If conservative treatments for orthopedic injuries or chronic joint pain haven’t worked and surgery seems too invasive, patients can often feel stuck. Fortunately, at the Center for Healing and Regenerative Medicine (CHARM), we offer bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) as a regenerative, non-surgical option for lasting relief.
But what is BMAC therapy, exactly, and how does it work? Below, we break down everything you should know about this stem cell therapy alternative, so you can move forward in your healing journey with the knowledge and confidence you need.
What Is BMAC Therapy?
Bone marrow aspirate concentrate is derived from a patient’s own bone marrow. This autologous treatment contains mesenchymal stem cells, platelets, growth factors, and cytokines—biological agents responsible for tissue repair. After extraction, bone marrow undergoes centrifugation to concentrate regenerative elements, which are then injected into the affected area.
BMAC therapy can treat:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Labral and meniscal tears
- Moderate osteoarthritis (knee, hip, shoulder, ankle)
- Non-healing soft tissue injuries
- Post-surgical recovery enhancement
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction
- Tendon injuries (patellar, Achilles, hamstring, rotator cuff)
BMAC offers an evidence-supported option for those who want to avoid joint replacement or are not candidates for surgery.
How Is BMAC Performed at CHARM?
Under local anesthesia, bone marrow is aspirated from the hip bone and processed to concentrate the healing cells. Physicians precisely inject the concentrate into the target tissue guided by a fluoroscope or ultrasound. The procedure takes 60 to 90 minutes and is performed in an outpatient setting.
BMAC vs PRP: What’s the Difference?
BMAC and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy are both regenerative treatments, but they differ in composition and use. PRP, derived from blood, contains concentrated platelets and growth factors, making it effective for healing osteoarthritic joints and soft tissues like ligaments and tendons.
BMAC includes mesenchymal stem cells, which can differentiate into various tissue types, making it suitable for more severe injuries where stem cells are crucial for repair.
Both PRP and BMAC are used to treat moderate to severe osteoarthritis, major tendon tears, labral tears, meniscus tears, disc degeneration, and bone injuries. When a patient has multiple extensive injuries, combining BMAC and PRP can help treat a larger area.
How Long Will BMAC Injection Recovery Take?
After receiving a BMAC injection, mild to moderate soreness at the injection and aspiration sites may persist for a few days. Improvement in joint pain will happen gradually over 4 to 12 weeks as the injected cells migrate and tissues begin to repair. However, most patients can resume low-impact activities within several days of their injection and return to full activity within a few weeks, depending on the treatment site.
How Long Do Results Last?
The longevity of BMAC therapy varies based on factors like patient age, baseline tissue degeneration, activity level, overall health, and rehabilitation compliance. Most patients experience meaningful relief for 6 months to several years, with some experiencing results that last even longer.
For those with chronic degenerative conditions, a series of treatments or maintenance injections may be recommended to meet individual goals.
Who Is a Good Candidate for BMAC at CHARM?
Patients who are seeking an alternative to surgery and are committed to an active recovery process may benefit from BMAC therapy.
More specifically, you may be a good candidate for BMAC therapy if:
- You have moderate to severe joint or tendon degeneration (e.g., arthritis, larger tendon tears)
- You’ve been diagnosed with a labral tear (hip or shoulder) or a meniscus tear (knee)
- You have a disc-related injury, such as a disc annular tear
- You’re experiencing bone marrow edema (e.g., in the hip, knee, or vertebral body)
- You have multiple areas of structural injury that require higher-volume regenerative support
- You want to avoid or postpone surgery and are committed to a structured rehabilitation program
- You are in good general health and willing to follow activity modifications to support recovery
Each treatment plan at CHARM is individualized to maximize healing potential and support long-term function, using evidence-based regenerative therapies.
Why Choose CHARM for Regenerative Orthopedic Care?
At CHARM, we go beyond symptom management. Our team integrates advanced orthobiologic treatments, such as BMAC and PRP, with physical medicine and targeted rehabilitation therapies to promote true tissue healing and long-term results. Every care plan is personalized—grounded in your biology, your condition, and your goals for movement and performance.
As leaders in regenerative orthopedic care, we emphasize:
- Comprehensive diagnostics to identify root causes of pain and dysfunction
- Image-guided precision in every injection
- A team-based approach that includes physical therapy, lifestyle support, and functional optimization
- A commitment to non-surgical solutions that restore resilience—not just relieve symptoms
If you’re ready to pursue a regenerative solution that supports both healing and performance, schedule your consultation with our team at CHARM today.