What is Stem Cell Therapy and How Does it Work?

Regenerative medicine is transforming how injuries and chronic conditions are treated—targeting healing at the cellular level rather than simply masking symptoms. At Chicago Stem Cell Therapy, we focus on naturally repairing and restoring damaged tissue using advanced therapies that support the body’s own ability to reduce inflammation, heal, recover, and regenerate.

Dr. Zaki Anwar is dedicated to bringing the most advanced regenerative techniques into everyday clinical practice. Through continuous training and innovative treatment protocols, Chicago Stem Cell Therapy remains a leader in regenerative medicine in the Chicagoland area—providing physician-led care focused on lasting outcomes, not temporary relief.

Frequently Asked Questions

En espanol: Tratamientos Regenerativos

What Is The Difference Between Stem Cell Sources?

Stem cell therapy in the US is tightly regulated by the FDA. Our cutting-edge treatments comply with rigorous FDA standards, ensuring that what you put in your body is scientifically proven and ethically sourced. Treatments in the US are based on proven research and performed by highly trained professionals in accredited facilities.

Stem cell treatments in other countries may lack strict oversight, leading to variability in cell quality, sourcing, and clinical practices. While some clinics abroad make bold claims, these often come with increased risks and little recourse if complications arise. Choosing US-based therapy means choosing safety, precision, and trust—because your health and performance deserve nothing less. Don’t take chances abroad when you can have the best right here at home.

Hear from our trusted partners at Kimera Labs

EXOSOME THERAPY

Exosomes are powerful nano vesicles secreted by Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs). Sourced from carefully screened placental tissue from a healthy live birth, these biologic messengers are rich in growth factors, cytokines, and regenerative signaling molecules.

Unlike PRP, which relies on platelets to initiate repair, exosomes function as cellular communicators. These naturally occurring nanovesicles deliver instructions that help

Regulate inflammation
Support tissue repair
Optimize cellular function
Enhance cell to cell communication

Exosome therapy supports the body’s ability to restore balance and promote recovery at a deeper, more systemic level.

Because exosomes work through advanced cellular signaling pathways, many patients choose them as a next-level regenerative option for comprehensive tissue support and recovery.

POWERFUL BENEFITS OF AMNIOTIC FLUID

Amniotic Fluid can relieve pain associated with joints, soft tissue and spinal disorders with quick and painless in-office injections. This all natural and drug-free biologic contains a large concentration of Growth Factors, including GDF-11, referred to as “the Fountain of Youth” hormone by a Harvard Study.

With practically no recovery time you can return to every day, low impact activities immediately. Amniotic Fluid injections can be a safe, non-steroidal alternative to surgery. Each injection helps recruit your body’s own healing components to repair and regenerate the injured tissue that is causing pain. Conditions successfully treated include:

● Joints: Knees, Hips, Shoulders, Elbows, Wrists, Ankles

● Spine: Neck pain, Back pain, Sacroiliac joints

● Soft tissue: Plantar Fasciitis, Tennis Elbow, Rotator Cuff tears

PRP FOR ACCELERATED HEALING

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative treatment designed to accelerate healing naturally. Dr. Zaki Anwar prepares a personalized PRP solution using growth factors derived from your own blood to stimulate tissue repair, improve circulation, and support faster recovery.

PRP enhances your body’s natural healing response when injected into the affected area. For optimal results, PRP therapy can be combined with supportive treatments such as Shockwave Therapy (ESWT/ EMTT), amniotic fluid or exosomes, proper nutrition, and exercise to maximize recovery and long-term function.

A NON-SURGICAL OPTION FOR "BONE-ON-BONE” ARTHRITIS

If you’ve been told you have bone-on-bone arthritis of the knee or hip and that surgery is your only option, you may have a new alternate path forward. Dr. Zaki Anwar offers advanced, non-surgical treatment by targeting the subchondral bone using bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC)—a regenerative therapy that supports the body’s natural healing processes.

