Experience the Future of Regenerative Medicine Today
Call 815- 412-6192 or text STEM to 815-464-7212
Our trusted partner, Kimera Labs, has been named a top 40 semifinalist out of 600+ global teams for their cutting-edge work in exosome therapies! This recognition reflects our commitment to advancing health and wellness through innovative regenerative therapies. Read more...
Patient Success Stories
Alternatives to Surgery
Real Chicago Stem Cell Therapy Patients Share their Experiences

ZAKI ANWAR, MD Anesthesiologist & Regenerative Medicine Expert
Dr. Anwar, an Anesthesiologist and world- renown Interventional Pain Management Physician, is the Founder and Medical Director of Chicago Stem Cell Therapy. He has incorporated regenerative medicine into his everyday pain treatment practice and dedicated himself to researching and developing the most advanced practices for surgical alternatives.
WHAT CONDITIONS CAN STEM CELL THERAPY TREAT?
Arthritis
Bulging/Herniated/ Ruptured/ Slipped Disc
Degenerative Disc Disease
Failed Back Surgery
Muscle or Ligament Strain
Nerve Damage
Post Surgical Pain
Radiculopathy/ Pinched Nerve
Sciatica
Spinal Stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
Vertebral Fractures
Whiplash
Arthritis
Bicipital Tendinitis
Bursitis or Myositis
Frozen Shoulder (Impingement)
Labrum Tear or Injury
Post Surgical Pain
Rotator Cuff Tear or Injury
Tendinitis
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Diabetes I
Fibromyalgia
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)
Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)
MS (Multiple Sclerosis)
Myasthenia Gravis
Psoriasis or Psoriatic Arthritis
RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis)
Arthritis/ Osteoarthritis
ACL, LCL or MCL Tear or Injury
Bursitis
Fractures
Meniscus Tear or Injury
Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease
Patellar and Quadricep Tendon disorders
Post Surgical Pain
Runner's Knee (Chondromalacia Patella)
Synovial Tendon Injuries
Tendinitis
Achilles Tendinitis
Arthritis/ Osteoarthritis
Bursitis
Morton's Neuroma
Plantar Fasciitis
Post Surgical Pain
Sprains
Stress Fracture
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
Tendinitis
Autism
Concussion
CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)
Dementia
MS (Multiple Sclerosis)
Neuropathy
Parkinson's Disease
Spinal Cord Injury
Stroke
TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)
Arthritis/ Osteoarthritis
Bursitis
Iliopsoas/ Iliotibial Band Tendinitis
Impingement/ Snapping Hip
Labrum Tear or Injury
Muscle Strains or Sprains
Osteonecrosis
Post Surgical Pain
Tendinitis
Trochanteric Conditions
Arthritis
Bicep Tendon Tear or Injury
Bursitis
Carpal Tunnel
Ligament Sprains or Strains
Post-Surgical Pain
Tendinitis
Tennis or Golfers Elbow (Epicondylitis)
UCL Injury (Ulnar Collateral Ligament)
Aesthetic/ Cosmetic Skin Conditions
Cardiovascular Disorders
Fatigue
General Wellbeing
Kidney Disorders
Lung Disorders
Menopause/ Perimenopause
Multiple Arthritic Joints
Non-healing Fractures
Post or Long COVID
Vascular Disorders

Frequently Asked Questions:
Benefits, Treatments & More
What is regenerative medicine?
Regenerative medicine combines your body's own healing abilities with natural biologics to repair and regenerate tissue. The cells in our body are responsible for growth and repair but with natural age or an injury, it can be difficult for the body to deliver sufficient healing properties. This problem can be solved with today's most advanced practices to promote the natural healing of impaired tissues, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, smooth muscle, and bone in an accelerated manner.
Patients no longer need to rely on medication or endure a long and painful recovery and rehabilitation process after surgery when they choose regenerative therapies instead.
What is stem cell therapy?
Stem cell therapy is a regenerative medicine treatment that uses powerful biologics to help repair damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and promote natural healing. It’s often used to treat joint pain, arthritis, injuries, and chronic conditions without surgery or the need for prescription medications.
How does stem cell therapy work?
