About The Healthy Cells
What is The Healthy Cells?
The Healthy Cells is a patient advocacy service that connects people with degenerative and autoimmune diseases to verified stem cell clinics worldwide. We’re not a clinic ourselves. We’re your bridge to finding reputable stem cell therapy options.
We save you time by:
- Verifying patient outcomes at clinics around the world
- Speaking with past patients about their experiences
- Reviewing the treatment protocols used by each clinic
- Understanding what clinics charge for each condition
Our service is completely free to patients.
Why was The Healthy Cells created?
Our founder, Matt Clarke, started The Healthy Cells after stem cell therapy saved his mother’s life. In 2021, doctors gave her three years to live. She couldn’t climb stairs and needed a walking cane.
After stem cell therapy in 2023, she was able to return to gardening, remodeling and driving her antique cars.
Finding the right clinic took months of research – endless emails, confusing information, dead ends. Matt created The Healthy Cells to help other patients navigate this process more efficiently.
Who is on your medical team?
Our team includes:
- Matt Clarke – Patient Advocate with 11 years helping patients navigate alternative therapies
- Omar Abbas, MD – U.S. physician with clinical experience in stem cell applications
- Menna Salman, MD, MSc – Medical Writer, board-certified physician with keen interest in regenerative medicine
- Dr. Carlos Rojas – Research Director and published medical literature analyst
All medical information is reviewed by licensed physicians.
Getting Started & Eligibility
What exactly are stem cells and how do they work?
Stem cells are the body’s raw materials. Most cells in your body have a specific job, like a skin cell or a muscle cell. Stem cells, on the other hand, have the ability to “grow up” and become different types of cells depending on what your body needs, a phenomenon scientists call “differentiation.”
Stem cells have two key abilities:
- They can self-renew, meaning they can make more of themselves.
- They can differentiate, meaning they can turn into other types of cells with specific jobs, like bone, nerve, or immune cells.
Who may benefit from stem cell therapy?
Based on published research, stem cell therapy may help some patients with:
- Degenerative diseases: Osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, joint deterioration
- Neurodegenerative diseases: Parkinson’s, ALS, multiple system atrophy
- Autoimmune diseases: Multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus
- Other conditions: COPD, diabetes complications, sports injuries, stroke
Stem cell therapy is not FDA-approved for most conditions. Always consult with your licensed healthcare provider.
How do I know if I'm a good candidate?
Depending on the patient’s condition, Stem Cell clinics typically do not work with anyone with the following:
- Active cancers
- Active infections
- Blood disorders, eg. low platelet count
- Major surgeries eg. heart bypass
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Among others
However, this is not a rule. Doctors will assess if stem cells are a good fit on a case by case basis.
What medical records might be helpful?
Clinics often request:
- Recent blood work (typically within 6 months)
- Relevant imaging results (MRI, CT scans)
- Current medication list
- Previous treatment history
- Specialist consultation reports
Don’t worry if you’re missing some records. Clinics can guide you on what’s needed for your specific situation.
We will never ask for your medical records.
Safety & Research
How safe are stem cell therapies?
Safety data varies by therapy type and condition. A 2024 meta-analysis in Stem Cell Research & Therapy analyzing over 50 studies found that properly administered mesenchymal stem cell therapies showed acceptable safety profiles in many applications, with serious adverse events occurring in less than 5% of cases.
Key safety considerations include:
- Cell source (autologous/your own cells generally have fewer risks than donor cells)
- Administration method (local injection vs. systemic IV)
- Clinic protocols and experience
- Your individual health status
Common side effects reported in studies include:
- Temporary soreness at injection site (up to 80% of patients)
- Mild fever (15-20% of patients)
- Fatigue lasting 1-3 days (25-30% of patients)
A 2023 study in Stem Cells Translational Medicine reported rare but serious complications in less than 2% of cases, including infection and unexpected tissue growth.
What does recent research show?
