Stem Cell Therapy in Newport Beach: Advanced BMAC Regenerative Treatment

Board-Certified Pain Physician | Imaging-Guided | Non-Surgical

Not everyone with chronic joint pain is ready for surgery or needs it. At OC Regenerative and Pain Center, Dr. Mike offers BMAC therapy (Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate), an advanced regenerative treatment that uses your own biology to support healing. It is one of the most sophisticated non-surgical options in orthopedic pain management available today, and it is offered right here in Newport Beach. If you are exploring stem cell therapy or want to understand how regenerative medicine may help your joints, spine, or soft tissue this page is for you.

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Doctor Mike explaining BMAC therapy to a patient in a regenerative pain clinic consultation

What Is BMAC Therapy?

BMAC stands for Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate. Bone marrow is the spongy tissue found inside your large bones, particularly the hip bone (iliac crest). It is one of the richest sources of mesenchymal stem cells in the human body. These are specialized cells that can support the repair of cartilage, bone, tendons, and soft tissue. Along with stem cells, bone marrow also contains powerful growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines proteins that signal the body to begin healing and reduce local swelling.

Because BMAC is drawn entirely from your own body, it is classified as an autologous therapy. This eliminates the risk of allergic reaction or rejection that can come with donor-based products. When Dr. Mike injects BMAC into a damaged joint or spinal structure, he is delivering a concentrated dose of your body's most capable healing agents directly to the site of injury.

BMAC is an investigational regenerative therapy. Not all patients are candidates. It is distinct from PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy learn about the differences below.

How Is BMAC Different from PRP?

Both BMAC and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) are autologous regenerative therapies meaning they use their own biology. However, they come from different sources and are best suited for different clinical situations:

Conditions Treated with BMAC Stem Cell Therapy

Dr. Mike uses bone marrow aspirate concentrate to support healing in patients with joint damage, tendon injuries, and spinal degeneration. BMAC may be considered for the following conditions after a thorough clinical evaluation:

Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic joint pain and one of the leading reasons patients are referred for total knee replacement surgery. When cartilage between the knee joint surfaces wears down, bone rubs on bone, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. BMAC stem cell therapy may support joint health by delivering mesenchymal stem cells and anti-inflammatory growth factors directly into the knee joint, potentially reducing pain and improving function. Dr. Mike will evaluate your imaging to determine whether you are a candidate for this approach.

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Shoulder and Rotator Cuff Injuries

The shoulder is a complex joint subject to significant mechanical stress, especially in active adults. Rotator cuff tears, chronic tendinopathy, labral injuries, and painful bursitis can all limit range of motion and make everyday activities uncomfortable. When partial tendon tears or degenerative changes are present, BMAC delivers a concentrated dose of the body's own healing biology directly to the damaged tissue, supporting repair at the cellular level.

Illustration of a person with spine degenerative disc disease, with callouts pointing to the disc, facet joints, and irritated nerves

Spine and Degenerative Disc Disease

Facet joint arthritis and degenerative disc disease are two of the most common drivers of chronic back and neck pain. As the discs between vertebrae lose height and the facet joints develop bone spurs, nearby nerves can become irritated and inflamed. BMAC may support the healing environment in and around these spinal structures, offering a non-surgical option for patients who have not responded to other conservative care.

BMAC may also be considered for hip pain, elbow tendinopathy, and ankle or foot conditions. Dr. Mike will evaluate your specific anatomy and imaging during your clinical consultation to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

The BMAC Procedure: What to Expect

The entire BMAC procedure is performed in our Newport Beach office and typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes from start to finish, including your brief observation period afterward. Here is exactly what happens:

Step 1: Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation

Every treatment begins with a detailed consultation. Dr. Mike reviews your medical history, current symptoms, and any available imaging such as X-rays or MRI to confirm that BMAC is an appropriate option for your specific condition. Not all patients are candidates, and this evaluation ensures your safety and the best possible outcome.