Biologics are injected into areas of injury or degeneration, where they release growth factors and signals that stimulate tissue repair, reduce pain, and improve function over time.
Is stem cell therapy better than cortisone shots or surgery?
Masking or numbing pain can be a temporary relief, but treating the root of a problem can offer long term results. Surgeries carry many risks and complications, and cortisone has been proven to have a negative impact on our bodies. Dr. Zaki Anwar ensures his patients have access to the most advanced options for effective regeneration and repair. Our cellular treatments are the minimally invasive, non-surgical procedures you need for the results you deserve.
Is stem cell therapy safe?
Yes. Our treatments follow strict Joint Commission safety protocols. Side effects are rare but may include mild swelling or soreness at the injection site.
What kind of stem cells do you use?
Chicago Stem Cell Therapy utilizes amniotic fluid, exosomes derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), and PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma). For ailing joints or chronic health conditions, products from umbilical cord, placental tissue, or amniotic fluid can be injected into the area, fostering the growth of healthy tissue.
Where do the stem cells come from?
We partner with industry leading labs operating under FDA guidelines to ensure the highest safety and quality. Exosomes are secreted from Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs), which are collected from the placenta of a healthy mother giving live birth to a healthy baby.
What are exosomes?
Exosomes, derived from MSCs, are extracellular vesicles (EVs) collected from placental tissue during a healthy live birth. This tissue is rich with cytokines and growth factors with a high differentiation potential for rapid regeneration at the site of damage. These naturally occurring nanovesicles contain a biologic message with instructions to direct the behavior of other cells.
What can exosomes do?
The crosstalk of countless circulating vesicles forms a network of communication between cells, containing instructions that support the development, healing, and regeneration of body tissue whether injected or infused, and have the ability to cross the Blood Brain Barrier.
How long does it take to see results from stem cell therapy?
Most patients notice gradual improvements over 4 to 12 weeks, with continued benefits for months as healing progresses.
What is the recovery time after stem cell treatment?
Most patients resume normal activities within a few days, though we recommend avoiding strenuous activity for 2–4 weeks to allow optimal healing. Dr. Anwar will monitor your progress and assist in recommendations for increasing activity, as well as coordinate a strength training consult with our coach.
Does insurance cover stem cell therapy?
Stem cell therapy is not covered by insurance and is considered a self-pay treatment. We offer payment options, financing, and accept HSA or Flexible Spending Accounts.
How much does stem cell therapy cost?
Costs depend on the type of treatment and number of areas treated. Contact us to schedule an evaluation to get a personalized plan and meet with Dr. Anwar.
What is included in a stem cell therapy treatment package?
Most of our stem cell therapy packages are comprehensive and all-inclusive. They typically cover all in-office procedures and treatments, physician evaluation, shockwave therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, a personalized strength training consultation, high-quality vitamins and supplements, as well as all follow-up visits and direct communication with Dr. Anwar throughout your care.
What do studies show?
Preclinical studies suggest that exosomes:
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Reduce inflammation
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Reduce tissue fibrosis
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Modulate over-active immune cells
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Support blood supply
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Promote cell survival
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Promote connective tissue synthesis
Is Regenerative Medicine Successful?
Across a range of conditions, patients have self reported an average of 80% symptom relief. Studies have shown that stem cell therapy can repair and regenerate tissue and reduce inflammation. Every body is different, and every condition we treat can be staged at different severities. Natural biologics have proven to be successful, though individual results can vary. One person may feel relief immediately, while others gradually feel the progression of regeneration over the course of months. Human tissue needs time to regenerate, and even after completing treatment, sometimes PRP or other injections are beneficial as maintenance in order to continue optimal pain relief over time.
Am I a Candidate for Regenerative Therapies?
While there is an extensive range of indications, if you suffer from chronic pain, have experienced an injury, or struggle with an autoimmune or neurological condition, you are likely a candidate for regenerative treatments. After an initial evaluation and review of imaging (X-ray or MRI), Dr. Anwar will discuss his recommended treatment plan for you and explain how it can work to help improve your quality of life. To learn more or become a new patient, contact us or submit the Am I a Candidate form below.
