Using a concentrated portion of your own blood to support healing in tendons, ligaments, and joints — without surgery.
Platelet-Rich Plasma — usually shortened to PRP — is a treatment made from a small sample of your own blood. After it's drawn, the sample is spun in a centrifuge to separate out the platelets and the plasma that surrounds them. The result is a concentrated solution containing several times the normal level of platelets, which are then injected directly into the injured area under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance.
Platelets are best known for forming blood clots, but they also carry growth factors that play a central role in tissue repair. The idea behind PRP is to deliver those growth factors in high concentration to a structure that is healing slowly or has stalled — a chronically irritated tendon, a partially torn ligament, or an arthritic joint — and to nudge the body's own repair process forward.
PRP is most useful when there's a clear musculoskeletal target, conservative care has been tried, and surgery either isn't appropriate yet or isn't desired. Common indications include:
PRP is generally not the right starting point if there is a complete tendon rupture, an active infection at the site, severe ("bone-on-bone") joint arthritis where surgery is indicated, uncontrolled diabetes, or active cancer. Patients on chronic anticoagulation, or those with blood or platelet disorders, need careful discussion before proceeding.
A small amount of blood — usually around 30 to 60 mL, depending on the target — is drawn from a vein in your arm, much like a routine lab draw.
The sample is spun in a centrifuge for several minutes to separate the platelet-rich layer from red and white blood cells.
Your skin is cleaned and numbed. Using real-time ultrasound or fluoroscopy, the PRP is delivered precisely into the joint or tendon — not just into the surrounding tissue.
You'll rest for 10–15 minutes after the injection. The whole visit typically takes about 45–60 minutes.
Most patients are sore for the first 2 to 5 days after a PRP injection — sometimes more sore than before — because we are deliberately triggering an inflammatory healing response. Ice and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are usually enough; we ask you to avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen for about two weeks on either side of the injection, since they can blunt the healing response we're trying to encourage.
For most tendon and ligament cases, light activity resumes within a few days and a graded return to full activity happens over four to six weeks. For arthritis, you may notice gradual improvement over the first six to twelve weeks. Many conditions benefit from a series of one to three injections spaced several weeks apart — that's a decision we make together based on how you're responding.
Because the material comes from your own body, donor-related allergic, rejection, and disease-transmission risks are very low. Infection, contamination, bleeding, and other procedure-related risks remain possible: expect temporary soreness, and mild bruising or swelling can occur. Specific risks depend on the area being treated and will be reviewed with you in detail before we proceed.
PRP is not currently covered by most insurance plans for orthopedic indications and is typically a cash-pay service. We will provide clear pricing in advance so there are no surprises.
Cortisone is an anti-inflammatory steroid — it reduces pain quickly but doesn't change the underlying tissue, and over time can actually weaken some tendons. PRP works the opposite way: it doesn't relieve pain quickly, but it aims to support tissue repair. They serve different purposes, and sometimes both have a role at different points in a treatment plan.
Most patients notice gradual improvement over four to twelve weeks. Tendon problems often improve sooner than arthritis. If a series of injections is recommended, the full benefit is usually assessed about three months after the final one.
The honest answer is: probably not, at least not in any meaningful structural way. The strongest evidence supports PRP as a symptom-modifying treatment for mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis — meaning it can reduce pain and improve function — rather than a cure that regrows cartilage. We'll talk through what the evidence does and doesn't say for your specific condition.
For tendon conditions, well-selected patients often get long-lasting relief from a single course of injections — the underlying tissue is the thing that's changed. For arthritis, benefit typically lasts six to twelve months, with some patients getting repeat injections annually as needed.
Stay well-hydrated the day before, eat normally, and avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) for about a week before the procedure. Tylenol is fine. Tell us about any blood thinners — we'll go through the medication list with you in advance.
Authoritative references on this topic, for patients who want to read further. These are educational resources, not medical advice.
Educational information only. This page describes PRP in general terms. Whether it's appropriate for you depends on your history, exam, imaging, and treatment goals. The risks, benefits, alternatives, and expected results will be discussed in detail at your visit.
