You have rested it, iced it, and given it time. Months later, the pain in your knee, shoulder, or elbow is still there, and it is starting to shape what you can and cannot do.
If that sounds familiar, and physical therapy or medication have only taken you so far, you may have heard about a treatment called PRP therapy.
Here is what it is, in plain terms, and how it might help.
What is PRP therapy?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. The idea behind it is simple: it uses your own blood to help your body heal itself.
Your blood carries tiny cells called platelets. You have seen them at work already, even if you have never heard the word. When you get a cut or scrape, platelets are the part of your blood that rushes in to stop the bleeding and begin closing the wound. They also release natural proteins called growth factors, which tell your body to start repairing damaged tissue. PRP therapy is simply your own blood with those platelets concentrated into a small, powerful dose.
To make it, your provider draws a small sample of your blood, about the amount used for routine lab work. That sample goes into a machine called a centrifuge, which spins it quickly to separate the platelets from the rest of the blood. The result is a concentrated layer of platelets, which is then injected right into the area that hurts.
Because PRP therapy comes from your own body, the risk of an allergic reaction is very low.
What can PRP therapy help with?
PRP is used for a range of orthopedic conditions, and the research is strongest for a few in particular.
The most studied use is mild to moderate knee arthritis. In several high-quality studies, PRP has offered meaningful pain relief and better movement, and in many cases those results lasted longer than more traditional injections.
PRP is also used for stubborn tendon problems that have been slow to heal, such as tennis elbow, Achilles tendon pain, and some rotator cuff and heel conditions. The results here are encouraging, though they can vary more from person to person, which is exactly why a careful evaluation matters.
It helps to be honest about one thing: PRP is not a cure for arthritis, and it does not work the same way for everyone. What it can do, for the right patient, is calm pain and support healing enough to help you get back to the things you enjoy.
Who is a good candidate?
PRP tends to help most when:
- You have mild to moderate joint arthritis or a lingering tendon injury
- You have already tried options like rest, physical therapy, or medication without enough relief
- You are looking for a step to consider before surgery
- You would rather avoid or cut back on steroid injections
PRP is usually not the right fit for the most advanced arthritis, or for people with certain conditions such as an active infection or a blood disorder. The only way to know whether it suits your situation is a conversation with a provider who can examine you and review your history.
What happens at the appointment?
The whole visit usually takes under an hour, and it happens right in the office. Here is the general flow:
- A small amount of your blood is drawn, which takes just a few minutes.
- That sample spins in the centrifuge for around 15 to 20 minutes.
- Your provider injects the concentrated platelets into the exact spot that needs them, often using ultrasound to guide the needle precisely.
Most people describe the injection as similar to a cortisone shot: some pressure and brief soreness that passes fairly quickly.
What recovery looks like
PRP works differently from a steroid shot. Instead of masking pain right away, it starts up your body’s natural healing response, so it asks for a little patience.
For the first few days, it is normal to feel some soreness at the injection site. That is a sign the process is doing its job. From there, improvement is gradual, often building over several weeks and continuing to develop across the following few months. Your provider will walk you through what to expect and how to care for the area afterward.
Is PRP therapy right for you?
If pain has been holding you back and you are looking at options beyond medication or surgery, PRP may be worth exploring. A good next step is a visit with an OrthoArkansas provider who can look at your specific situation and help you decide together what makes sense for you. Call 501-500-3500 or visit OrthoArkansas.com to schedule a visit.
