What Is PRP, and How Is It Used for Joint Pain?

If you’ve been researching treatments for knee pain, arthritis, or tendon injuries, you’ve probably encountered the term:

PRP

PRP stands for:

Platelet-Rich Plasma

Some advertisements make PRP sound almost miraculous.

Others dismiss it as though there is no science behind it at all.

Neither extreme is particularly helpful.

PRP is a biologic treatment prepared from a patient’s own blood. It has been studied for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, with some of the strongest interest and clinical evidence involving certain patients with knee osteoarthritis and selected tendon disorders.

But PRP isn’t magic.

It doesn’t give you a brand-new joint.

It shouldn’t be promised to regrow an entire layer of missing cartilage.

And it cannot guarantee that you’ll avoid surgery.

So what is PRP really?

What are platelets doing?

Why might PRP help some painful joints?

And how do you know whether you’re a reasonable candidate?

Let’s take a closer look.

Not Sure Where to Start?

Choose the question that sounds most like yours:

🦵 My knees hurt as I’m getting older → What Causes Knee Pain as We Get Older?

🦴 I’ve been diagnosed with arthritis → What Is Knee Osteoarthritis—and Why Does It Hurt?

🩻 They told me I’m bone-on-bone → Does Bone-on-Bone Knee Arthritis Always Mean I Need a Knee Replacement?

🩸 I’m considering PRP → You’re in the right place. Keep reading.

💉 I’m deciding between PRP and cortisone → PRP vs. Cortisone Injections for Knee Pain: What’s the Difference?

🧬 I’m wondering about regenerative medicine → Can Regenerative Medicine Help Knee Osteoarthritis?

🏥 I’m wondering whether it’s time for surgery → When Should I Consider Knee Replacement?

What You’ll Learn

In this chapter you’ll discover:

<ul>

• What PRP actually is
• How PRP is prepared
• Why platelets contain more than clotting factors
• What growth factors are
• How PRP may influence the environment of an injured or arthritic joint
• What research suggests about PRP for knee osteoarthritis
• Whether PRP can regrow cartilage
• How quickly PRP works
• How long improvement may last
• Whether PRP is painful
• Why PRP preparations can differ
• Why patient selection matters
• Who may not be an appropriate candidate
• How PRP differs from cortisone
• Why PRP should not be marketed as a miracle cure

</ul>

Quick Answer

PRP is prepared by drawing a patient’s blood and processing it to create a plasma portion containing a higher concentration of platelets than ordinary blood.

Those platelets contain biologically active substances involved in:

<ul>

• Tissue signaling
• Healing responses
• Inflammation regulation
• Blood-vessel signaling
• Cell communication

</ul>

PRP is then injected into a targeted area such as a joint or tendon.

For certain musculoskeletal conditions—particularly some patients with knee osteoarthritis—PRP may improve:

<ul>

• Pain
• Function
• Activity tolerance

</ul>

But:

PRP should not be promised to rebuild an advanced arthritic joint or guarantee avoidance of surgery.

What Exactly Is PRP?

Your blood contains several major components:

<ul>

• Red blood cells
• White blood cells
• Platelets
• Plasma

</ul>

Platelets are probably best known for helping your blood clot.

But platelets do more than that.

They also contain signaling molecules involved in the body’s response to injury.

PRP attempts to concentrate platelets into a smaller volume of plasma and deliver that preparation to a targeted tissue.

Is PRP a Drug?

PRP is different from a conventional manufactured medication.

It is:

Autologous

That means it comes from your own body.

Your blood is drawn, processed, and the resulting platelet-rich preparation is used for your treatment.

How Is PRP Prepared?

Although specific systems differ, the general process usually looks like this:

Step 1: Blood Is Drawn

A small amount of the patient’s blood is collected.

Step 2: The Blood Is Processed

The blood is placed into a centrifuge.

A centrifuge spins the blood at high speed, separating components according to their physical properties.

Step 3: A Platelet-Rich Portion Is Collected

The desired plasma fraction containing concentrated platelets is isolated.

Step 4: The PRP Is Injected

The preparation is then injected into the targeted joint or tissue.

The entire process can generally be completed during an office visit.

Is All PRP the Same?

No.

This is extremely important.

PRP is not one standardized product.

Different preparation systems may produce PRP with different concentrations of:

<ul>

• Platelets
• White blood cells
• Red blood cells
• Plasma

</ul>

PRP can also differ in:

<ul>

• Volume
• Processing method
• Activation
• Number of injections
• Injection technique

</ul>

That’s one reason studies of PRP do not always produce identical results.

