Stem Cells for Fibro: Breakthrough or Risky Promise?

Is this fibro treatment controversial—or am I behind the times?

I recently came across a stem cell treatment being promoted for fibromyalgia. It’s described as a breakthrough procedure where stem cells (the body’s cellular building blocks) are administered intravenously and subcutaneously. The whole process reportedly takes about an hour and is said to have no known negative side effects.

Sounds promising, right?

The clinic behind this treatment is called Stem Cell of America, and they’ve shared several videos of patient testimonials. One video features a mother saying, “They’re trying to stop Dr. Rada or say that he’s a terrible doctor…”—which immediately raised a red flag for me. (I’m not sure if I’ve spelled his name correctly.)

So yes, there’s controversy. And before we get too excited, I want to share what I’ve found so far—and what I’m still learning.

A Gentle Reality Check

Stem cell therapy for fibromyalgia is not currently approved by major health authorities like the FDA (U.S.) or TGA (Australia). While stem cells hold incredible potential in regenerative medicine, their use for chronic pain and autoimmune conditions like fibro remains experimental.

In fact, in 2025, the co-founders of the Stem Cell Institute of America were ordered to pay over $5 million in penalties for misleading claims. The court found that they had targeted vulnerable patients with unproven treatments and deceptive advertising. That’s not to say every clinic is unethical—but it’s a reminder to tread carefully.

What Does the Science Say?

According to the Australian Stem Cell Centre, while stem cell biology has advanced significantly, most treatments are still in the research phase. Benefits and safety are not yet clearly established for fibromyalgia, and long-term outcomes are unknown.

The Canadian Stem Cell Network and the International Society for Stem Cell Research both offer excellent resources for patients, including disease-specific guides and a downloadable Patient Handbook.

Questions to Ask Before Pursuing Stem Cell Therapy

If you’re considering overseas or private stem cell treatment, ask:

• Is the treatment approved by a national health authority?

• Are there peer-reviewed studies supporting its use for fibromyalgia?

• What are the risks, costs, and follow-up care involved?

• Is the clinic transparent about outcomes and patient selection?

• What’s the difference between autologous (your own cells) and donor stem cells?

My Personal Take

I’m not here to shame anyone seeking relief. I know what it’s like to live with relentless pain, muscle tension, and brain fog. If stem cells are part of our future, I want them to be safe, ethical, and accessible—not just another expensive promise.

For now, I’m continuing to research. I’ve found magnesium helpful for my muscle tension, and I’m exploring other gentle therapies that support my nervous system. But I’ll keep watching the stem cell space—and I’ll share what I learn.

If you’ve tried stem cell therapy for fibro, I’d love to hear your experience. Let’s keep the conversation open, curious, and grounded in care.

Watch the following video about someone who had a positive outcome with stem cells and see what you think.

 

Before you get too excited about this "new" treatment, you can read some informative articles from the Australian Stem Cell Centre

RESOURCES FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION INTO STEM CELLS:

• The Canadian Stem Cell Network has prepared a series of information on specific diseases and how these relate to stem cell research.

• The International Society for Stem Cell Research has prepared a Patient Handbook on Stem Cell Therapies.