Recent peer-reviewed studies include:
- A 2023 randomized controlled trial in The Lancet (n=120) found mesenchymal stem cell injections reduced knee pain scores by 40% or more in 65% of osteoarthritis patients at 12 months, compared to 15% in the placebo group
- A 2024 phase 2 trial in Nature Medicine (n=47) showed stem cell therapy may slow motor symptom progression in early-stage Parkinson’s patients by an average of 6 months compared to standard care
- A 2023 double-blind study in Arthritis & Rheumatology (n=172) found 70% of rheumatoid arthritis patients receiving stem cell therapy experienced at least 20% improvement in joint symptoms, compared to 30% receiving placebo
These studies show promise, but more research is needed. Individual results vary significantly, and some patients may see no benefit.
Are stem cells FDA-approved?
Stem cell therapies are not FDA-approved for most conditions at this time. They are considered experimental therapies. At the time of this writing, very few conditions have FDA approval for stem cell therapy..
This means:
- Insurance typically doesn’t cover stem cell therapy
- Long-term safety data is still being collected
- Some therapies may be available under different regulations outside of the U.S.
Our Clinic Verification Process
How do you verify clinics?
Our verification process includes:
- Specialization verification – Clinics must demonstrate expertise in specific conditions with documented protocols
- Scientific protocol review – Therapy protocols must align with published research methods
- Patient volume requirements – Minimum 50 documented cases for each condition treated
- Patient outcome interviews – We speak directly with multiple past patients
- Transparency standards – Clear pricing, realistic outcome discussions, no exaggerated claims
- Ongoing quality monitoring – Regular reviews of patient feedback and outcomes
Based on our criteria, approximately 8% of clinics that apply to our network meet our verification standards.
What criteria define a reputable clinic?
Our verified clinics demonstrate:
- Board-certified physicians with regenerative medicine training
- Therapy protocols based on peer-reviewed research
- Facilities meeting international healthcare standards
- Verifiable patient testimonials and outcome data
- Honest communication about success rates and limitations
We exclude clinics that make unrealistic promises, lack proper credentials, or cannot provide verifiable patient outcomes.
Can I choose my own clinic outside your network?
Yes, you’re always free to choose any clinic. We provide connections to verified options, but the decision should be made with your doctors. If considering a clinic outside our network, you might consider asking about their experience, protocols, and patient outcomes, and get second and third opinions.
Costs & Financial Considerations
How much does stem cell therapy cost?
Stem cell therapy costs vary significantly by condition, protocol complexity, and location. Clinics in our network typically charge:
Joint/Orthopedic Conditions: $3,000-$15,000
Autoimmune Conditions: $7,000-$25,000
Neurodegenerative Conditions: $9,500-$35,000
Prices are guides and may vary depending on your specific situation.
Why do costs vary so widely?
Cost variations reflect:
- Cell processing complexity and quantity needed
- Number of therapy sessions in the protocol
- Specialized equipment and facility requirements
- Geographic location and local costs
- Included follow-up care and monitoring
More complex conditions generally require more sophisticated protocols, which increases costs.
What financing options might be available?
Most patients are required to pay for stem cell therapy out of pocket. Some patients may be able to get financing from:
- Medical financing companies: Terms typically range from 12-60 months
- Personal loans: Based on individual creditworthiness
- Clinic payment plans: Some facilities offer internal financing, however it is not common.
Specific options depend on the clinic and your financial situation. Clinics can provide information about financing partners they work with.
Therapy Process & Timeline
When might I see improvements?
Response timelines vary significantly. Based on published studies and clinic-reported data:
Week 1-2: Some patients report initial changes in inflammation or pain
Month 1-3: Gradual improvements may begin for responders
Month 3-6: More substantial changes possible in responsive patients
Month 6-12: Continued improvement may occur
A 2023 analysis in Stem Cells Translational Medicine found that among patients who responded to therapy, most showed initial improvement within 3-6 months. However, 20-40% of patients may not experience significant benefits.
How many therapies are typically needed?
Therapy protocols vary based on:
- Specific condition being addressed
- Severity of symptoms
- Individual response to initial therapy
- Published protocol recommendations
Most protocols involve 1-3 therapies over 6-12 months. Your clinic will develop a personalized plan based on your specific situation and response to therapy.
Therapy Locations
Where are therapies available through your network?
