Stem Cells & Regenerative Medicine: What to Ask Before You Inject

Dr. Brett and Dr. Felice Hockney break down one of the most talked-about frontiers in medicine: stem cell therapy. Ahead of their trip to a major regenerative medicine conference in Denver hosted by Regenexx and the International Orthobiologics Foundation, they unpack what stem cells actually are, how they work, who's a real candidate, and what questions every consumer should ask before handing over their money. The conversation moves from the science — autologous vs. embryonic stem cells, mesenchymal cells, PRP, exosomes, and growth factors — into the practical: how Regenexx's twenty-one years of outcome data shape patient selection, why real-time ultrasound guidance is now standard of care, and why leukocyte-poor PRP matters. They close with IKARIA's integrated approach: pairing the Regenexx protocol with functional medicine, hormonal optimization, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy to prepare the "soil" before the seed goes in. What you'll learn: • What mesenchymal stem cells actually do — and why they're better understood as master conductors than blank "baby cells" • The difference between autologous, embryonic, and adult stem cells • How PRP, alpha granules, and exosomes work together to drive regeneration • Why patient selection and outcome data matter more than marketing • Why ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance is now the standard of care • How leukocyte-poor PRP improves regenerative outcomes • The 8-fold increase in stem cell yield seen with hyperbaric oxygen therapy • Dr. Shai Efrati's research on hypoxic inducible factor and telomere length • Why optimizing the patient — insulin resistance, hormones, gut health — changes the outcome Three things every consumer should demand before getting stem cell therapy: 1. A proven outcomes database and transparent success rates 2. Real-time image guidance for every injection 3. A full program — not a one-off injection — that addresses the root causes driving inflammation and joint damage Mentioned in this episode: Regenexx, the International Orthobiologics Foundation (IOF), Dr. Shai Efrati's hyperbaric oxygen research, and IKARIA Concierge and Functional Medicine. Cautious optimism is the right posture. The field is exciting, but discernment matters. Ask the right questions, work with the right team, and demand excellence.