays, and it was determined I was a good candidate for stem cell therapy. The previous ski season was a painful time. I was taking OTC pain meds to be able to ski all day. If my knees touched while I was sleeping, I would wake up. I knew that if I wanted to continue skiing, I would have to do something. I also knew that there was no guarantee SC would work, and I would pay $4,000 for each knee. I did not want to endure general anesthetic, pain, and re-hab. There is high success for total knee replacements, but no absolute guarantee.

I went to Wisconsin Stem Cell Therapy for injections in May 2018. The stem cell injections in each knee were painless. [Editor Note:  Stem cells are extracted from a patient’s own bone marrow and injected into worn or injured joints to promote healing.] I did therapy as suggested, and the results have been way more than I expected. I was being practical, and I would have been happy with 60 or 70 percent improvement. I rate my stem cell therapy as 100 percent success. I waited until I was done skiing for the season to make a final judgment of the SC therapy. After many years of painful skiing, I had a season with NO knee pain.

I have returned from more than two months in Utah. Had great snow and a lot of powder. Wind and visibility made for some difficult conditions (bumps & drifts) that were a real test for the SC therapy. SC therapy has been a huge success for me and will allow me to enjoy skiing for many more years.

Without any hesitation I would recommend stem cell therapy for anyone who suffers from joint pain and wants to continue to be active and enjoy life to the fullest.

Caution: When considering a clinic for stem cell therapy, be sure you investigate the clinic thoroughly. There are some “snake oil salesman” out there.