Stem Cell Therapy for Knee Pain in New York
Walk, run, and climb stairs without bracing for it. If cortisone shots wore off, physical therapy stalled, and a surgeon is already talking about a knee replacement, you have another option to explore.
Physician-led by Dr. Ajit Dhaliwal, MD, MBAHow it works
How stem cell therapy for knees works
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ajit Dhaliwal, MD, MBA · Updated October 2026
Stem cell therapy for the knee is an outpatient injection that places concentrated biologic material directly into the joint or the injured tissue, using imaging to guide the needle. The goal is to support your body's own repair and calm the inflammation driving your pain.
It isn't a fit for every knee. People with early to moderate arthritis or a lingering soft-tissue injury are typically the best candidates. If your knee is severely bone-on-bone, your physician will tell you that honestly at your consultation.
What we treat
Knee pain conditions we evaluate
The diagnoses New Yorkers bring to us most often.
Fig. 3Knee osteoarthritis
Cartilage wear that causes pain, stiffness, and grinding.
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Fig. 4Meniscus tears
Degenerative or injury-related tears that keep the knee irritated.
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Fig. 5Ligament injuries
Partial ACL, MCL, or LCL strains that heal slowly.
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Fig. 6Patellar tendinopathy
Pain below the kneecap from overuse, common in runners and lifters.
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Fig. 7Chondromalacia patella
Softened cartilage behind the kneecap causing front-of-knee pain.
See if you're a candidate ›Not sure what you have?
Most people aren't. Answer 5 quick questions and our team will help you figure it out.
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Is this you?
Does this sound familiar?
If two or more of these sound like you, it's worth a free consultation.
- ✓Knee pain that flares on stairs, squats, or long walks
- ✓Stiffness and swelling that cortisone only calms for a while
- ✓Arthritis your doctor calls early to moderate
- ✓A meniscus or ligament injury that never fully healed
- ✓A surgeon recommending replacement before you're ready
The science
Your body already knows how to heal.
Every injury you've recovered from was repaired with help from your own mesenchymal stem cells. Regenerative therapy aims to concentrate that repair system right where you hurt, without surgery.
See if you're a candidateYour options
How it compares
An honest look at the common paths for knee pain.
Your path forward
Four steps. No guesswork.
- STEP 01
5 quick questions
Tell us where it hurts and how long. About a minute.
- STEP 02
Free consultation
In person in Manhattan or by video, with honest answers.
- STEP 03
Your treatment
Outpatient, at 575 Madison Ave. No surgery or hospital stay.
- STEP 04
Follow-up
Check-ins with your care team as your body responds.
Knee pain: questions New Yorkers ask
Does stem cell therapy work for knee pain?
Research on regenerative injections for knee osteoarthritis is ongoing, and some studies report improvements in pain and function. Results vary from person to person, and these therapies are not FDA-approved for knee conditions. Your physician will review your imaging and tell you whether it's reasonable for your knee.
Can stem cell therapy help me avoid a knee replacement?
For some people with early to moderate damage, regenerative care is explored as an option before considering surgery. It is not appropriate for every knee, especially advanced bone-on-bone arthritis. Your physician will be honest about where you stand.
How long until I notice a difference in my knee?
Change is usually gradual rather than overnight. Your physician will set realistic expectations for your specific case and schedule follow-ups to track how your knee responds.
How many knee injections will I need?
Your plan is personalized. The number of sessions depends on your diagnosis, imaging, and goals, and is decided with your physician at your consultation.
Am I too old for stem cell therapy for my knee?
Age alone doesn't rule you out. Your overall health, activity level, and the condition of the joint matter more, and your physician will look at all of them.
Also treated
Explore other conditions
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Answer 5 simple questions. Our physician-led team will review them and call you with honest next steps.