Stem cells are cells in your body which can either produce specific types of cells, to replace damaged cells, or divide to produce more stem cells. 

There are increasing amounts of research that support the efficacy and relaibility of platelet rich plasma and stem cells in treating a number of health conditions, but particularly arthritis and joint pain.

Yes. The FDA permits their use, but as they are still fairly new they are considered investigational. Legally approved stem cell therapies are generally considered safe and effective for specific conditions and are subject to strict FDA oversight. There are restrictions on how they can be used. 

No treatment is 100% effective for all people, but PRP has been shown to be effective and cost-effective for a number of different conditions, which is why more and more of your friends and family are trying it and seeing significant benefits – especially when it is done by someone experienced and trained in those types of procedures.

In my experience, after the injections there is a mild increase in inflammation in the injected area for a day or so which then passes. Then people start to notice improvement (diminished pain, and increased mobility) in about a week and it continues to improve over the course of about 6 months and then their improvement plateaus and gradually diminished over the course of 5-10 years. Some people experience even more improvement by getting a repeat injection when they see their improvement plateau at around 6 months.