The future of medicine is already in Tijuana

It is a field of medical research and treatment that aims to restore damaged tissues and organs. Techniques include cellular therapies (like stem cells) and tissue engineering to stimulate the body’s natural repair processes. In practice, this means using the patient’s own cells or other biologics to repair injuries and fight disease. At Horizon, we apply regenerative therapies to treat conditions such as joint injuries and degenerative disease, with the goal of improving health and function.

Most knee stem cell therapies use mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which can become cartilage, bone, or muscle cells. MSCs can be harvested from a patient’s own bone marrow or adipose (fat) tissue, or derived from donor sources like the umbilical cord. Recent studies indicate that umbilical cord–derived MSCs or a patient’s own adipose-derived MSCs produce the most significant pain relief and joint function improvement in knee osteoarthritis. In other words, treatments using umbilical-cord or fat-tissue stem cells have shown the best results for knee regeneration. (Horizon offers personalized knee stem cell procedures using these proven cellular therapies to regenerate damaged cartilage and reduce pain.).

Current clinical studies show that the benefits of knee stem cell injections can last up to two years. In that period, most patients experience significant pain relief and improved joint function. For example, studies report improvements lasting 1–3 years in patients with arthritis. However, long-term effects beyond two years are still under investigation. (Because individual results vary, Horizon physicians work with each patient to optimize lasting outcomes.).

Yes, many patients with chronic back pain have benefited from stem cell treatments. Stem cells can regenerate disc and spinal tissues and reduce inflammation. For instance, a Mayo Clinic review of multiple studies found that patients undergoing stem cell procedures experienced pain relief and improved function. In practice, stem cell injections into the spine or surrounding tissues have been shown to alleviate degenerative disc pain and other back problems by promoting healing at the source. (At Horizon, we combine these regenerative effects with pain-management techniques to tackle chronic back pain.).

Recovery from a stem cell injection procedure is usually very quick. It is typically an outpatient procedure with minimal downtime. Most patients can return to normal activities within a day or two. We instruct patients to avoid excessive strain for a couple of weeks, but generally there is no need for crutches or long rest. In short, stem cell back pain treatments require only a short recovery period, after which patients gradually see pain improvements as the cells take effect.

The cost varies widely depending on the condition treated and location. For example, knee stem cell therapy averages about $3,000–$8,000 per knee, with prices ranging from ~$1,200 to $12,000 worldwide. In Mexico (where Horizon is located), knee treatment packages often run about $2,000–$4,000 per knee. (Treatment of other conditions, like back pain, may have different pricing.) These procedures are usually not covered by insurance, so patients pay out-of-pocket. Horizon works to offer competitive, all-inclusive plans that provide world-class care at a fraction of U.S. prices.

Yes. Ketamine is approved for medical use in Mexico under professional supervision. Mexican law allows ketamine to be administered by licensed doctors in clinics for treatments (for example, for pain or depression). However, possessing ketamine without a prescription is illegal. At Horizon, we offer ketamine-assisted therapies legally and safely, following all medical regulations.

Interventional pain management is a medical subspecialty that uses minimally invasive procedures to diagnose and treat pain. Instead of relying on pills alone, interventional techniques include injections (e.g. epidural steroid shots), nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulators, and other procedures to target pain at its source. The goal is to provide lasting relief by addressing the anatomy or physiology of pain. For example, procedures like targeted nerve blocks or implantable stimulators can interrupt pain signals. (Horizon’s pain specialists are trained in these interventional techniques to complement regenerative care.)

Pain management involves creating a comprehensive plan to relieve pain and improve quality of life. Specialists may use medications, procedures, exercises, or therapies (and sometimes alternative methods) to prevent, reduce, or control pain. For chronic conditions, the team continuously adjusts treatment to help the patient function better. At Horizon, we integrate traditional pain management with regenerative therapies: for instance, we use nerve blocks or ketamine infusions for immediate relief while stem cells and PRP work to heal the underlying injury. This combined approach not only eases discomfort but also treats the root cause, leading to long-term recovery and improved mobility.