Told You Need Surgery?
Get a Second Opinion First.
Stem Cell Carolina treats joint, spine and soft tissue pain without surgery, using image-guided PRP and stem cell therapy. If you've tried cortisone or physical therapy, or been told surgery is next, book a consultation and get an honest assessment of your case.
Conditions We See Every Week
We treat joint, spine and soft tissue pain without surgery, using PRP, stem cell therapy and shockwave therapy. Every injection is image-guided.
Joints
- Knee arthritis
- Hip arthritis
- Shoulder arthritis
- Ankle arthritis
- Hand and wrist pain
Spine
- Disc degeneration
- Facet arthritis
- Spinal stenosis
- Sciatica
- Neck pain
Tendons and soft tissue
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Meniscus and labrum tears
- Tennis elbow
- Achilles tendinitis
- Plantar fasciitis
Not sure yours is on the list? That's what the consultation is for.
What Happens at Your Consultation
No sales pitch and no pressure. You leave knowing where you stand.
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We call to arrange a time
Send the form and our team calls within one business day to book you in at the office you prefer.
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A hands-on exam
A board-certified physician examines you in person and reviews any X-rays or MRIs you already have. The exam drives the plan, not the imaging alone.
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A straight answer
You hear whether you're a candidate, which treatment fits and exactly what it costs. If it isn't right for you, we'll tell you.
Meet Your Physicians
Every procedure is performed by a board-certified physician in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. This is their full-time specialty, not a side service.
Dr. Usman Ahmad, DO
Board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, with fellowship training in interventional sports and spine medicine. More than 30,000 procedures performed.
Full profile
Dr. David Ciaccia, DO
Board-certified in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, with fellowship training in interventional spine care. Takes a diagnostics-first approach to musculoskeletal and spine conditions.
Full profileWhat Our Patients Say
EXCELLENT
Based on 36 reviews
Posted on Google![]()
jeanette TaibeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I was in so much pain with sciatica could not walk the pain was excruciating my daughter called for me and got me in I had to get an epidural and once that was done which Dr. Ahmad did and was very knowledgeable and explaining while doing the epidural. He was very passionate and caring . so I happy I went there and his staff was excellent. Thank you allPosted on Google![]()
Sydney WeinbergTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dr. Ahmad was amazing to work with. I am a former college tennis player and was forced to medically retire due to injury. I had chronic back pain for 2 years and no doctor could figure out the cause of my pain. Dr. Ahmad suggested PRP and it was the best decision I could have made. He was so knowledgeable and really cared for me and my injury. I am now 2 months post operation and living almost entirely pain free. And best of all, back on the tennis court! Could not recommend him or his practice more!Posted on Google![]()
Jess TimlinTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dr. Ahmad and his staff are seriously the best. After almost a decade of constant pain—and surgeries that didn’t work—PRP treatment with them finally changed my life. Nothing ever helped me before, but now I can move again and actually do physical therapy, which I never thought would be possible. Everyone there is so cool, kind, and down-to-earth. They made me feel comfortable and genuinely cared about my recovery. I’m beyond grateful to Dr. Ahmad and his amazing team. This place truly saved me.Posted on Google![]()
Mariciel GoldsteinTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
From Joe Goldstein! I’m a retired Police officer and former marine. I met Dr Ahmad when he was our guest speaker at our 10-13 club meeting, where retired officers meet once a month. I could not believe my good fortune . I had just moved here about 5 years ago and he spoke so eloquently of what he could do for us and our pain. I made an appointment right away. Tosha she handles everything with appointments, referrals, insurance, etc . Always with a smile and empathy for the patients. She makes things happen . I’m so thankful for her . I’ve had both knees , back , neck and shoulders treated by Dr Ahmad . From trigger points to cortisone to gel injections . He’s treated my wife and my youngest son , my mother and my father . I trust Dr Ahmad very much and recommend him and his amazing staff. I’ve recently had my stem cell procedure done with PRP ( platlet rich plasma) it’s been 2 weeks , both knees and my shoulder. I’m not in pain. I’m Healing ❤️🩹. I know I have to be patient with the recovery. I highly recommend Dr Ahmad for your consultation. He’s done so much for me and my family and I will forever be grateful that I met him and became my orthopedic specialist. He’s changed peoples lives for the better . His bed side manners are exemplary . “ ready poke!” One of his favorites! He is always communicating with his patients and he never rushes you off . I know I say a lot of stupid jokes and make conversation but he’s never rushed me . He truly Loves his patients and his chosen profession and I’m much better because of it. And of course his amazing staff . It’s all a reflection of the care that you will get at Advanced sports and spine. Thank you Dr Ahmad , Tasha and the entire team at advanced sports and spine. What you do matters to many people . GOD Bless You All ! Photos posted were from 2023. Don’t have photos from this year. Joseph GoldsteinPosted on Google![]()
K charTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
The team at Advance Sports and Spine are some of the best in the business.. The care they provide has been the best and highly recommend themPosted on Google![]()
TamaraTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dr. Ahmad spent a lot of time with us answering all of our questions and making sure that we understood the procedure. He also asked me a lot of questions, gave me a thorough physical examine, and considered my x-rays and MRIs before making a recommendation. All of the staff is very friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend them.Posted on Google![]()
Todd LeshTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My wife and I love this office and Dr. Ahmad is the best. I had an Achilles problem for many months and in one visit with a PRP injection I went from hobbling to walking normal and no pain. It was amazing. Adam is great and Tosha, who runs the office, is kind, competent and personable.
Questions Patients Ask First
How much does treatment cost?
Exact pricing is confirmed at your consultation, after the physical exam, because the cost depends on what needs treating. One price covers every structure treated in the session. As an independent practice, we charge no hospital facility fees.
Does insurance cover it?
Stem cell therapy is not currently covered by insurance in the US. Most treatments are HSA and FSA eligible, and flexible payment options are available.
How do I know if I'm a candidate?
Most of our patients have tried physical therapy, cortisone or anti-inflammatory medication without lasting relief, and want a non-surgical option before joint replacement or spine surgery. People who have already had surgery can be considered too. The physical exam gives you a definite answer.
Is it surgery? How long is recovery?
No. There is no general anesthetic and no hospital stay. Treatment happens in a single office visit, and most patients return to light activity the same day.
Is it safe?
Stem cell and PRP treatments use your own cells, so there is no risk of rejection. Every injection is performed under real-time image guidance. As with any medical procedure, your individual risks are discussed at the consultation.
How soon will I notice a difference?
Most patients begin to notice improvement four to eight weeks after treatment, and it continues to develop over several months. Many need only one session. Results vary by person and condition, and you'll get a realistic picture for your case at the consultation.
The benefits of regenerative medicine, including PRP and stem cell therapy, have not been reviewed or approved by the FDA.
Two Charlotte-Area Locations
Consultations are available at both. Choose whichever is closest to you.
Charlotte: Providence Road
8035 Providence Road, Suite 340Charlotte, NC 28277
Huntersville: Lake Norman
9920 Kincey Ave, Suite 200Huntersville, NC 28078
Find Out If You're a Candidate
There's no obligation, and you'll get an honest assessment of your case.