Stem Cells for Carpal Tunnel

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Greenville, SC, Spartanburg, SC, Columbia, SC, Anderson, SC and Asheville, NC

Stem cell therapy for carpal tunnel is an emerging, non-surgical treatment that uses mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to support the body’s natural healing processes to reduce inflammation, ease pressure on the median nerve, and promote tissue healing. Carpal tunnel is one of the most common hand injuries caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs from the forearm through a passageway in the wrist to the hand. At the Daisy Institute, Dr. John C. Haasis III specializes in providing advanced stem cell therapy for a vast range of orthopedic challenges.

With more than 25 years of experience with comprehensive and interventional pain management, Dr. Haasis has treated thousands of patients through personalized care. His expert, comprehensive approach integrates cutting-edge regenerative medicine tailored to each individual’s specific needs.

To see how Dr. Haasis can help relieve your carpal tunnel pain, call us at (864) 775-5682, request a consultation through our contact form, or find us at these locations in North and South Carolina:

About Stem Cells for Carpal Tunnel

Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common hand injuries, affecting millions of people worldwide. Traditional treatments for carpal tunnel range from more conservative solutions like wrist splinting or using anti-inflammatory medications to more invasive options such as surgery or corticosteroid injections. Although these methods may provide some relief, they either carry potential risks or offer only temporary relief. However, researchers and medical professionals have been exploring more innovative therapies, like stem cell treatment, to address the root causes of carpal tunnel in hopes of providing more effective, long-lasting relief. (1)

Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by continuous pressure on the median nerve, which runs from the forearm through a passageway in the wrist to the hand. The median nerve provides feeling to the palm side of the thumb and all of the fingers except the pinky. It also provides motor function by sending signals to the muscles at the base of the thumb. Carpal tunnel syndrome often has no single cause and can occur for various reasons. It may occur if anything squeezes or irritates the median nerve in the carpal tunnel space, such as a broken wrist, repetitive movements of the wrist, rheumatoid arthritis, and more. When the median nerve becomes compressed in the carpal tunnel, it can be painful and cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the fingers and hand. (1)

Placenta-Derived Allograft Stem Cells

Placental tissue can contain mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). MSCs are valued in regenerative medicine for various reasons, such as their anti-inflammatory properties, cell-signaling activity, potential neuroprotective effects, and their potential ability to support tissue repair. A major benefit of MSCs is not only that they can replace damaged cells, but also that the majority of their activity may come from the biological signals they release into surrounding tissue.

In simpler terms, MSCs found in placental tissue can influence the environment around damaged tissues in revolutionary ways to support healing and regeneration. (1)

How Stem Cells May Support Healing

Placenta-derived MSCs release substances that communicate with surrounding cells. Through a process known as paracrine signaling, nearby cells within the same tissue can communicate directly to coordinate essential local functions like tissue repair, blood flow regulation, and immune responses. They can support healing by sending biological signals that influence nearby cells and tissues.

Researchers are actively studying placenta-derived MSCs because of their signaling capabilities and anti-inflammatory properties. These characteristics could play an essential role in supporting the biological pathways associated with nerve repair and neuroprotection, ultimately promoting tissue and nerve health. (2)

Benefits

Injury or nerve compression of the carpal tunnel can trigger an inflammatory response that interferes with normal tissue recovery. However, placenta-derived MSCs have displayed immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties that may interact with immune cells and inflammatory pathways. This means that these interactions can create a more favorable environment for healing.

Rather than suppressing inflammation entirely, stem cells modulate and regulate inflammatory responses. This action helps establish an optimal environment for tissue recovery and healing. By targeting several critical repair mechanisms, such as cellular activity, localized blood circulation, and related regenerative processes, stem cell therapy for carpal tunnel aims to reduce localized inflammation, support median nerve repair, and restore hand function without surgery. (1)

Candidates

Carpal tunnel causes a variety of painful symptoms from repeated stress on the median nerve. Symptoms usually start slowly and affect your fingers, except your pinky. You may be an ideal candidate for stem cell therapy for carpal tunnel if you experience:

  • Tingling or numbness in your fingers, minus the pinky.
  • Sharp pain or a burning ache that travels up the forearm.
  • Wake up with numb hands that feel better after you shake them out.
  • Weak grip strength or continuously dropping objects due to muscle weakness.
  • Difficulty completing small tasks like opening jars or buttoning a shirt. (3)

Personal Consultation

Your stem cell therapy treatment will begin with a consultation with Dr. Haasis. At this appointment, you will review your general medical history and discuss the pain and discomfort you are experiencing and for how long it has persisted. Dr. Haasis will also examine the affected areas, so he and his team fully understand the extent of your carpal tunnel injury. Dr. Haasis will answer any questions or concerns you have and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

To learn if stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine treatment is right for you, call us at (864) 775-5682 or schedule your consultation online.

