Overview
Raleigh sits at the center of the Research Triangle, one of the most densely credentialed healthcare and biomedical research corridors in the United States. Duke University Medical Center, UNC Health, and WakeMed collectively anchor a regional ecosystem that attracts fellowship-trained physicians, draws clinical research investment, and sustains a patient population with above-average familiarity with advanced medical options. This concentration of academic medicine has created direct downstream effects on private practice: physicians who trained at Duke Sports Medicine or Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University have opened outpatient clinics in Raleigh and Cary, bringing subspecialty-level regenerative medicine into accessible outpatient settings rather than leaving it exclusively inside large hospital systems.
Patients seek stem cell therapy and related regenerative medicine treatments for a consistent set of reasons. The most common driver is musculoskeletal pain — knee osteoarthritis, chronic tendinopathy, labral tears, and lumbar disc degeneration — where conventional options have either failed, carry meaningful surgical risk, or require extended recovery periods incompatible with the patient’s work or lifestyle. A second and growing patient population approaches regenerative medicine not from a musculoskeletal but from a systemic longevity or functional medicine framing, seeking IV exosome infusions, peptide protocols, and cellular therapies as tools for inflammation reduction, hormonal optimization, and metabolic support. These two populations, orthopedic and functional/anti-aging, overlap partially but are served by different clinic types.
Raleigh’s regenerative medicine landscape divides roughly into three models. The first is the orthopedic sports medicine model: physicians fellowship-trained in musculoskeletal medicine who perform image-guided injections of PRP, bone marrow concentrate, or microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) for joint and tendon pathology. The second is the hospital-integrated model, where a large orthopedic group affiliated with a major health system employs a non-operative sports medicine specialist to deliver orthobiologics alongside conventional orthopedic surgical care. The third is the functional/longevity medicine model, where a primary care or family medicine-trained physician with advanced training in anti-aging or regenerative medicine offers a broader menu of systemic treatments, including IV stem cell and exosome protocols, peptide therapy, and hormonal optimization. Each model carries different strengths, different evidence bases, and different appropriate patient profiles.
Evaluating a stem cell clinic requires more than a website review. The foundational question is physician qualification: is the treating provider a licensed MD or DO with verifiable board certification in a relevant specialty? Fellowship training in sports medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, or pain management is a strong secondary indicator. Beyond credentials, patients should ask whether procedures are performed under real-time imaging guidance — fluoroscopy or ultrasound — which significantly affects accuracy of delivery and therefore clinical outcomes. Prospective patients in Raleigh can verify physician licensure and standing through the North Carolina Medical Board at ncmedboard.org. For cell-based treatments specifically, asking which FDA regulatory pathway the clinic follows — whether autologous cells are minimally manipulated and used for homologous purpose — is a substantive question that separates compliant practices from those operating in a legally ambiguous space.
Top Stem Cell Therapy Clinics in Raleigh
1. Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics
Address: 7200 Creedmoor Rd, Suite 102, Raleigh, NC 27613
Phone: (919) 719-2270
Website: https://www.carolinanonsurgicalortho.com
About: Carolina Nonsurgical Orthopedics was founded in 2013 by Dr. Matthew Kanaan, DO, with a stated mission to provide the latest in nonsurgical orthopedic and biologic treatments to patients in the Triangle area. The practice operates as a dedicated nonsurgical orthopedics clinic, meaning no surgical procedures are performed on site — the entire clinical model is built around avoiding or delaying surgery for patients with arthritis, joint pain, and sports injuries. This focused scope allows the practice to invest deeply in orthobiologic techniques, particularly platelet-rich plasma and cell therapy protocols, rather than offering these as ancillary services within a larger surgical orthopedic group. The clinic takes most major insurance plans, with the standard note that orthobiologic treatments including PRP, cell therapy, and shockwave are not covered by insurance and are priced as cash-pay procedures. Dr. Kanaan has reported performing over 50,000 ultrasound-guided procedures throughout his career, reflecting deep procedural volume in image-guided injection techniques. The practice serves patients from across the Triangle region and has developed a specific focus on knee arthritis, including bone-on-bone presentations where surgical consultation would typically be the next step.
