Pain Relief ‘Stem Cell Injection’ Scams Now Moving Across The Country

June 16, 2025 – Across Texas and the nation, people are increasingly falling prey to aggressive marketing schemes offering unproven stem-cell injections, often presented at free steak dinner seminars. These events, advertised via flyers and mailers, promise life-changing results for chronic pain, joint issues, and even neurological conditions — all without FDA approval or credible scientific backing.

Stem cell therapy can be expensive, with costs ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 or even higher, depending on the treatment and the patient’s condition, and it’s often not covered by insurance. 

The lure typically starts with a complimentary meal at a local steakhouse, where presenters, sometimes dressed as medical professionals, make bold claims about the miraculous healing potential of stem-cell treatments. They often present ‘patients’ that have made miraculous recoveries, but can not offer real statistics or evidence in the form of double-blinded studies. Attendees, many of whom are elderly or suffering from chronic pain, are told they can regain mobility, eliminate discomfort, and avoid surgery, all through costly injections that may not contain viable stem cells at all.

While some clinics offer stem cell injections for pain relief, they are often not FDA-approved and may be considered experimental. 

Experts and regulators warn these sales pitches are often misleading or outright fraudulent. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued multiple advisories about such clinics, stressing that many of these so-called treatments are unproven and potentially dangerous. Yet the market continues to grow, driven by people who are “desperately willing” to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket for hope.

The Arthritis Foundation recommends caution regarding stem cell interventions for arthritis and other joint injuries, as there is not yet strong evidence of their effectiveness for these conditions. 

Consumer protection agencies caution Texans to be skeptical of medical claims made at such events and to consult licensed physicians before pursuing stem-cell therapies.