Step 2: Bone Marrow Collection

If you are a candidate, a small amount of bone marrow is collected from the hip bone (iliac crest) using a specialized needle. A local anesthetic is applied first to numb the area thoroughly. Most patients describe the sensation as pressure rather than sharp pain. The collection itself takes only a few minutes.

Step 3: Centrifuge Processing

The bone marrow sample is immediately placed into an FDA-cleared centrifuge system. The centrifuge spins the sample at high speed to separate and concentrate the mesenchymal stem cells, growth factors, and anti-inflammatory components creating the final BMAC solution ready for injection.

Step 4: Image-Guided Injection

Dr. Mike uses ultrasound or fluoroscopy (live X-ray imaging) to guide the BMAC solution to the precise location of your joint damage or tissue injury. This imaging-guided approach ensures the concentrated healing cells are delivered exactly where they are needed maximizing precision and safety.

Most patients return home the same day. This is a fully outpatient procedure performed entirely in our Newport Beach office.

What to Expect:
BMAC Recovery Timeline

Because BMAC relies on your body's biological healing processes, it takes time to work. Recovery is gradual, and results build over weeks to months. Here is what most patients experience:

Days 1-7: Soreness, stiffness, or a dull ache at both the hip (collection site) and the injection site is normal and expected. Avoid anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and naproxen during this period they can interfere with the healing response BMAC is designed to initiate. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is acceptable for discomfort. Rest on the day of the procedure and limit strenuous activity for the first week.

Weeks 4-8: Most patients begin to notice a gradual reduction in resting pain and improved ease of movement as the stem cells and growth factors begin supporting tissue repair. Physical therapy is often recommended during this window to accelerate functional recovery.

Months 2-6: Full functional improvements are typically realized during this period. Clinical experience with BMAC and similar regenerative therapies suggests that improvements in pain and function can continue for up to 12 months following a single treatment.

Results vary by individual. Not all patients respond the same way to regenerative therapy. Dr. Mike will monitor your progress and adjust your plan based on your clinical response.

Patient Success Stories

Dustin Luvisa

“Dr. Mike is the best! I have seen many pain management doctors over the past 8-9 years and he is BY FAR the most capable and knowledgeable physician I have seen since I began PM. His care has allowed me to continue working, be active, and have an overall better quality of life. Thank you so much Dr. Mike, you are the best!."

Christie Gonzales

Dr. Mike has served as my physician for over a decade. I am profoundly appreciative of his expertise, compassion, and overall exemplary medical practice. Dr. Mike consistently provides prompt and comprehensive responses to inquiries, effectively elucidating all necessary information regarding pain management and optimal treatment strategies. I genuinely wish that more medical professionals exhibited his caliber. I wholeheartedly endorse Dr. Mike to any prospective patient seeking a contemporary and highly competent pain specialist.

Rama Rida

I cannot thank Dr. Shahbazian enough for the care he provided me. When I experienced a movement in my disc and intense back pain, he immediately took the time to truly listen and understand what I was going through. He paid attention to every detail from reviewing my images , explain everything clearly, and guide me on what steps to take. and treated me with the utmost care and professionalism.

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The "Regenerate. Don't Medicate." Approach to Advanced Healing

At OC Regenerative and Pain Center, our philosophy is straightforward: use your body's own biology to support long-term healing rather than masking pain with repeated cortisone shots or rushing patients toward surgery. BMAC represents the most advanced tool in our regenerative toolkit, and in the right patient, it may work powerfully on its own or alongside PRP therapy or epidural steroid injections as part of a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan. Dr. Mike does not offer one-size-fits-all protocols. Every recommendation is based on your imaging, clinical history, and lifestyle goals. If BMAC is not the right fit, he will tell you and recommend what is.

Patients should not stop any currently prescribed medications without first consulting their treating physician.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stem Cell Therapy and BMAC

Is stem cell therapy FDA approved for joint pain or back pain?

No. The FDA has not approved any stem cell therapy for orthopedic conditions such as knee pain, back pain, or shoulder injuries. At OC Regenerative and Pain Center, Dr. Mike uses BMAC Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate which is classified by the FDA as a minimally manipulated, autologous biologic derived from your own bone marrow. This is a legally and clinically distinct category from unapproved commercial stem cell products. BMAC is an investigational regenerative therapy. Results vary, and not all patients are candidates.

