Stem Cell Therapy for Sports Injuries
Regenerative stem cell therapy for tendon and ligament injuries, guided by Dr. Catalina Henao.
Short answer
Stem cell therapy for sports injuries treats chronic tendinopathies and partial ligament injuries, such as tennis elbow or Achilles and patellar tendinopathy, with mesenchymal stem cells placed under ultrasound guidance and a return-to-sport rehab plan. Complete ruptures need a surgical opinion first. Price depends on the dose, from about USD 2,267 for 10 million stem cells.
Your Partner in Recovery
A tendon that never quite heals can keep you off the field, the trail or the court for months. At Stem Cell Medellin we pinpoint the injured tissue, decide whether regenerative therapy fits, and pair it with a structured return-to-sport plan.
Tendon & Ligament Care
Non-Surgical Approach
Image-Guided Injection
Return-to-Sport Plan
Understanding Sports Injury Therapy
Tendons and ligaments have a limited blood supply, which is why injuries such as tennis elbow, Achilles or patellar tendinopathy and partial ligament sprains can linger for months. Mesenchymal stem cells placed precisely in the injured tissue under ultrasound guidance aim to calm inflammation and support the body’s own healing response, so you can load the tissue again with less pain.
Targets chronic tendinopathy and partial ligament injuries.
Placed under ultrasound guidance in the injured tissue.
Combined with progressive loading to return to sport.
Is Stem Cell Therapy Right for Your Injury?
Dr. Henao reviews your history and imaging before you travel. If stem cell therapy is unlikely to help, we will tell you, and explain which option makes more sense.
Often a good fit
- Tennis or golfer’s elbow, Achilles and patellar tendinopathy
- Partial ligament tears and chronic sprains
- Hamstring and other muscle-tendon injuries that keep coming back
- Athletes who have not improved after three to six months of rehab
Usually not the right option
- Complete ACL or Achilles ruptures: these need surgical evaluation first
- Acute injuries in their first weeks, which often heal with standard care
- Unstable joints that need surgical stabilization
- Active infection or cancer
Leading Medical ExpertiseExceptional Care||Return to Sport
Leading Regenerative Medicine Center in Colombia
At Stem Cell Medellin, we bring science and compassion together. Every treatment follows ethical, evidence-based care to help your body regain strength, movement, and ease – naturally.
Stem Cell Therapy for Sports Injuries
Tendon & Ligament Care
Return-to-Sport Programs
What the Evidence Says
Orthobiologics are widely used in sports medicine, but the strongest reviews, including the 2020 NBA consensus statement, agree that high-quality data is still limited. Studies on tendon and ligament injuries report encouraging results and a good safety profile, so we use stem cells selectively and always with a rehabilitation program.
Scientific references
- NBA orthobiologics consensus statement (2020): safety, realistic expectations and evidence gaps
- Mesenchymal stem cells for tendon and ligament injuries: clinical evidence
- Cell therapy for graft ligamentization after ACL reconstruction: a systematic review
- Evidence-based orthobiologic practice: current evidence and future directions
Medically reviewed by Dr. Catalina Henao, MD · Last reviewed October 2026
Innovation, Excellence & Expertise in Regenerative Care
Every athlete and every injury is different. We combine imaging review, ultrasound-guided delivery and a progressive loading plan built around your sport, so every step is precise, measured and personal. The goal is a safe, confident return to training with care that holds itself to the evidence.
Advanced Diagnostics
Professional Consultation
Learn More Before You Travel
Our medical team writes in-depth guides so you can make an informed decision before booking a consultation.
- Can Stem Cell Therapy Support Recovery After Sports Injuries?
- Tendon and Ligament Injuries: Understanding Stem Cell Therapy
- Joint Pain Therapy Medellin
Want to hear from other patients? Read patient testimonials or meet Dr. Catalina Henao.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sports Injury Therapy Medellin is designed to be transparent and athlete-focused. These answers explain who it helps and what to expect.
Which sports injuries can be treated with stem cells?
Mainly chronic tendinopathies (elbow, Achilles, patellar, hamstring), partial ligament tears and recurring muscle-tendon injuries. Complete ruptures usually need a surgical opinion first.
Is stem cell therapy allowed for competitive athletes?
Autologous cell therapies are generally not prohibited, but anti-doping rules change and some products are restricted. If you compete, check with your federation or anti-doping agency before treatment; we provide the documentation you need.
When can I train again?
Most patients protect the area for one to two weeks, then follow a progressive loading plan. A return to full sport is usually considered at around three months, depending on the injury and how the tissue responds.
How is this different from PRP?
PRP concentrates growth factors from your blood; stem cell therapy uses cells that can modulate inflammation and support repair. For some tendon injuries PRP alone is a good first option, and Dr. Henao will tell you if that is the case.
How long do I need to stay in Medellin?
Most patients plan five to seven days: consultation and imaging review, the procedure, and a follow-up visit before flying home. Our bilingual team helps with airport transfers, scheduling and remote check-ins after you return.
How much does treatment cost?
It depends on the condition, the protocol and how many areas are treated. Pricing is by stem cell dose, from about USD 2,267 for 10 million stem cells to USD 9,674 for 150 million stem cells. You receive a written quote after Dr. Henao reviews your case and imaging, before you book any travel.
What happens after I go home?
You leave with a written return-to-sport program and remote follow-ups. We can coordinate with your coach or physiotherapist so the plan fits your season.