Physicians:
- Dr. Matthew Kanaan, DO — Sports Medicine, Nonsurgical Orthopedics. Dr. Kanaan holds a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology from Liberty University and a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Florida. He received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his residency and a nonsurgical sports medicine fellowship at Duke Medical Center / Duke Sports Medicine in 2013, one of the premier sports medicine training programs in the Southeast. He is board-certified in Sports Medicine and Family Medicine by the American Board of Family Medicine. His dual certification in primary care and sports medicine, combined with fellowship training at Duke, positions him as a well-credentialed practitioner in the nonsurgical orthopedic space.
Services:
- Microfragmented Adipose Tissue (MFAT) Cell Therapy: A minimally invasive same-day procedure in which adipose (fat) tissue is harvested from the patient, microfragmented using a closed sterile system (the Lipogems device), and injected into a target joint under imaging guidance. Dr. Kanaan performs this primarily for knee arthritis, including advanced cases, and also for hip, shoulder, and large tendon injuries.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: Patient’s own blood is drawn, centrifuged to concentrate platelet growth factors, and injected into joints, tendons, or ligaments under ultrasound guidance. PRP is the most studied orthobiologic intervention with an established body of clinical literature for knee osteoarthritis and tendinopathy.
- Prolotherapy: Injection of a dextrose solution into damaged ligaments and tendons to stimulate the body’s natural repair response. A well-established technique with decades of clinical use.
- Shockwave Therapy: Extracorporeal shockwave applied to chronic tendinopathies including plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and calcific shoulder tendinitis.
- Ultrasound-Guided Cortisone Injections: Precise anti-inflammatory injections delivered under real-time imaging for accurate placement.
Conditions Treated:
- Knee osteoarthritis, including advanced/bone-on-bone
- Hip arthritis and labral injuries
- Shoulder pain, rotator cuff tendinopathy, partial-thickness tears
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow (lateral and medial epicondylitis)
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Patellar tendinopathy
- Plantar fasciitis
- Ligament sprains and partial tears
Technology and Equipment: Ultrasound imaging guidance for all injections; Lipogems system for MFAT cell therapy (FDA 510(k)-cleared device for same-day autologous adipose tissue preparation).
Insurance and Pricing: Most major insurance plans accepted for consultations and follow-up visits. Orthobiologic procedures (MFAT, PRP, prolotherapy, shockwave) are cash-pay and not covered by insurance.
2. Wake Orthopaedics — Interventional Orthopaedics (WakeMed)
Address: 505 Oberlin Rd, Suite 120, Raleigh, NC 27605
Phone: (919) 882-6578
Website: https://www.wakemed.org/wakemed-wake-orthopaedics/specialties-services/interventional-orthopaedics
About: Wake Orthopaedics is one of the largest orthopedic groups in the Triangle, affiliated with WakeMed Health and Hospitals, a major regional health system with its flagship campus in Raleigh. Within Wake Orthopaedics, the Interventional Orthopaedics program was developed as a dedicated non-operative service line offering regenerative and biologic treatments for musculoskeletal conditions. The program is notable for being embedded within a large surgical orthopedic group, which means patients have direct access to surgical consultation and imaging resources within the same organization if needed. Dr. Chad Greer is reported to be the first physician to practice non-operative sports medicine in an orthopaedic setting in the Triangle area, establishing this model before it became more common in the region. The program uses the same-day outpatient format, with procedures performed in the office setting with minimal downtime. WakeMed’s affiliation means the practice has access to hospital-grade imaging and laboratory infrastructure. Dr. Greer also practices from a Wake Forest, NC, location in addition to the Raleigh site.
Physicians:
- Dr. Chad Greer, MD, MS — Non-Operative Sports Medicine, Interventional Orthopaedics. Dr. Greer holds a Master’s degree in Nutrition from East Carolina University and completed his MD at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University in 2005. He completed a dual residency in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia. He then completed a Sports Medicine Fellowship at AnMed Health in Anderson, South Carolina. He is dual board-certified in Internal Medicine/Pediatrics (Medicine-Pediatrics) and Sports Medicine. As a former Division I wrestler at Clemson University, Dr. Greer brings direct athletic experience to his sports medicine practice and has served as team physician for NC State University wrestling. He is fellowship-trained in ultrasound guidance for precision injection placement.
Services:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Concentration of autologous platelet growth factors from patient blood, injected under imaging guidance into the site of musculoskeletal injury or arthritis. Widely studied and the most commonly offered orthobiologic treatment at this clinic.
