Stem Cell Therapy Procedure in Florida: Step-by-Step

If you are considering stem cell therapy in Florida, you probably want to know one thing first: what actually happens to me?

Will it hurt? Will you be sedated? How long will you be at the clinic? Can you drive yourself home and return to work?

This guide walks through the stem cell therapy procedure in the order it really happens, from your first call to the weeks after treatment, and explains what is specific to Florida patients.

Quick answer: The stem cell therapy procedure has nine stages: consultation, diagnosis and imaging, choosing the treatment type, preparation, check-in and consent, the injection or infusion, short observation, home recovery, and follow-up. The treatment itself is usually brief, often under an hour for an injection, while results develop gradually over weeks to months. Results vary and are not guaranteed.

Key takeaways

• Most of the visit is preparation and observation. The injection itself often takes only minutes.
• Many injections use a local numbing medicine, and many patients go home the same day.
• Using your own bone marrow adds a collection step. Donated cord tissue does not.
• Stem cell products for joint pain are not FDA-approved. Florida law now allows physicians to offer certain therapies under specific conditions, so choose your provider carefully.
• Your plan should come from a licensed physician after a personal evaluation. This article is not medical advice.

Want to know what the procedure would look like for your condition? Book a free 15-minute consultation at our South Miami clinic, or call (305) 598-7777.

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What Does “Stem Cell Therapy” Include?

Stem cell therapy is a family of treatments that use cells, or the signals those cells release, to support the body’s natural repair processes and calm inflammation. It is not one single procedure, and the details change with the cell source and the body area treated.

Stem cell therapy in orthopedic and pain care commonly includes:

Using your own bone marrow adds a collection step. Donated cord tissue does not. We point out these differences throughout.

The Stem Cell Therapy Procedure at a Glance: 9 Steps

1. Consultation: the physician reviews your symptoms, history, medications and goals.
2. Diagnosis and imaging: exam plus X-ray, MRI or ultrasound to confirm the source of pain.
3. Treatment choice: you and your physician pick the cell type, delivery route and plan.
4. Preparation: medication, supplement and health instructions before treatment day.
5. Check-in and consent: paperwork, final review, positioning.
6. Injection or infusion: often image-guided, with a numbed treatment area.
7. Observation: a short rest period and written aftercare instructions.
8. First days at home: expected soreness, gentle movement, activity limits.
9. Weeks to months: gradual change, rehab, follow-up visits.

The sections below explain each step.

Step 1: The Initial Consultation

The first step is a conversation, not a needle. A responsible provider starts by listening and asking questions.

At a first consultation, a physician usually asks about:

• Your symptoms: where it hurts, what it feels like, what helps or worsens it
• Duration: long-lasting pain is approached differently from a fresh injury
• What you have tried: physical therapy, medications, braces, injections
• Medical history: surgeries, chronic conditions, allergies, cancer or serious infection history
• Medications and supplements: blood thinners and anti-inflammatories especially
• Your goals: what you would like to be able to do again

Many clinics, including ours, offer a free 15-minute consultation so you can learn your options before committing. For more detail, read what to expect at a stem cell consultation in Miami.

A good consultation feels unhurried, honest and focused on you. If you feel pushed to book on the spot, that is a warning sign. You should leave knowing whether you are a reasonable candidate, what is proposed, and what your alternatives are.

Step 2: Diagnosis and Imaging

Before any treatment, your physician needs to know exactly what is causing your pain. Treatment is meant to be placed where the problem is, so a wrong diagnosis means even a perfect procedure will not help.

• Physical examination: range of motion, strength, stability and the exact painful spot. Pain can be referred: a sore knee may start in the hip, and shoulder pain may start in the neck.
• Imaging review: X-rays show bone changes and joint space. MRI shows cartilage, tendons, ligaments and discs. Ultrasound shows soft tissue and fluid. Bring recent scans if you have them.

