REGENERATIVE THERAPIES—STEM CELL, BMAC & ATS

Stem Cell Therapy, BMAC & Adipose Tissue Scaffolding

“Stem cell therapy” is the term many patients search for when seeking advanced regenerative care, but it can make the treatment sound more standardized than it really is. At Wellward, these treatments use cells, growth signals, and supportive tissue collected from your own bone marrow or fat during the same visit. The preparation is then placed into carefully selected joints, tendons, ligaments, or spinal structures when the tissue may still have a reasonable opportunity to heal.

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BMAC: Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate

A small amount of bone marrow is collected, usually from the back of the pelvis, and processed to concentrate platelets, growth signals, and cells involved in healing. The preparation is then placed into the diagnosed target using image guidance.

ATS: Adipose Tissue Scaffolding

A small amount of your own fat tissue is collected and prepared so it can act as a natural support matrix. It also contains cells and growth signals involved in healing. The goal is to place this supportive tissue where added structure and repair signals may be helpful.

Same-Day From Your Own Body

Your bone marrow or fat tissue is collected, prepared, and used during the same visit. Nothing comes from a donor, and the treatment can be matched to the tissue identified during your evaluation.

When It May Be Considered

  • Selected moderate or more complex joint degeneration
  • Disc, ligament, tendon, or other tissue injury where a more concentrated preparation made from your own tissue is reasonable
  • Prior conservative care or simpler biologic treatment has not been enough
  • The diagnosis, tissue quality, and recovery plan support a regenerative approach

What It Cannot Promise

No biologic injection can guarantee cartilage regrowth, reverse every stage of arthritis, or replace surgery when the structure is no longer salvageable. The biologic preparation is one part of the plan. Target selection, protection, progressive loading, movement quality, sleep, metabolic health, and follow-through influence whether the treatment can translate into durable function.

When It May Not Be the Right Fit

BMAC and adipose tissue scaffolding are not appropriate for every condition. They may offer limited value when there is advanced mechanical failure, severe deformity, complete rupture, active infection, urgent nerve compression, or tissue that is no longer reasonably salvageable. A careful evaluation helps determine whether this treatment is appropriate or if another pathway is a better fit.

How This Fits Into a Broader Plan

BMAC or ATS may be used on their own or as part of a larger plan. Treatment may involve the primary joint, disc, tendon, or ligament as well as supporting structures. In selected cases, advanced biologic care may also be staged with PRP, prolotherapy, or other targeted treatments.

Risks and Limitations

Temporary soreness or swelling is common. Results depend on the condition, tissue quality, accuracy of the target, overall health, and the recovery plan. Improvement is gradual, and not everyone responds. We review potential risks, benefits, and alternatives before treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

BMAC is a concentrated bone-marrow preparation. ATS uses your own adipose tissue as a biologically active scaffold. The target tissue and treatment goal help determine which is more appropriate.

It is usually self-pay. Costs and alternatives are reviewed before scheduling

Start by finding out which tissue is actually limiting recovery—and whether BMAC or ATS is a reasonable fit.

These procedures use self-derived tissue obtained and used during the same clinical encounter. We explain exactly what is being collected and how it is prepared rather than presenting it as an FDA-approved drug product.

It depends on how advanced the damage is. Earlier-stage problems may offer a better opportunity for improvement, while severe bone-on-bone arthritis is less predictable and may be better treated another way. Your evaluation helps determine whether the potential benefit is realistic.

Researching Stem Cell Therapy?

Start by finding out which tissue is actually limiting recovery—and whether BMAC or ATS is a reasonable fit.
Request a Regenerative Consultation