Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of joint pain and disability in the United States. As cartilage wears down, bones begin to rub against each other, leading to stiffness, swelling, and chronic discomfort. According to the CDC, more than 32 million adults live with osteoarthritis, and many struggle to find long-term relief through medications or lifestyle modifications alone.
At Trinity Surgical Center in San Jose, we offer advanced regenerative medicine treatments, including stem cell therapy, to help patients manage osteoarthritis pain and support natural healing. Unlike treatments that simply mask symptoms, regenerative therapy targets the underlying tissue degeneration that causes joint pain.
How Stem Cell Therapy Helps Osteoarthritis
Stem cell therapy uses the body’s own healing cells to repair damaged tissues. In osteoarthritis, joint surfaces deteriorate over time. Stem cells have the potential to reduce inflammation, support tissue repair, and slow the progression of joint degeneration.
Clinical studies have shown promising results: many patients report reduced pain and improved joint function after treatment, especially in weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, and ankles.
The Regenerative Process: Step by Step
Stem cell therapy at Trinity Surgical Center is performed with precision and care to ensure the highest level of safety and effectiveness. Here is what patients can expect during the process.
1. Harvesting the Stem Cells
Stem cells are collected from the patient, often from bone marrow or fatty tissue, depending on the treatment plan. These cells are rich in regenerative potential and capable of signaling the body to repair damaged cartilage and soft tissue.
A local anesthetic is used to minimize discomfort during the harvest procedure.
2. Separating and Concentrating the Cells
Once collected, the tissue is processed through a centrifuge to isolate and concentrate the stem cells. This involves separating out the regenerative components so that the final injectate contains a high concentration of healing cells.
This preparation step helps maximize the potential for tissue repair and anti-inflammatory benefits.
3. Preparing the Joint with a Dextrose Solution
Before the stem cells are injected, a dextrose solution is introduced into the affected joint area. This step is designed to stimulate surrounding tissues and trigger a mild inflammatory response, which alerts the body that healing is needed.
By preparing the joint environment, dextrose may enhance the effectiveness of the stem cell therapy that follows.
4. Injecting the Stem Cells
Once the joint is prepared, the concentrated stem cells are injected into the precise location where tissue repair is needed. At Trinity Surgical Center, we use x-ray guidance to ensure accurate placement within the joint. This imaging technology allows for exceptional precision and helps deliver the therapy exactly where it will be most effective.
A local anesthetic is used to numb the area beforehand, improving comfort during the injection.
5. Multiple Sessions for Optimal Results
Patients may receive a series of three injections, spaced two to five days apart. This staged approach allows the joint to respond to the therapy gradually and may enhance overall results.
Many individuals begin noticing improvement within weeks, with continued progress over several months as the regenerative process unfolds.
What to Expect After Treatment
After stem cell therapy:
- Most patients resume normal daily activities quickly
- Mild soreness at the injection site is common
- Improvement in pain and mobility often increases over time
- Follow-up visits help monitor progress and adjust treatment if needed
Because stem cell therapy works with your body’s natural healing response, results develop gradually but may last significantly longer than traditional treatments.
Why Choose Trinity Surgical Center for Regenerative Medicine?
Our San Jose team brings extensive experience in image-guided therapies, regenerative medicine, and minimally invasive procedures. We focus on treatments that support long-term joint health and help patients remain active without relying solely on medication or surgery.
Patients choose us because we offer:
- Personalized treatment plans
- Precise x-ray–guided injections
- Advanced regenerative technology
- Compassionate and thorough care
Our goal is to help you move comfortably, stay active, and improve your overall quality of life.
Find Relief from Osteoarthritis Pain
If joint pain is limiting your daily activities or affecting your quality of life, regenerative stem cell therapy may be a promising solution. Trinity Surgical Center is proud to offer cutting-edge treatment options designed to support healing and reduce pain naturally.
Contact Trinity Surgical Center in San Jose today to schedule a consultation and learn whether stem cell therapy is right for your osteoarthritis treatment plan.