Start with the problem you want to solve
You may have heard about stem cell therapy after months of pain or after another treatment did not help. Before choosing a product, take a step back to the diagnosis. Which symptoms are most limiting? What has been evaluated? Is the current problem the same as the one described in an older scan?
A pain consultation gives you a place to organize that information. Bring the names and dates of prior treatments, how long any benefit lasted, and what you were hoping would change. This can reveal whether you need a different treatment, a clearer diagnosis, or another specialist's assessment.
Separate symptom relief from tissue repair
A claim that a treatment reduces pain is different from a claim that it grows cartilage, reverses aging, or rebuilds a damaged joint. Ask which outcome was measured in the evidence being discussed. Testimonials and before-and-after stories cannot show what will happen for an individual patient.
The FDA warns about unapproved regenerative medicine products marketed for many conditions. For orthopedic pain, do not assume that a stem cell or related product has an approved indication. The exact product, its intended use, and its regulatory status all matter; broad language about healing is not enough.
Make room for an informed decision
Ask for a plain-language comparison of potential benefit, uncertainty, risks, and alternatives. It is reasonable to want time to review a proposed treatment before paying for it. Understand the entire plan, including follow-up, what happens if symptoms worsen, and what happens if there is no meaningful improvement.
If a study or clinical trial is mentioned, ask how the treatment is overseen and what your participation would involve. Research participation is different from established care, and registration alone does not settle questions about safety or effectiveness. You can also ask whether a separate specialist opinion would clarify the decision.
- What outcome is supported by the research?
- Does the research involve this exact product?
- What are the alternatives for my diagnosis?
- Who follows me after treatment?
Keep daily function at the center
A useful plan should still address your life now: walking, working, sleeping, or caring for family. Discuss practical options that can be considered while questions about a product are being answered. You do not need to commit to a regenerative procedure to request an evaluation. The next step may be a review of existing care, a rehabilitation discussion, or referral.
Make your first visit useful
You do not need a perfect medical summary before asking for help. Bring a medication list, the names of clinicians you have seen, and any imaging reports or treatment notes you already have. A short description of what you want to do more comfortably is just as valuable: finish a workday, sleep through the night, walk the dog, or manage stairs.
CMS Pain Management & Rehab is at 5009 Roswell Rd, Suite 201, Sandy Springs, GA 30342. Request an appointment online or call 770-702-7500. Ask about records, referral requirements, and your exact insurance plan before the visit. An appointment starts an evaluation; the treatment recommendation follows your history and examination.
Sources & further reading
- Patient information about regenerative medicine therapies · U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Your questions, answered
A little more clarity.
Can stem cell therapy reverse arthritis?
That outcome should not be promised. Ask for product-specific evidence and FDA status, and compare established care options for your diagnosis.
Should I bring information about a treatment advertised elsewhere?
Yes. Bring the product name, proposed treatment area, cost information, and any written claims you want to understand.
Have a question for our team?
Leave a message for our team, or call 770-702-7500.