When someone says:

“PRP works.”

or:

“PRP doesn’t work.”

a better question may be:

“What type of PRP, for what condition, in what patient, and using what protocol?”

What Are Growth Factors?

Platelets contain small storage structures called:

Alpha granules

These contain numerous biologically active proteins and signaling molecules.

Some commonly discussed platelet-derived factors include:

<ul>

• Platelet-derived growth factor
• Transforming growth factor
• Vascular endothelial growth factor
• Insulin-like growth factor
• Other signaling proteins

</ul>

These molecules participate in biological processes involved in tissue response and repair.

But an important distinction needs to be made:

Having growth factors does not mean PRP can simply grow a new joint.

Biology is far more complicated than that.

How Might PRP Help an Arthritic Knee?

Researchers continue to study the exact mechanisms.

PRP may influence the biological environment inside the joint through effects on:

<ul>

• Inflammatory signaling
• Cell communication
• Synovial tissues
• Pain-related processes
• Tissue homeostasis

</ul>

The clinical goal is generally not:

“Inject platelets and grow a brand-new knee.”

The more realistic goal is:

Improve symptoms and function in an appropriately selected patient.

Is PRP Really “Regenerative”?

This is where terminology can become confusing.

PRP is frequently grouped under:

Regenerative medicine

because it uses a patient’s own biologic material and signaling factors associated with tissue responses.

But the word “regenerative” can create unrealistic expectations.

A patient may hear:

“regenerative”

and assume:

“My missing cartilage will regenerate.”

That is not something we should automatically promise.

Biologic activity is not the same thing as guaranteed structural regeneration.

Can PRP Regrow Knee Cartilage?

This is one of the most important questions patients ask.

The safest answer is:

PRP should not be presented as a proven method for restoring an advanced arthritic knee to normal cartilage.

Research continues into possible effects on cartilage and other joint tissues.

But clinically, the best-established reason to consider PRP for knee osteoarthritis is generally the possibility of improving:

<ul>

• Pain
• Function
• Activity tolerance

</ul>

rather than promising complete cartilage regrowth.

What Does the Research Say About PRP for Knee Osteoarthritis?

PRP has been extensively studied for knee osteoarthritis.

Overall, clinical research suggests that PRP can improve pain and function in some patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.

However:

<ul>

• Not every study shows the same degree of benefit
• PRP protocols differ
• Patient populations differ
• Arthritis severity differs
• Preparation methods differ
• Follow-up periods differ

</ul>

This is why responsible discussion of PRP should avoid both extremes.

It isn’t accurate to say:

“PRP is guaranteed to work.”

But it is also too simplistic to say:

“There’s no evidence for PRP.”

Who Tends to Be a Better Candidate?

PRP may be more reasonable to consider in patients who:

<ul>

• Have symptomatic knee osteoarthritis
• Still have meaningful joint function
• Want to explore nonsurgical options
• Have symptoms that match the joint findings
• Understand realistic expectations
• Are medically appropriate for the procedure

</ul>

In general, patients with earlier or moderate osteoarthritis may have more predictable outcomes than those with extremely advanced joint destruction.

But arthritis grade is not the only consideration.

Can PRP Help Bone-on-Bone Arthritis?

Some patients with advanced osteoarthritis may experience improvement in symptoms following PRP.

However:

Results are generally less predictable as arthritis becomes more advanced.

If the joint has:

<ul>

• Severe structural destruction
• Major deformity
• Significant loss of motion
• Severe disability

</ul>

PRP may be less likely to provide the degree of improvement the patient hopes for.

At some point, knee replacement may offer a more predictable option.

Why Patient Selection Matters

Imagine three patients.

Patient A

Has moderate knee osteoarthritis, remains active, and wants to improve pain and function.

Patient B

Has advanced bone-on-bone arthritis, severe deformity, can barely walk, and has lost substantial motion.

Patient C

Has knee pain that is actually coming primarily from lumbar nerve irritation rather than the knee joint.

Should all three receive PRP simply because they have knee pain?

No.

The right procedure for the wrong diagnosis is still the wrong treatment.

What Conditions Is PRP Used For?

PRP has been studied and used for several musculoskeletal conditions.

These may include selected cases involving:

<ul>

• Knee osteoarthritis
• Tendon disorders
• Certain ligament injuries
• Some muscle injuries
• Other musculoskeletal conditions

</ul>

The strength of evidence is not identical for every condition.

That is important.

A treatment having evidence for one problem does not automatically mean it works equally well for every joint, tendon, or injury.

What About Shoulder Problems?

PRP may be considered in selected shoulder conditions.

But “shoulder pain” isn’t a diagnosis.

