What is Stem Cell Therapy?

Stem cell therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses biologics (your body’s own cells) to repair injured tissue, reduce inflammation, and preserve joint function. At Lehman Joint and Performance, Dr. Rick Lehman uses precision-guided injections to place stem cells exactly where your body needs healing the most.

These cells are typically harvested from your bone marrow or fat tissue, then processed and re-injected into the affected area, stimulating tissue repair and potentially slowing degeneration.

Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy offers numerous benefits for joint health and mobility, including:

Stem cell benefits include:

  • Promotes tissue regeneration in cartilage, ligaments, and tendons
  • Reduces joint inflammation and pain naturally
  • Minimally invasive outpatient procedure
  • Low downtime with quick return to activity
  • Alternative to corticosteroids
  • Delays or avoids joint replacement surgery
  • Uses your own biologics, reducing risk of rejection

Many patients report noticeable improvements in mobility and pain reduction within weeks.

Conditions treated with
Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy is ideal for patients with joint degeneration, chronic injuries, or those seeking to enhance post-surgical healing. Common conditions treated include:

  • Osteoarthritis (knee, hip, shoulder, ankle)
  • Tendonitis and ligament injuries
  • Rotator cuff tears
  • Meniscus cartilage tears
  • Labral damage and tears
  • Joint instability
  • Chronic joint pain
  • Post-surgical recovery enhancement

Our approach

At Lehman Joint and Performance, we believe in personalized, precision medicine. Dr. Lehman tailors each treatment plan using advanced diagnostics, years of orthopedic expertise, and the latest biologic innovations to restore your mobility and protect your joints long-term. Stem cell therapy is often combined with PRP to support a more comprehensive healing response. Whether you’re an elite athlete or managing arthritis, we prioritize long-term joint health and optimized recovery.

Your specialist

Portrait of Dr Rick Lehman

Dr. Rick Lehman

Meet Dr. Lehman

Patient Testimonials

""

After tearing my ACL, I though my competitive days were over. But Dr. Lehman and the team at U.S. Center for Sports Medicine didn’t just fix my knee, they helped me rebuild my confidence. The personalized rehab was incredible, and I’m back on the field, stronger than ever. I can’t thank them enough!

Sarah M., Collegiate Soccer player

Stem Cell Injection procedure

What to Expect During and After Your Stem Cell Treatment

Your advanced orthopedic care begins with an in-depth consultation with Dr. Lehman. During this visit, Dr. Lehman will review your medical history, evaluate your symptoms, and perform imaging tests (such as MRI or XRays) as needed. His clinic will utilize any images you already have obtained in the last 6 months. This thorough evaluation helps determine if stem cell therapy is appropriate for your condition and goals.

If you’re a candidate for treatment, the next step involves acquiring the stem cells. TThis is typically done by collecting bone marrow from your pelvis or adipose (fat) tissue from your abdomen or thigh. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort.

The harvested cells are processed immediately at the clinic using a specialized centrifuge system. This concentrates the stem cells and growth factors into a potent injectable solution, ready to support your body’s healing response.

Using real-time ultrasound guidance, Dr. Lehman carefully injects the prepared stem cell concentrate directly into the injured or degenerated joint or tissue. This image-guided approach ensures accurate placement and maximizes the therapeutic effect.

After your injection, you’ll be monitored briefly and can typically return home the same day. Most patients experience mild soreness at the injection site, similar to a flu shot or minor strain. You’ll receive detailed post-procedure instructions, including activity modifications and guidelines to avoid anti-inflammatory medications that may interfere with the healing process.

Most patients resume light daily activities within a few days. Dr. Lehman may be advise to avoid high-impact exercise for 1–2 weeks. Improvement often begins within the first month as inflammation decreases and regenerative processes take effect. A follow-up plan, including injury and performance rehabilitation and re-evaluation, ensures your recovery stays on track. Some patients may benefit from a series of treatments, depending on the severity of the condition.

Why choose Dr. Rick Lehman for Stem Cell Therapy?

Over 30 years of experience treating Olympic, professional, and youth athletes

  • Trusted by Olympic and professional athletes
  • Leader in sports and regenerative medicine
  • Dual locations in Menlo Park and St. Louis
  • State-of-the-art equipment and diagnostics
  • High patient success rates, low complication risk

Frequently asked questions

Stem cell therapy works by using your body’s own regenerative cells to heal damaged tissues. The process begins by collecting stem cells, usually from bone marrow or fat tissue, which are then concentrated and injected into the injured joint or area. These cells don’t just replace damaged tissue; they release growth factors that reduce inflammation, stimulate healing, and encourage new, healthy tissue to grow. The goal is to restore function, relieve pain, and potentially avoid more invasive treatments like surgery.

The entire stem cell therapy appointment typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours. This includes harvesting the cells (from bone marrow or fat), processing them in-clinic, and then performing the ultrasound-guided injection. The procedure is done on an outpatient basis, meaning you’ll go home the same day. Most patients are able to resume light daily activities within a few days, with healing effects continuing to build over the following weeks to months.

Most patients experience only mild discomfort during and after the procedure. The harvesting process is done under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel pain while the stem cells are being collected. The injection itself may feel similar to a flu shot or standard joint injection. Afterward, some soreness or swelling at the injection site is normal, but this usually resolves within a few days. Most people find the procedure very manageable, especially compared to surgical alternatives.