This is also where your doctor decides whether regenerative therapy is appropriate at all, or whether you need a surgeon or a different type of care.

Step 3: Choosing the Type of Treatment

The treatment type depends on your condition, the area treated, the cell source and your preferences. Factors include:

• Condition and severity: early cartilage wear may be discussed differently from advanced damage.
• Area treated: see how care differs for knee osteoarthritis, shoulder pain, hip pain and back and spinal conditions.
• Cell source: compare bone marrow aspirate vs. umbilical cord stem cells.
• Local injection or IV: read why clinics sometimes consider IV instead of local injection and whether IV infusion is as effective as direct injection.
• Your preferences: some people prefer to avoid a bone marrow collection, others prefer only their own cells.

Options may be combined. See stem cell therapy vs. PRP for how they differ.

At the end of this step you should have a written plan, a quoted cost and a list of risks, so nothing is a surprise on treatment day.

Step 4: Preparing for Your Procedure

Preparation is usually simple, but always follow your own physician’s instructions rather than a general list. Common themes:

• Medications: some clinics ask you to pause certain anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). Never stop a prescribed blood thinner or any prescription on your own. Any change should be coordinated with the prescribing doctor.
• Supplements: fish oil or high-dose vitamin E can affect bleeding. Mention everything you take.
• Recent steroid injections: a cortisone shot in the same joint shortly before treatment may need time to wear off.
• Illness: if you develop a fever, cold or skin infection, call the clinic. Treatment is usually postponed when infection is present.
• Eating and hydration: for simple injections, many clinics recommend eating normally and staying hydrated. Bone marrow collection or IV may have different instructions.
• Practical planning: arrange a ride if advised, wear loose clothing that gives access to the treatment area, and plan lighter activity for the next few days.

Traveling to Florida for treatment? Ask your clinic how many days to plan for, whether a follow-up can be done by phone or video, and what to do if you have a concern after you return home. See our preparation checklist.

Step 5: The Day of Treatment

On treatment day you check in, sign consent, review the plan with your doctor and get positioned.

• Check-in and paperwork: you confirm your information, review your history and sign consent forms. A good consent process explains what is done, the possible risks, and that these treatments are not FDA-approved for the conditions discussed. Read carefully and ask questions before signing.
• Final review: the physician confirms the plan, reviews your imaging, checks vital signs and asks about any new symptoms, medications or illness.
• Positioning: for a knee you may lie on your back. For a shoulder you may sit or lie slightly rotated. For a hip or spine you may lie face down or on your side.

Step 6: The Injection or Infusion Itself

This is the core of the procedure, and what happens depends on the treatment type.

A. Direct joint or tissue injection

The most common orthopedic approach, called an intra-articular injection when it goes into a joint.

1. Skin cleaning: antiseptic reduces infection risk.
2. Numbing: a local anesthetic numbs the skin and nearby tissue. Expect a pinch and brief sting.
3. Guidance: many clinicians use ultrasound or live X-ray (fluoroscopy) to watch the needle reach the right spot, especially in deeper joints like the hip and spine. Ask how your provider guides injections.
4. Injection: the prepared product is slowly delivered. You may feel pressure, fullness or a brief ache.
5. Completion: the needle is removed and a small bandage is applied.

The injection itself often takes only a few minutes.

B. Bone marrow aspirate collection (if your own cells are used)

1. Positioning and numbing: you lie on your stomach or side and the area over the back of the hip bone is numbed.
2. Collection: a needle draws a small amount of marrow. Many patients describe deep pressure or a brief pulling sensation, though experiences vary.
3. Processing: the marrow is concentrated, often in a centrifuge, while you wait.
4. Injection: the concentrated product is injected as described above.

See how mesenchymal stem cells are harvested.

C. PRP or A2M (blood-based preparation)

A small blood sample is drawn from your arm, like a routine blood test. It is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the portion used, and the product is injected the same visit.

