Zac Efron Reveals He Received Stem Cell Therapy Following Injuries For ‘The Iron Claw’

On Tuesday, Zac Efron opened up about his journey with stem cell therapy following his training for A-24’s The Iron Claw film.

Efron, 36, portrayed pro wrestler Kevin Von Erich in the 2023 movie. 

“I fully commit to my roles, which I love, but it takes a toll – my back was messed up at The Iron Claw, even after months of PT,” Efron wrote on social media. He said he was “curious about stem cell therapy” and contacted Dr. Adeel Khanat, the Canada-based clinic Eterna Health.

The actor, now six months post-regimen, said he feels better physically. 

“I am back in the gym and already seeing improvements,” Efron said. “Excited to explore the latest longevity technologies through the Eterna Membership Program – I’ll keep you updated on my progress!”

The Mayo Clinic defines stem cells as “special types of cells that have two important properties,” as they “are able to make more cells like themselves” and “can become other cells that do different things in a process known as differentiation.”

Last year, Efron told USA Today that he was surprised by how physically demanding his training for The Iron Claw turned out to be.

“You think you’re getting the hang of it, and you speed up a few times, and your confidence gets built up,” he said. “Then you slam into one of those things just an inch too high, and your rib is like gone. You can’t breathe for a couple of days.”

Efron has had to overcome several health challenges in recent years. In 2022, he revealed he had broken his jaw and received surgery to treat enlarged muscles in his face. In August, he was hospitalized after suffering a “minor swimming accident” in Ibiza.