Our verified clinics operate in:
- Mexico: Proximity to US (2-4 hour flights), established stem cell regulations
- Colombia: Modern medical facilities, significantly lower costs than US
- Panama: English-speaking medical staff, many US-trained physicians
- United States: Limited FDA-compliant options available
- Europe (Serbia): EU-standard facilities, experienced practitioners
- Asia (Japan, Thailand): Advanced regenerative medicine research centers
Each location offers different advantages in terms of cost, accessibility, and available protocols.
Why do many patients travel for therapy?
Common reasons for medical travel include:
- Access to therapies not available in home country due to regulations
- Cost differences (international therapies may cost 30-70% less than comparable US options)
- Shorter waiting periods compared to clinical trials or limited domestic options
- Different regulatory frameworks allowing broader therapy options
- Specific clinic expertise not available locally
We help patients understand the practical considerations of each option.
What about therapy in the United States?
US therapy options are limited by FDA regulations. Currently available:
- FDA-approved bone marrow transplants for specific blood cancers
- Limited orthopedic applications in some states
- Clinical trials (strict eligibility criteria apply)
- Adipose (fat) derived therapies under specific regulations
Most regenerative medicine applications discussed here require traveling to countries with different regulatory frameworks.
Results & Expectations
What outcomes do clinics report?
Based on aggregated data from our verified clinics (self-reported patient outcomes):
- Osteoarthritis/Joint Conditions: 70-85% report some improvement in pain or function; 15-30% report no significant change
- Autoimmune Conditions: 60-75% report reduction in symptom severity; 25-40% experience no benefit
- Neurodegenerative Conditions: 50-70% report slowed progression or symptom improvement; 30-50% see no change
“Improvement” definitions vary – from 20% reduction in pain scores to significant functional gains. These are aggregate statistics; individual results vary significantly. Some patients experience no benefit.
How long might benefits last?
Duration of benefits varies widely among responders:
- Some patients report sustained improvements for 2+ years
- Others may need periodic additional therapies
- Some experience gradual return of symptoms over 6-12 months
A 2023 long-term follow-up study in Regenerative Medicine tracked patients for 3 years and found that among initial responders, 60% maintained at least 50% of their improvement at 2 years. Lifestyle factors and disease progression may influence duration of benefits.
What if therapy doesn't help me?
For patients who don’t experience improvement:
- Clinics may recommend modified protocols based on initial response
- Some patients may benefit from additional therapies
- Your healthcare provider can help explore other options
- We can connect you with clinics that specialize in difficult cases
Reputable clinics discuss realistic expectations upfront, including the possibility that therapy may not provide significant benefits for all patients.
Next Steps
How do I get started with The Healthy Cells?
The process is straightforward:
- Schedule a free consultation – Visit our website or call (888) 665-2117
- Connect with matched clinics – We’ll connect you with clinics experienced in your condition
- Evaluate your options – Review therapy protocols, costs, and expected outcomes
- Consult your healthcare providers – Discuss stem cell therapy as part of your treatment plan
- Make an informed decision – With complete information about risks and potential benefits
There’s no pressure or obligation to proceed with therapy.
What questions might I consider asking clinics?
Important topics to explore include:
- Specific experience treating your condition
- Detailed protocol explanation
- Realistic outcome expectations based on similar patients
- Comprehensive cost breakdown
- Potential risks and how they’re managed
- Success metrics and follow-up protocols
Consider preparing questions in advance and taking notes during consultations.
Can my doctor be involved?
We encourage involving your healthcare providers:
- Clinics can communicate directly with your physicians
- Medical records can be shared with appropriate permissions
- Therapy plans can be coordinated with your local care
- Follow-up can be managed with your regular providers
Many physicians support patients exploring all available options, even those not yet available locally.
Contact & Support
How do I reach The Healthy Cells?
Contact us through:
- Phone: (888) 665-2117 (toll-free)
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: Schedule consultations online
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 AM-6 PM EST
We typically respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.
Is my information kept private?
Yes, we follow strict privacy protocols:
- HIPAA-compliant procedures for health information
- Encrypted communications
- No sharing without explicit permission
- Secure data storage systems
- You control access to your information
What if I have more questions?
We’re available to help:
- Call for immediate assistance
- Email for detailed information
- Schedule a no-obligation consultation
- Request educational materials about specific conditions
Our priority is helping you make informed decisions about your health options.