D. IV infusion

1. IV placement: a nurse or physician places a small catheter in an arm vein.
2. Infusion: the product is given slowly while you sit or recline.
3. Monitoring: staff check how you feel and your vital signs.
4. Finish: the IV is removed and a bandage applied.

More detail on IV stem cell options. Discuss this carefully with a physician, since the FDA has not approved these products for the conditions they are often marketed for.

Step 7: Immediately After the Procedure

After the injection you usually rest briefly, receive written aftercare instructions and go home the same day.

• Observation: staff may keep you briefly, especially after an IV or marrow collection.
• Early sensations: soreness, pressure, tightness or mild swelling as numbing wears off. Some people feel little.
• Instructions: written directions on what to do, what to avoid, warning signs and your follow-up date.
• Getting home: many people can walk out after a simple joint injection, but you may be advised not to drive after a hip or spine injection or any sedation. If in doubt, bring someone.

Step 8: The First Days at Home

In the first days, expect some soreness, keep moving gently and avoid strenuous activity until cleared. Always follow your clinic’s instructions.

• Expect some soreness: a temporary flare of discomfort or swelling is common.
• Rest, but don’t freeze: most clinics advise limiting strenuous activity while encouraging gentle movement such as light walking.
• Medications: some physicians ask you to avoid specific anti-inflammatories for a period. Ask what you may take.
• Protect the site: keep it clean and dry. No pools, baths or hot tubs until your physician says so. In Florida’s heat and pool season, this one matters.
• Avoid heavy lifting, intense workouts and high-impact activity until cleared. See what not to do after stem cell treatment and exercise after stem cell injections.

Warning signs: call your doctor promptly if you notice

• Fever or chills
• Increasing redness, warmth or swelling at the site
• Pus or unusual drainage
• Severe or worsening pain that does not settle
• Numbness, weakness or loss of function
• Shortness of breath, chest pain or signs of an allergic reaction

In an emergency, call 911. You can also report a bad reaction to the FDA through MedWatch.

Step 9: Weeks and Months After Treatment

Results usually develop gradually over weeks to months, and some people do not respond. This is not a quick fix.

• Gradual change: the aim is to support healing and reduce inflammation over time. See the recovery timeline and how long results may last in the knee.
• Rehabilitation: many physicians recommend pairing treatment with physical therapy or strengthening.
• Follow-up visits: checks of pain, function and range of motion, sometimes repeat imaging.
• Possible additional treatment: not everyone needs a repeat, but some do. See whether you will still need medication afterward.
• Honest expectations: no responsible clinic can guarantee an outcome. See our guide to the stem cell therapy success rate.

Not sure which step applies to you? Our physician can review your imaging and explain your options, with no pressure. Schedule a Free 15-Minute Consultation or call (305) 598-7777.

How Long Does a Stem Cell Procedure Take?

A simple injection often takes under an hour in the clinic, while bone marrow collection or IV infusion can take one to a few hours. The injection itself is usually the shortest part. These are general ranges, not promises.

Does the Stem Cell Procedure Hurt?

For most people the discomfort is modest and short-lived. The area is usually numbed, and many people describe pressure, fullness or a brief ache rather than sharp pain.

• Joint injection: a pinch from the numbing medicine, then pressure.
• Bone marrow collection: often more intense, a deep pressure or pulling sensation, though numbing helps.
• IV: feels like any other IV placement.
• Afterward: mild soreness is common and usually settles within days, but this varies.

If needles make you anxious, tell your provider. Good clinics explain what to expect and may offer ways to keep you comfortable.

Risks and Side Effects

No medical procedure is risk-free. Possible risks of injection-based procedures include:

• Pain, swelling or stiffness at the site (most common, usually temporary)
• Bleeding or bruising
• Infection (rare, but serious)
• Allergic reaction to numbing medicine or other components
• Nerve irritation from the needle
• Lack of benefit. The treatment may not work for you.