- Stem Cell Therapy (Bone Marrow and Adipose): Autologous cells harvested from the patient’s own bone marrow or fat tissue and prepared for same-day injection. The clinic notes these therapies are compliant with FDA guidance requiring cells to be minimally manipulated and used for homologous purposes.
- Alpha-2-Macroglobulin (A2M) Therapy: A2M is a naturally occurring protein isolated from the patient’s blood plasma, known for its ability to inhibit cartilage-degrading enzymes and neutralize inflammatory mediators. This is a relatively recent addition to the orthobiologic toolkit, with ongoing research in knee cartilage protection.
- Prolotherapy and Amniotic Fluid Therapies: Available upon further discussion and patient evaluation.
- Ultrasound-Guided Diagnostic and Therapeutic Injections: Fellowship-trained precision placement for all regenerative procedures.
Conditions Treated:
- Osteoarthritis (knee, hip, shoulder)
- Muscle strains and partial tears
- Tendinopathy and tendon injuries
- Ligament sprains and instability
- Sports-related trauma
- Cartilage loss and joint degeneration
- Concussion management (Dr. Greer’s additional specialty)
- Pediatric and adult sports injuries
Technology and Equipment: Real-time ultrasound imaging guidance; A2M isolation system; bone marrow and adipose harvest and preparation for same-day autologous procedures; hospital-system integration with WakeMed imaging resources.
Insurance and Pricing: The practice accepts many private insurance plans, Medicaid, and Medicare. Consultation visits are typically covered by standard insurance. Regenerative procedures (PRP, stem cell, A2M) are generally not covered by insurance.
3. Regenesis MD
Address: 8020 Creedmoor Rd, Raleigh, NC 27613
Phone: (919) 322-2844
Website: https://regenesismd.com
About: Regenesis MD is a functional and regenerative medicine clinic founded and led by Dr. Bhavna Vaidya-Tank, MD, in Raleigh. The clinic operates at the intersection of anti-aging medicine, functional medicine, and regenerative therapies, offering a broader systemic approach to cellular health than orthopedic-focused practices. Rather than centering exclusively on joint injections, Regenesis MD frames stem cell and exosome therapies within a longevity and whole-body optimization context, treating patients for systemic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, hormonal decline, and tissue repair alongside targeted joint protocols. The clinic has been recognized as “Raleigh’s Best Regenerative Medicine Clinic 2025” and has been featured in regional and national media including Raleigh Magazine and WRAL. Dr. Vaidya-Tank brings over 20 years of medical practice to the clinic, with more than a decade of specific experience in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and functional medicine. The practice serves patients from across the Triangle region, including Cary, Durham, Wake Forest, Apex, and Chapel Hill. Clinic hours are Tuesday through Saturday, making it accessible to working patients who cannot schedule weekday-only appointments.
Physicians:
- Dr. Bhavna Vaidya-Tank, MD — Family Medicine, Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. Dr. Vaidya-Tank is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. She holds dual specialization in family medicine and anti-aging medicine, with advanced training in regenerative medicine and functional medicine. She founded her Family Wellness Clinic in Clayton, NC in 2005 and subsequently developed Regenesis MD as a dedicated regenerative and anti-aging practice in Raleigh. She has over 20 years of clinical experience with particular depth in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, metabolic medicine, and regenerative cellular therapies. Her training encompasses mesenchymal stem cell biology, exosome science, and peptide therapeutics as applied to systemic tissue repair and longevity protocols.
Services:
- Stem Cell IV Therapy: Intravenous delivery of stem cell preparations for systemic anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects. Available in standard ($1,500-$2,500) and high-dose (ESC, $3,000) formats depending on patient evaluation and treatment goals.
- XO Exosome Therapy: Exosome preparations derived from mesenchymal stem cells, delivered IV or locally, designed to carry signaling molecules, growth factors, and microRNA to target tissues. Offered at $1,500 and above.
- Joint Injections (Knee, Shoulder, Hip, Elbow): Regenerative cellular injections targeted to specific joints for pain relief and tissue repair, priced at $1,500 per joint.
- VittiPure Advanced Regenerative Treatment: A proprietary advanced regenerative preparation derived from stem cells, designed to restore and repair tissue. Available as a $750 add-on or $1,000 standalone treatment.