Pain might arise from:

<ul>

• Rotator cuff
• Tendons
• Bursa
• Arthritis
• Labrum
• Cervical spine
• Other structures

</ul>

The diagnosis should come first.

What About Hip Osteoarthritis?

PRP has also been studied for hip osteoarthritis.

Because the hip joint is deeper than the knee, accurate image guidance is particularly important for intra-articular injection.

The evidence base and expected outcomes may differ from those for knee osteoarthritis.

What About Tendon Problems?

PRP has been studied for several tendon disorders.

But again, results vary according to:

<ul>

• Which tendon is involved
• Whether the condition is acute or chronic
• PRP preparation
• Injection technique
• Rehabilitation
• Patient factors

</ul>

PRP should not be viewed as a universal solution for every tendon injury.

Does PRP Work Immediately?

Usually not.

PRP isn’t generally intended to function like a local anesthetic injection that produces immediate relief.

Some patients experience temporary soreness after treatment.

If improvement occurs, it may develop gradually over:

<ul>

• Weeks
• Sometimes several months

</ul>

The timeline varies.

Can I Feel Worse After PRP?

Temporary discomfort or soreness may occur after injection.

Patients should receive specific post-procedure instructions from the treating clinician.

Severe or progressively worsening:

<ul>

• Pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Warmth
• Fever

</ul>

should be reported promptly because complications such as infection need to be considered.

How Long Does PRP Last?

There is no single answer.

When PRP helps, improvement may last for months and sometimes longer.

Duration varies according to:

<ul>

• Condition
• Severity
• Patient
• Activity
• PRP preparation
• Treatment protocol
• Other health factors

</ul>

PRP does not stop aging.

It does not guarantee that osteoarthritis will never progress.

How Many PRP Injections Do I Need?

Protocols vary.

Some studies use:

<ul>

• A single injection

</ul>

Others use:

<ul>

• A series of injections

</ul>

There is no universal number that is correct for every patient and every condition.

A treatment recommendation should be based on:

<ul>

• Diagnosis
• Evidence
• Severity
• Clinical goals
• Response

</ul>

rather than simply selling everyone the same package.

Is More PRP Better?

Not necessarily.

More platelets do not automatically equal better results.

The biological effects of PRP are more complicated than:

“More is always better.”

The concentration and composition of the preparation may matter.

What Are Leukocytes?

Leukocytes are:

White blood cells

Some PRP preparations contain relatively more white blood cells.

These are sometimes called:

Leukocyte-rich PRP

Other preparations contain fewer white blood cells:

Leukocyte-poor PRP

Different formulations may be preferable for different clinical situations.

For knee osteoarthritis, the composition of the PRP is one of the variables researchers continue to study.

Why Does the Injection Technique Matter?

A good biologic treatment still needs to reach the intended target.

Depending on the joint or tissue, clinicians may use:

<ul>

• Anatomical landmarks
• Ultrasound guidance
• Other image guidance

</ul>

Accuracy becomes especially important for deeper structures.

Is PRP Safe?

Because PRP is prepared from the patient’s own blood, allergic reaction to the PRP itself is generally less of a concern than with many foreign substances.

But no injection is completely risk-free.

Potential issues can include:

<ul>

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Temporary flare
• Infection
• Injury to surrounding structures
• Lack of improvement

</ul>

Individual medical conditions may also affect whether PRP is appropriate.

Who Might Not Be a Good Candidate?

This requires individualized medical judgment.

Factors requiring additional consideration may include:

<ul>

• Active infection
• Certain blood disorders
• Significant anemia
• Platelet disorders
• Certain cancers or serious medical conditions
• Anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy
• Severe uncontrolled medical disease
• Pregnancy in certain circumstances
• Extremely advanced joint destruction where expectations are unrealistic

</ul>

This is not a complete list.

A proper medical history matters.

What About Blood Thinners?

This is especially important.

Do not stop:

<ul>

• Aspirin
• Anticoagulants
• Antiplatelet medications

</ul>

simply because you’re planning PRP.

Stopping these medications can be dangerous for some patients.

Medication decisions should be coordinated with the appropriate prescribing healthcare professional.

What About Anti-Inflammatory Medications Around PRP?

Because PRP is intended to influence biological signaling and inflammatory pathways, some clinicians modify the use of NSAIDs around treatment.

But protocols vary.

Patients should follow the instructions of their treating clinician and should not discontinue medically important medications without appropriate guidance.

PRP vs. Cortisone: Are They the Same?

No.

They work very differently.

Corticosteroid injections are primarily used for their anti-inflammatory effects and may provide relatively rapid symptom relief in some patients.

PRP is a biologic preparation intended to influence the local tissue environment and may take longer to produce improvement.