Trained by leading physicians in Japan and South Korea, Dr. Anwar uses highly specialized techniques and advanced imaging guidance to precisely deliver treatment to the affected area just below the bone surface. This is especially important when addressing subchondral bone pain, which develops just beneath the joint surface.

By targeting these areas directly, BMAC may help reduce inflammation, support tissue repair, and improve joint function far better than joint injections for an early or moderate stage arthritis.

CAN I USE MY OWN STEM CELLS?

We believe healing should be as unique as you are. While we often utilize advanced exosome therapy for cellular repair and rejuvenation, patients also have the option to use their own adipose- derived stem cells, harvested and safely banked through our partnership with American Cell Technology (ACT).

This personalized approach allows your body’s own biology to become the foundation of your treatment — offering regenerative precision designed specifically for you.

LOW-RISK REGENERATIVE MEDICINE

No incisions or sutures are required, and recovery is swift. Minor soreness at the injection site is possible but manageable. Stem cells are sourced from healthy mothers who have delivered a healthy baby and are screened rigorously in FDA compliant labs. Chicago Stem Cell Therapy partners with industry leading labs and administers exosomes from a cell line FDA approved for purity and safety.

Exosomes are naturally produced by the body, but in much smaller amounts than placental newborn sources. Unlike embryonic or expanded stem cells which carry risks, therapy at Chicago Stem Cell Therapy is based on the most current knowledge and constant communication with expert lab research. While treatment outcomes may vary based on injury severity, timing of treatment, and patient-specific conditions, we prioritize safety and science-backed approaches.

Embryonic stem cells will never be utilized by our office.

PATIENT TESTIMONIES

NATURAL BIOLOGIC
TISSUE COLLECTION

We only trust industry leading labs to process donations from healthy mothers who have delivered a healthy baby via scheduled C-section. Placental and Amniotic Fluid donors sign a consent and complete a detailed questionnaire before the tissue undergoes extensive screenings.

Once the samples have been thoroughly tested for infectious diseases and sterility under International Blood Bank standards and are 100% safe, the tissue is processed under FDA guidelines and then cryopreserved until use.

Regenerative treatments are safe and administered with adherence to strict standards and FDA guidelines to keep patients protected from any risk of infection or complication. Our in-office procedures, performed in a Joint Commission Accredited suite, offer a convenient path to pain reduction by beginning repair and regeneration of healthy tissue during a short outpatient appointment.

Preclinical trials suggest that exosomes:

• Reduce inflammation

• Reduce tissue fibrosis

• Modulate over-active immune cells

• Support blood supply

• Promote cell survival

• Promote connective tissue synthesis

• Repair and regenerate tissue

USING YOUR OWN STEM CELLS: HARVESTING, BANKING & TREATMENT

CONSULTATION & EVALUATION
Every patient begins with a detailed evaluation by Dr. Zaki Anwar, who designs a regenerative plan tailored to your condition, goals, and treatment preferences.
HARVESTING YOUR CELLS
Through a minimally invasive adipose (fat) tissue collection, a small sample is obtained (usually from the abdomen or flank area). This process is simple, outpatient, and performed with local anesthesia.
PROCESSING & BANKING WITH ACT
The harvested tissue is sent to American Cell Technology, where your stem cells are isolated, tested, and cryopreserved under FDA-registered laboratory conditions for long-term storage.
PERSONALIZED REGENERATIVE TREATMENTS
When you’re ready, your stored cells can be safely returned to your body — through precise injections or IV infusions — to support natural healing, reduce inflammation, and promote regeneration in targeted areas.

Why Patients Choose to Bank Their Own Cells

Long-Term Investment in Health – Banked cells preserve your younger, healthier biology for future use.
Personal Preference – Using autologous stem cells (your own) may feel like the right choice.
Versatility – Your stored cells can be used for joint, spine, soft tissue, or systemic regenerative therapies.
Peace of Mind – Partnering with American Cell Technology ensures the highest laboratory and storage standards.