Bone marrow collection adds risks such as hip soreness and bruising, and rarely more serious complications. IV infusion adds vein irritation and infusion reactions.

There are also regulatory and quality risks when treatment is provided outside proper oversight. The FDA has issued public warnings about clinics offering unapproved products and has reported serious adverse events in some cases. Read our safety guide, the article on side effects like swelling, pain or infection, and our honest look at the downsides.

Stem Cell Therapy in Florida: Law and FDA Status

The FDA has not approved stem cell products for joint pain, but Florida has passed a law allowing physicians to offer certain stem cell therapies under specific conditions. Both facts matter when choosing a clinic.

What the FDA says. The FDA states that the only stem cell products currently approved in the United States are blood-forming stem cells derived from umbilical cord blood, used for specific blood and immune conditions, not joint pain. It also says there are currently no FDA-approved exosome products. Read the agency’s Consumer Alert and patient information page.

What Florida law says. Florida passed a law (SB 1768) that took effect on July 1, 2025. It allows licensed physicians in the state to use certain stem cell therapies that are not yet FDA-approved in areas such as orthopedics, wound care and pain management, subject to conditions. Our article explains what Florida’s decision on MSC use for orthopedic conditions means for you.

What this means for you.

• Ask any Florida provider about the regulatory status of the exact product they will use.
• Confirm the treating physician is licensed in Florida.
• Ask where the cells come from and how they are processed.
• Treat any stem cell procedure as a decision to weigh carefully against alternatives.

More context: is stem cell therapy legal in the U.S.? and overseas vs. U.S. stem cell treatments. None of this means the field has no promise. It means the evidence and the rules are still developing.

What Does the Research Say?

Research on MSCs for knee osteoarthritis is encouraging but not settled. A 2025 review of systematic reviews found reported pain improvements with satisfactory safety, while stating more research is needed before it can be considered definitive. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research found that a single intra-articular MSC injection was associated with improved outcomes at 12 months, with doses of 25 million cells or fewer appearing effective. A systematic review and meta-analysis in Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology examined pain and function across randomized trials.

Studies differ in cell source, dose, method and follow-up, and scientists continue to debate how much of the improvement may relate to placebo-type effects. Search ongoing studies on ClinicalTrials.gov or read our overview of mesenchymal stem cell clinical trials.

Cost and Insurance in Florida

Stem cell therapy for orthopedic conditions is generally not covered by standard health insurance, so most Florida patients pay out of pocket. Cost depends on the treatment type, number of areas treated and facility.

See the average cost of stem cell therapy, stem cell therapy costs in Florida and whether insurance covers stem cell injections.

• Ask what is included: imaging, procedure, follow-ups and any repeat session.
• Be wary of quotes before an exam. A fair price comes after the clinic knows what you need.

Is the Procedure Right for Me? A Quick Self-Check

You may be worth evaluating if several of these apply (this is not a diagnosis):

• Your joint or back pain has lasted for months
• Rest, medication or physical therapy have not given enough relief
• You have imaging or a diagnosis such as osteoarthritis, or want help getting one
• You want to understand non-surgical options before deciding on surgery
• You are willing to follow aftercare and rehab instructions

Talk to a physician first if you have an active infection, a history of cancer, take blood thinners, are pregnant, or have a serious chronic illness. These do not always rule treatment out, but they change the plan.

See if you qualify. Our team will review your situation and arrange a consultation. Check My Candidacy

Questions to Ask Before You Book

1. What exactly will be injected, and where does it come from?
2. What is the regulatory status of this product for my condition?
3. How is it prepared, and who prepares it?
4. How do you guide the needle to the right spot?
5. What are the risks, and what happens if something goes wrong?
6. How many treatments might I need, and what does each cost?
7. What results can I realistically expect, and how do you measure them?
8. What are my alternatives, including non-regenerative ones?
9. What aftercare and follow-up are included?
10. Can I speak with the physician who will perform the procedure?