What conditions can BMAC stem cell therapy treat?

BMAC may be considered for knee osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tendinopathy and partial tears, degenerative disc disease and facet joint arthritis in the spine, hip pain, elbow tendinopathy, and ankle or foot conditions. The best candidates are typically patients with moderate-to-advanced joint degeneration who have not found adequate relief from conservative treatments such as physical therapy, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications.

How is BMAC different from PRP?

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is derived from your blood and concentrated in platelets and growth factors. BMAC is derived from your bone marrow and contains mesenchymal stem cells in addition to growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines. This makes BMAC a more biologically comprehensive option for patients with advanced joint damage or degenerative conditions where cartilage and deeper tissue structures are involved. Dr. Mike will recommend the most appropriate therapy based on your imaging and clinical evaluation.

Does a BMAC or stem cell injection hurt?

The bone marrow collection is performed under local anesthesia, so the skin and tissue over the hip bone are thoroughly numbed before the needle is inserted. Most patients report feeling pressure rather than sharp pain during the draw. The injection site may feel sore for several days afterward similar to the soreness experienced after a PRP injection. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be used for discomfort; avoid ibuprofen and other NSAIDs during the early healing period.

How long does stem cell therapy recovery take?

Most patients rest the day of their procedure and resume normal light activity the following day. The initial soreness at both the hip collection site and the injection site typically resolves within the first week. Meaningful pain relief and functional improvement are usually noticed between weeks four and eight, with continued improvements building through months two to six. Full results may take up to 12 months to fully develop, depending on the condition being treated and the individual patient.

Will insurance cover BMAC stem cell therapy?

BMAC therapy is classified as an investigational treatment, and it is typically not covered by major insurance providers or Medicare for orthopedic or pain management applications. It is considered an out-of-pocket investment. The cost varies based on which joints or spinal areas are treated, the complexity of the procedure, and your individualized treatment plan. Our team provides fully transparent pricing during your consultation so there are no surprises.

How many BMAC injections will I need?

Many patients achieve meaningful improvement from a single BMAC procedure. Others may benefit from a follow-up treatment based on their clinical response at their post-procedure evaluation. Dr. Mike does not recommend a fixed number of treatments upfront your plan is reassessed based on how you respond. In some cases, BMAC is used as a standalone therapy; in others, it is combined with PRP as part of a staged regenerative protocol.

Can BMAC stem cell therapy help me avoid joint replacement surgery?

BMAC may help some patients manage pain and improve joint function well enough to delay or avoid surgery but this cannot be guaranteed for every patient. It is not a structural fix for severe, end-stage joint damage such as a fully collapsed joint space or a complete tendon rupture. For patients who are at an earlier stage of degeneration or who want to explore non-surgical options before committing to surgery, BMAC is worth a thorough clinical evaluation with Dr. Mike.

Find Out If BMAC Stem Cell Therapy Is Right for You

If you have been living with chronic joint pain, back pain, or a degenerative tendon condition and conservative treatments have not given you the relief you need, BMAC therapy may be worth exploring. Dr. Mike will review your imaging, evaluate your symptoms, and give you an honest clinical opinion about whether you are a good candidate for this advanced regenerative treatment.

OC Regenerative and Pain Center proudly serves patients searching for stem cell therapy from Newport Beach, Irvine, Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, and throughout Orange County. We also offer telemedicine consultations for patients who want to review their imaging and discuss candidacy before coming in for an in-person visit.

Disclaimer: All treatments are individualized based on clinical evaluation. BMAC is an investigational regenerative therapy and is not a substitute for standard medical care. Results may vary. Not all patients are candidates for BMAC therapy. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Visit Our Newport Beach Clinic

Are you ready to explore a comprehensive chronic pain management plan? Contact OC Regenerative and Pain Center today to schedule your evaluation with our trusted pain doctor, Dr. Mike.