What is PRP Therapy?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses your own blood to promote healing in damaged joints. A sample of your blood is processed to concentrate the platelets, which contain growth factors that may help repair tissue and reduce inflammation.
PRP has been used in orthopedics for decades, gaining popularity for treating osteoarthritis and soft tissue injuries. While promising, it remains an emerging treatment with mixed research results.
How PRP Injections Work
The Process
- Blood draw: 15-60 mL of blood drawn from your arm
- Centrifugation: Blood spun in a centrifuge to separate components
- Concentration: Platelets concentrated to 2-8x normal levels
- Injection: PRP injected into the affected joint under ultrasound guidance
Proposed Mechanisms
- Growth factors: Stimulate tissue repair and cartilage regeneration
- Anti-inflammatory effects: May reduce joint inflammation
- Cell signaling: Recruit healing cells to the damaged area
- Lubrication improvement: May enhance synovial fluid quality
What Research Shows
Current Evidence
Research on PRP for joint arthritis shows:
- Short-term benefits: Most studies show improvement in pain and function for 6-12 months
- Comparison to HA: Some studies suggest PRP may outperform hyaluronic acid
- Comparison to cortisone: May provide longer-lasting relief than corticosteroids
- Variability: Results vary significantly between patients and studies
Limitations
- No standardized preparation method
- Different PRP formulations make comparison difficult
- Long-term data lacking
- Large, high-quality studies still needed
- No FDA approval specifically for arthritis treatment
Who Might Benefit?
Potentially Good Candidates
- Mild to moderate osteoarthritis
- Patients who haven’t responded to conservative treatments
- Those seeking alternatives to repeated cortisone injections
- Patients wanting to delay surgery
- Athletes with joint injuries
May Not Be Ideal For
- Severe, bone-on-bone arthritis
- Active infections
- Blood disorders or platelet dysfunction
- Those on blood thinners (may need to stop temporarily)
- Patients expecting insurance coverage
The PRP Procedure
Before the Procedure
- Discuss medications with your doctor (some NSAIDs may need to be stopped)
- Stay well-hydrated
- Eat a normal meal before your appointment
- Plan for someone to drive if needed
During the Procedure
- Takes approximately 30-45 minutes total
- Blood draw from arm vein
- 15-20 minute processing time
- Joint injection (may use ultrasound guidance)
- Brief observation period
After the Procedure
- Mild soreness at injection site is common
- Avoid strenuous activity for 24-48 hours
- Ice can help reduce swelling
- Full effects may take 4-6 weeks to develop
- Series of 1-3 injections may be recommended
PRP vs. Other Injection Treatments
| Feature | PRP | Hyaluronic Acid | Cortisone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Source | Your own blood | Synthetic/animal | Synthetic steroid |
| Primary action | Tissue repair | Lubrication | Anti-inflammatory |
| Onset of relief | 4-6 weeks | 2-4 weeks | Days |
| Duration | 6-12 months | 3-6 months | 6-12 weeks |
| Insurance coverage | Rarely | Usually (Medicare) | Yes |
| Cost | $500-$2,500 | $400-$800* | $100-$300* |
*With insurance coverage
Cost Considerations
Why PRP Is Expensive
- Not FDA-approved for arthritis (off-label use)
- Not covered by Medicare or most insurance
- Requires specialized equipment and processing
- Each treatment is customized from patient’s blood
Typical Costs
- Single injection: $500-$2,500
- Series of 3: $1,500-$5,000
- Varies significantly by location and provider
- Some clinics offer payment plans
Is It Worth the Cost?
Consider PRP if:
- You’ve tried covered treatments without success
- You want to delay surgery
- You can afford out-of-pocket costs
- You understand it’s not guaranteed to work
Questions to Ask Your Provider
- How many PRP injections have you performed for arthritis?
- What PRP preparation system do you use?
- What concentration of platelets will be in my injection?
- How many treatments will I likely need?
- What results have your patients typically experienced?
- What’s your total cost including all visits?
- Do you use ultrasound guidance?
What to Expect: Realistic Outcomes
Potential Benefits
- Reduced joint pain
- Improved function and mobility
- Decreased need for pain medications
- Delayed need for surgery
What PRP Cannot Do
- Regrow cartilage in severe arthritis
- Cure osteoarthritis
- Guarantee results
- Work equally well for everyone
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious of providers who:
- Promise dramatic results or “cures”
- Don’t discuss the limitations of PRP
- Pressure you into expensive treatment packages
- Won’t explain their preparation method
- Don’t use imaging guidance for injections