- Peptide Therapy: A full protocol menu including BPC-157 for tissue healing, TB-500 for recovery acceleration, CJC/Ipamorelin for growth hormone stimulation, and MOTS-C for mitochondrial energy support. Each peptide protocol is individualized based on patient evaluation.
- Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT): One of the clinic’s longest-standing service lines, with over 10 years of experience in individualized hormone optimization.
- NAD+ Infusion Therapy: Intravenous nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide for cellular energy, cognitive function, and metabolic support.
Conditions Treated:
- Systemic inflammation and autoimmune conditions
- Joint pain and arthritis (knee, shoulder, hip, elbow)
- Age-related hormonal decline and metabolic dysfunction
- Tissue repair following injury or surgery
- Fatigue, cognitive decline, and metabolic aging
- Skin aging and aesthetic concerns (combination with aesthetic services)
- Sports recovery and performance optimization
Technology and Equipment: IV infusion protocols; ultrasound-guided joint injection capability; functional medicine laboratory testing for individualized protocol design.
Insurance and Pricing: Regenesis MD operates primarily as a cash-pay practice. Specific pricing for stem cell and exosome procedures is published on the clinic’s website, which is notable for transparency. A Lotus Membership program provides 15% discount on aesthetic services, medical visits, skincare, and supplements.
What to Know Before Choosing a Stem Cell Clinic in Raleigh
Before scheduling a consultation, patients should prepare a specific set of questions designed to separate credentialed, compliant practices from those operating on thinner evidentiary ground. The most important question to ask any clinic is what type of cells are being used and what FDA regulatory pathway governs them. In the United States, autologous stem cell treatments — using the patient’s own bone marrow or fat-derived cells — are permissible when cells are minimally manipulated and used for a homologous function (repair of the same tissue type). Allogeneic products such as amniotic fluid, umbilical cord tissue, Wharton’s Jelly, and most commercial exosome preparations exist in a more complex regulatory space; clinics offering these products should be prepared to clearly explain their regulatory compliance position. The NC Medical Board website (ncmedboard.org) allows patients to verify that a physician holds an active, unencumbered license to practice medicine in North Carolina.
Imaging infrastructure is a substantive differentiator among Raleigh-area clinics. Ultrasound-guided injection significantly improves the accuracy of needle placement compared to landmark-based injection for most joints, and accuracy of delivery directly affects whether regenerative cells or growth factors reach the intended target tissue. Fellowship training in ultrasound-guided procedures, as held by both Dr. Kanaan (Duke Sports Medicine fellowship) and Dr. Greer (Sports Medicine fellowship with ultrasound certification), is a verifiable credential patients can ask about directly. When evaluating a clinic that does not emphasize imaging guidance, ask specifically: under what imaging modality are joint injections performed, and what is the physician’s training in musculoskeletal ultrasound?
Board certification is the baseline credential to verify, and in Raleigh’s regenerative medicine landscape, relevant certifications include Sports Medicine (through the American Board of Family Medicine or American Board of Internal Medicine), Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Orthopedic Surgery, and Family Medicine with advanced regenerative training. “Certified in regenerative medicine” can mean a weekend course in some contexts; it carries more weight when paired with primary board certification in a musculoskeletal or primary care specialty and fellowship training. Patients should also ask whether the physician personally performs the procedure or delegates it to a mid-level provider — the answer matters both clinically and in terms of who is accountable for the outcome.
Finally, Raleigh patients should approach stem cell therapy with calibrated expectations. The highest-quality evidence supports PRP and autologous cell therapy for specific musculoskeletal indications, particularly knee osteoarthritis and chronic tendinopathy, where multiple randomized controlled trials show clinical benefit. Evidence for systemic IV stem cell or exosome protocols for anti-aging and functional medicine applications is at an earlier stage, with promising mechanistic data but fewer large-scale controlled trials. None of the three clinics listed in this directory are academic research centers, and while they represent the credentialed end of the Raleigh market, patients should request published outcome data or clinical references relevant to their specific condition before committing to treatment. A physician who welcomes these questions is a better sign than one who deflects them.
Disclaimer: This directory is for informational purposes only. Inclusion does not constitute endorsement. All clinic information, physician credentials, addresses, phone numbers, and pricing were compiled from publicly available sources as of February 2025 and may have changed. Verify all credentials independently through the North Carolina Medical Board (ncmedboard.org) and consult a licensed physician before pursuing any medical treatment.