Table of Contents
- Introduction: Looking Beyond Traditional Treatments
- What Regenerative Medicine Is—and Why It Matters
- The Backstory: From Pain Management to Regenerative Care
- What Therapies Are Offered
- The Patient Experience
- A Growing Role in Long-Term Health
- Miami and Florida’s Role in the Regenerative Medicine Landscape
- Choosing a Provider: What Patients Should Ask
- A Shift in Patient Expectations
- FAQs
Looking Beyond Traditional Treatments
Frustrated by the limitations of cortisone injections, physical therapy, and surgery, more patients in Miami are turning to regenerative medicine. These therapies aim not just to manage pain, but to support the body’s ability to repair and restore itself over time.
At the center of this shift is STEMS Health Regenerative Medicine, led by Dr. Ankeet Choxi and Dr. Jarred Mait. With backgrounds in anesthesia, interventional pain, and concierge medicine, the physicians are using regenerative tools such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cell therapy, and exosomes to address pain and support tissue healing.
What Regenerative Medicine Is – and Why It Matters
Regenerative medicine is a clinical approach that focuses on repairing, replacing or regenerating cells, tissues, or organs to restore normal function. Instead of masking symptoms with medication or opting for invasive surgery, this field emphasizes healing at the cellular level.
Therapies in this category include biologics like PRP, exosomes, and autologous stem cell injections, often paired with diagnostics such as full-body imaging and comprehensive lab work. These tools allow providers to personalize care plans based on objective health data.
The potential applications are broad, spanning orthopedic injuries, degenerative joint conditions, and soft tissue damage. Miami’s wellness-focused culture and Florida’s evolving regulatory environment have made the region a natural hub for this evolving field of care.
The Backstory: From Pain Management to Regenerative Care
Dr. Choxi’s path into regenerative medicine began during his own experiences with chronic back pain. As a board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain physician, he had already treated thousands of patients with traditional methods—including cortisone injections and physical therapy – but began exploring newer techniques when those methods didn’t offer sustained relief.
Similarly, Dr. Mait began in anesthesia before founding a concierge medical practice focused on functional medicine and preventive health. As regenerative treatments like peptides and exosome therapy became more prominent, the two physicians recognized an opportunity to combine their skill sets in a new kind of practice.
The result was STEMS Health, which they co-founded in Miami Beach. Their shared mission: to provide ethical, evidence-informed care using targeted regenerative therapies that help patients restore function and reduce dependence on conventional interventions.
What Therapies Are Offered
The clinic focuses on a range of regenerative options for joint, spine, and soft tissue conditions. Common therapies include:
- Stem Cell Therapy: Using autologous cells (often derived from a patient’s own bone marrow or adipose tissue), stem cell procedures aim to aid in tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation in areas such as knees, shoulders, and hips.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): A concentrated preparation of the patient’s own platelets is injected into injured or inflamed tissue to stimulate the body’s natural healing response.
- Exosome Therapy: These extracellular vesicles carry proteins and genetic material that play a role in cellular repair and communication. They are often used in conjunction with other biologics for orthopedic and cosmetic purposes.
The clinic also integrates functional medicine elements such as nutritional assessments, hormone testing, and IV therapy to support overall cellular health.
The Patient Experience
Patients typically find STEMS Health through physician referrals or online searches. Many have already tried multiple treatments with limited success and are exploring regenerative medicine as a next step.
The process usually begins with a consultation and thorough evaluation, which may include reviewing existing imaging or ordering new diagnostic studies. The team then creates a customized treatment plan, coordinating any necessary physical therapy or follow-up services.
“We make a point to support our patients beyond the procedure,” Dr. Choxi said. “From setting up physical therapy to answering ongoing questions, we want to make sure they’re not navigating this alone.”
A Growing Role in Long-Term Health
While regenerative therapies were once viewed primarily as options for athletes or post-surgical recovery, their role is expanding. More patients are seeking them proactively to address early joint degeneration, age-related mobility issues, or lingering pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments.
The clinic’s integrative approach also appeals to patients looking to support long-term health and function. For example, combining regenerative injections with personalized fitness, hydration, and supplementation plans helps address both symptoms and contributing factors.
“Patients are taking more ownership of their health,” Dr. Mait said. “They’re asking more questions, doing more research, and actively seeking out practices that align with what they want for their future.”
Miami and Florida’s Role in the Regenerative Medicine Landscape
Recent changes in Florida law have created new pathways for physicians to offer regenerative therapies, particularly stem cell procedures. As of July 2024, the state has legalized the use of autologous stem cell treatments under certain conditions. Florida joins Utah in formalizing its regulatory support for these therapies.
Miami, in particular, is attracting interest from medical tourists looking for options closer to home than overseas destinations like Panama or Mexico. As a result, the city is becoming a magnet for both patients and clinicians interested in the growing field of regenerative health.
STEMS Health is expanding accordingly, with plans underway for a dedicated wellness center that will include in-house lab capabilities and adjunct therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen.
Choosing a Provider: What Patients Should Ask
For individuals considering regenerative therapy, Dr. Mait and Dr. Choxi recommend starting with research and a clear understanding of the provider’s credentials.
- How long has the clinic been offering these procedures?
- Are the physicians board-certified in relevant specialties?
- Do they conduct a full diagnostic evaluation before recommending treatment?
- What follow-up care is provided?
- Are the products and materials used sourced from reputable labs with supporting research?
“Not every practice offering these therapies is doing so with the same standards,” Dr. Mait said. “Patients should feel empowered to ask questions and take time to understand what’s involved.”
A Shift in Patient Expectations
Regenerative medicine is helping to reshape how patients think about care. By focusing on tissue healing and repair rather than symptom suppression alone, it offers a different model—one that prioritizes function, longevity, and the body’s own capacity for healing.
FAQs
1. Is regenerative medicine covered by insurance?
Most regenerative therapies, including PRP and stem cell procedures, are currently considered elective and are not covered by insurance. Patients typically pay out of pocket, though flexible payment options may be available.
2. How long does it take to see results from regenerative treatments?
Results vary based on the condition being treated and the patient’s overall health. Many patients begin noticing improvements within a few weeks, with continued benefits developing over several months as tissue repair progresses.
3. Are stem cell treatments legal in Florida?
Yes. As of July 2024, Florida law permits the use of autologous stem cell therapies under state-regulated medical guidelines. This allows qualified physicians to offer these treatments to eligible patients within a controlled clinical environment.
Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Treatments and outcomes described may not be appropriate for every individual. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider to determine the best course of care for your specific needs.
Certain regenerative medicine procedures discussed – such as stem cell therapy, exosome therapy, or other biologic treatments – may be considered investigational or not FDA-approved for all conditions. Florida law requires that we disclose this status. While these procedures are offered in accordance with state and federal guidelines, their safety and efficacy have not been fully established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Results vary, and no guarantee of specific outcome or benefit is implied. All medical procedures involve potential risks, which should be discussed with your treating provider prior to treatment.
© STEMS Health Regenerative Medicine, Miami Beach, Florida. All rights reserved.