Stem cell therapy is generally considered safe, especially when using your own cells (autologous therapy). Because the cells come from your own body, there’s minimal risk of rejection or allergic reaction. The most common side effects are mild and temporary, such as soreness, swelling, or bruising at the injection or harvest site. Rarely, there can be infection or irritation. Dr. Lehman uses sterile techniques and ultrasound guidance to minimize risks and ensure your safety throughout the process.

Ideal candidates for stem cell therapy are individuals with joint pain, cartilage damage, or soft tissue injuries who want to avoid or delay surgery. This includes patients with moderate osteoarthritis, tendon or ligament injuries, or those recovering from orthopedic surgery. It’s also an excellent option for athletes and active adults seeking to return to activity faster. However, stem cell therapy may not be suitable for everyone, such as those with severe joint degeneration or certain medical conditions. Dr. Lehman performs a thorough evaluation to determine if stem cell treatment is right for you.

While every patient heals at their own pace, most begin to notice improvement within 4 to 6 weeks after treatment. As inflammation decreases and tissue regeneration begins, pain relief and mobility often improve steadily. For some, benefits may continue to build over several months. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may need one or more treatments for optimal results. Dr. Lehman will guide your recovery plan to help maximize long-term healing and function.

Many patients experience significant relief from just one stem cell injection. However, depending on the severity and location of your condition, a series of treatments may be recommended. Dr. Lehman will assess your progress during follow-up visits and tailor your treatment plan accordingly. The goal is to achieve lasting improvement with the fewest interventions necessary.

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Trusted by many

Rodney
6 months ago
He done my right shoulder after a bad wreck and that was in the early 90s until this day I've yet to have any pain he's the best orthopedic surgeon in st,Louis he takes care of the st.louis blue's hockey players he knows what he's doing,I'm going to try to get back to him now for my left shoulder after surgery my doctor here , well let's say 2yearsand2 months ltr I can't pick up anything with it I need a real pro ..
Darrell L.
11 months ago
It's been 28 years since I reluctantly followed the advice of the company nurse where I worked and made an appointment with Dr Lehman, which I had to drive an hour to see. It took a month and a half to actually get in to see him. My first visit, it seems more x-rays were taken than the previous 3 years being "cared for" by a butcher that I had been seeing because I destroyed my left knee in a motorcycle accident. Dr Lehman literally put his money where his mouth was when he convinced me to opt for reparative surgery, rather than complete knee replacement at the ripe old age of 25. Surgery was scheduled, again, it took a month and a half to get in.
Why did all of this take so long, you might ask... Because he IS that good! That's how many people are waiting to see him!
Thank you Dr Lehman for working your magic on me and affording me the quality of life that I have been able to enjoy for all these years.
Very regretfully, I have taken your help for granted and probably overworked it a bit too much, and now likely will have to have more work done. Even more regretfully, as I have relocated, it may no longer be feasible for me to return.
Kama T.
1 year ago
Dr. Lehman is one of the few doctors who puts your goals for mobility or athletic performance at the top of your treatment plan. I thought I would have to choose between 'bleeding edge of orthopedics' and 'decades of experience', but Dr. Lehman is the best of both. Thanks to him and his network of top therapists, I have come back from tough injuries and stayed strong enough to compete as an endurance athlete into my 50s.
Diane W.
2 years ago
Kevin B.
5 years ago
This office is one of the best offices in the country, HANDS DOWN!!!! The staff are very professional and can deal with a high volume of people!! Always getting people in to take care of their concerns!!! They are very detailed and so so kind!!!! Dr. Lehman is “The Best”, this man treats every single patient as if they were worth a million dollars to him!!!!! He deals with the general pubic and everyday working people the same way he deals with pro athletes!!!! What a Great Surgeon!!! His expertise is hard to match!!! My son is playing Division 1 football because Dr. Lehman repaired his knee!!!! Also, He just repaired my knee!! He and his staff ensured that I had a smooth prep, great surgery, and great follow up/discharge instructions. They made sure that me and my son got back to performing duties for life at high levels!!!!I highly recommend Dr. Lehman and his office. “WHAT A GREAT GROUP OF PEOPLE”.
jonathan S.
7 years ago
Dr Lehman is simply the best! You May have to wait awhile in his office but it is worth the wait to see the best!

He takes the time to explain things so you are comfortable and understand. I think this is why the wait. He is a genuinely sincere nice man. Who wants the best for you.

I am very active, he has always got me fixed back up!

You won’t find a better doctor or person!!
Byron S.
7 years ago
The office is great. it is obvious that doctor Lehman has done many famous athletes, the walls are covered with autographed shirts. The staff is competent and Karla is dedicated to her patients. A delight to work with
Shirley Y.
8 years ago
daniel R.
9 years ago
The quality of care & professionalism is worth my 250 mile Drive. I tore both rotator cuffs in September of 2016, at age 54, not good, but thanks to Dr Rick & Dr Shana, I'm back riding Harley's, swimming & playing golf . I'm feeling better than I did at 35! The Team at US Sport medicine will make you feel like an All American Superstar !!!
Much Mahalo

Learn more about Stem Cell Therapy

Book your consultation with Dr. Lehman today and discover how stem cell therapy can help you take the next step toward pain-free movement.