Procedure

Stem cell therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome is an outpatient, non-surgical injection procedure that usually takes between one and two hours. Dr. Haasis uses allograft stem cells isolated from ureteral tissue, sourced from an FDA-regulated tissue bank that provides high-quality biological materials for medical applications. These allograft regenerative products come from consenting donors who undergo thorough screening and testing to meet federal safety standards. The collected uterine tissue goes into a machine called a centrifuge to concentrate the healing and regenerative cells. (4)

Dr. Haasis uses an ultrasound or X-ray machine to inject the concentrated cells directly into the wrist, targeting the carpal tunnel area around the pinched nerve. Depending on the patient’s needs and injury severity, Dr. Haasis may administer stem cells through local injection, systemic (intravenous) infusion, or a combination of both. Local injection places cells directly into the carpal tunnel near the compressed median nerve, whereas systemic infusion circulates cells through the entire bloodstream. Dr. Haasis may combine these approaches for enhanced results.

Results and Recovery

Because this is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure, patients can expect to return to normal daily activities immediately. After your carpal tunnel injections, you may notice some discomfort, swelling, or stiffness in the area for two to five days. Dr. Haasis will give you more information about which over-the-counter medications can help reduce discomfort. Certain non-steroidal medications, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, could affect the effectiveness of your injections. Improvements will gradually become noticeable within three to six weeks as swelling reduces and healing progresses.

Cost of Stem Cells for Carpal Tunnel in The Carolinas

The price of your stem cell therapy depends on several factors; the final cost will be affected by the techniques chosen, the number of injections required, the required stem cell concentration, and more. At your initial consultation with Dr. Haasis, you will receive a cost estimate based on what your procedure requires.

To explore the cost of your stem cell treatment, please schedule a consultation online or call (864) 775-5682.

FAQ

How is carpal tunnel normally treated?

Carpal tunnel treatment focuses on relieving pressure on the median nerve. Depending on symptom severity, treatment options vary. Conservative, non-surgical options include wrist splinting, corticosteroid injections, or modifying how you approach certain activities. Surgery is considered when conservative treatments fail after six to eight weeks, or if you have constant numbness, muscle weakness, or signs of permanent nerve damage. Placenta-derived MSCs may be an optimal solution that doesn’t require surgery and can produce long-term results because their signaling and anti-inflammatory properties support biological processes relevant to nerve and tissue health.

How painful is stem cell treatment for carpal tunnel?

Stem cell treatment typically involves minor discomfort rather than intense pain. Dr. Haasis uses local numbing medication during the procedure to ensure you are comfortable. The main discomfort usually occurs in the days after the procedure, as swelling and minor bruising heal.

How effective are stem cells for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Dr. Haasis’ patients report satisfactory outcomes and often notice a significant improvement in their conditions. Stem cells can be quite effective.

References

  1. Dallatana A, Cremonesi L, Pezzini F, Fontana G, Innamorati G, Giacomello L. The Placenta as a Source of Human Material for Neuronal Repair. Biomedicines. 2024;12(7):1567. doi:10.3390/biomedicines12071567
  2. Lavorato A, Raimondo S, Boido M, et al. Mesenchymal Stem Cell Treatment Perspectives in Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: Systematic Review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021;22(2):572. doi:10.3390/ijms22020572
  3. Mayo Clinic. Carpal tunnel syndrome. Mayo Clinic. February 6, 2024. Accessed August 24, 2026. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/carpal-tunnel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20355603
  4. Research CBE. Consumer Alert on Regenerative Medicine Products Including Stem Cells and Exosomes. FDA. Published online July 22, 2020. Accessed August 24, 2026. https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/consumers-biologics/consumer-alert-regenerative-medicine-products-including-stem-cells-and-exosomes