Go deeper with our questions to ask before stem cell therapy and how to choose a stem cell therapy treatment center. The nonprofit ISSCR also publishes a patient resource, A Closer Look at Stem Cells.

Red flags: guaranteed results, one treatment promised for many unrelated conditions, no exam or imaging before a recommendation, high-pressure sales, vague answers about where the cells come from, and reliance mostly on testimonials.

Stem Cell Therapy in Miami and South Florida

Miami Stem Cell is located in South Miami and welcomes patients from across Miami-Dade and South Florida, as well as patients who travel to Florida for care. Wherever you are coming from, the consultation is the same: an exam, an imaging review and an honest conversation about whether treatment makes sense.

• Clinic: 6262 Sunset Drive, Suite 400, South Miami, FL 33143
• Phone: (305) 598-7777
• Meet the physician: Dr. Eric Weiss
• What we treat: joint regeneration and pain management

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the stem cell therapy procedure?

It is a consultation and imaging review, a decision on treatment type, preparation, an in-office injection or IV infusion (sometimes preceded by collecting your own bone marrow or blood), and a recovery period with follow-up. Details depend on the treatment type and your condition.

How long does the stem cell procedure take?

The injection itself often takes only minutes. The whole visit is commonly under an hour for a simple injection and longer if bone marrow collection or IV infusion is involved.

Is stem cell therapy painful?

Most patients describe modest, short-lived discomfort because the area is numbed. Bone marrow collection can feel more intense, and mild soreness afterward is common.

Do I need anesthesia or sedation?

Many injections use only a local numbing medicine. More involved procedures may use additional comfort measures. Ask your provider what applies to you.

Can I drive home afterward?

Often yes after a simple joint injection, but your clinic may advise against driving after a hip or spine injection or any sedation. Arrange a ride if unsure.

How long is the recovery?

Many people return to light daily activities fairly quickly, with strenuous activity limited for a period set by your physician. Results develop gradually over weeks to months. See the recovery timeline.

Will I need more than one treatment?

Some people do. It depends on your condition, response and physician’s recommendation. Ask upfront how many sessions might be suggested and what each costs.

Where do the stem cells come from?

They may come from your own body (such as bone marrow) or from donated tissue such as umbilical cord tissue. Always ask your provider to explain the source and processing. See our comparison of cell sources.

Is stem cell therapy FDA-approved?

The FDA lists only cord blood-derived blood-forming stem cell products as approved, and these are not approved for joint pain. It also states there are no FDA-approved exosome products. Review the Consumer Alert.

Is stem cell therapy legal in Florida?

Florida passed a law effective July 1, 2025 that allows licensed physicians to use certain stem cell therapies not yet FDA-approved in orthopedics, wound care and pain management, under specific conditions. Read our Florida explainer.

Is stem cell therapy covered by insurance in Florida?

Usually not for orthopedic conditions. Confirm with your insurer and read our insurance guide.

What are the risks?

Pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, allergic reaction, nerve irritation, and the chance the treatment does not help. See our safety guide.

Is stem cell therapy better than a cortisone shot?

They work differently and serve different goals, and neither is automatically better. See stem cell therapy vs. cortisone shots.

The Bottom Line

The stem cell therapy procedure is usually less dramatic than people imagine: a careful diagnosis, a clear plan, simple preparation, a short in-office injection or infusion, then recovery and follow-up while results develop gradually. What matters most is everything around the needle: an accurate diagnosis, honesty about evidence and regulation, a provider who explains where the product comes from, and realistic expectations.

Ready to talk through your own situation?

• Book a free 15-minute consultation
• Call (305) 598-7777
• Or use our contact page

Medical disclaimer: This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Stem cell and other regenerative products discussed here have not been approved by the FDA for the treatment of joint pain or the other conditions mentioned. Procedures, timing and aftercare vary by provider and patient. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you must be decided with a licensed physician after a personal evaluation.