Neither treatment is perfect.

And neither is right for every patient.

We’ll compare these options directly in the next Learning Center article.

PRP vs. Knee Replacement

These aren’t equivalent treatments.

Knee replacement is a major surgical procedure that replaces damaged joint surfaces.

PRP is an injection-based nonsurgical treatment.

If someone has:

<ul>

• Severe deformity
• Profound functional loss
• Advanced joint destruction
• Persistent severe pain despite reasonable nonsurgical care

</ul>

PRP should not automatically be presented as an equivalent substitute for knee replacement.

Sometimes surgery is the more appropriate option.

Can PRP Help Me Avoid Knee Replacement?

Possibly—but be careful with the wording.

If PRP improves symptoms and function, a patient may be able to postpone surgery.

But we should not promise:

“PRP will prevent you from ever needing a knee replacement.”

No one can guarantee that.

A better goal is:

Help the patient function as well as reasonably possible and make future decisions based on how the knee actually progresses.

Is PRP Covered by Insurance?

Coverage varies considerably.

PRP is frequently not covered by insurance for musculoskeletal conditions, including knee osteoarthritis.

Patients should verify benefits and expected costs before treatment.

Why Is PRP Sometimes Expensive?

PRP treatment may involve:

<ul>

• Blood collection
• Specialized processing equipment
• Sterile supplies
• Clinical evaluation
• Injection procedure
• Image guidance when appropriate
• Follow-up care

</ul>

Because insurance coverage is limited in many situations, patients may be responsible for the cost.

That makes informed consent and realistic expectations especially important.

What Questions Should I Ask Before Having PRP?

Ask your provider:

<ul>

• What is my actual diagnosis?
• Why do you think PRP is appropriate?
• What evidence supports PRP for my condition?
• What type of PRP are you using?
• How many injections are you recommending?
• Why that number?
• What are realistic expectations?
• What are the risks?
• What happens if it doesn’t work?
• What alternatives do I have?
• At what point would surgery make more sense?

</ul>

A good provider should be comfortable answering those questions.

Be Careful With Guarantees

I become cautious whenever I see medical advertising that says:

“Guaranteed cartilage regeneration.”

“Avoid surgery forever.”

“Regrow your knee.”

“100% success.”

Biology doesn’t work in guarantees.

Medicine rarely does either.

A responsible conversation sounds more like:

“Here is what we know.”

“Here is what the evidence suggests.”

“Here are the limitations.”

“Here is why I think you may—or may not—be a reasonable candidate.”

How We Evaluate Someone Considering PRP at Advanced Integrated Medical

Before deciding whether PRP makes sense, I want to understand:

<ul>

• What is the diagnosis?
• Where is the pain?
• How long has it been present?
• What caused it?
• What does the examination show?
• What does the imaging show?
• How advanced is the arthritis?
• How strong is the patient?
• How well is the joint functioning?
• What treatments have already been tried?
• What medical conditions are present?
• What medications is the patient taking?
• What does the patient expect from treatment?

</ul>

Because:

PRP should follow the diagnosis. The diagnosis should not be invented to justify PRP.

Treatment Depends on the Problem

Sometimes PRP may be reasonable.

Sometimes the patient needs:

<ul>

• Rehabilitation
• Strengthening
• Weight management
• Bracing
• Medication
• Another type of injection
• Further diagnostic testing
• Orthopedic consultation
• Surgery

</ul>

And sometimes the pain isn’t coming from the joint at all.

That’s why evaluation matters.

About Dr. Dee

Dr. D. Scott (“Dee”) Stevens has spent nearly four decades helping patients with musculoskeletal disorders, joint problems, sports injuries, chronic pain, peripheral neuropathy, and regenerative medicine.

Throughout his career, he has cared for patients from all walks of life—including professional, collegiate, and Olympic athletes, professional football players, Major League Baseball players, professional boxers, and MMA fighters.

One thing athletes teach you quickly is:

A treatment has to match the injury.

The same principle applies to an older adult with knee arthritis.

The most advanced treatment in the world isn’t useful if it isn’t appropriate for the problem you’re actually treating.

Dr. Dee’s Clinical Pearl

When a patient asks me:

“Do you think PRP will work?”

I don’t want to answer until I’ve answered a different question:

“What exactly are we trying to treat?”

PRP isn’t the diagnosis.

PRP is one possible treatment.

Diagnosis comes first.

Dr. Dee’s Office Conversation

Patient: “Doctor, I heard PRP can regenerate my knee.”

Dr. Dee: “PRP is biologically active, but I wouldn’t promise you a brand-new knee.”

Patient: “Then why would I do it?”

Dr. Dee: “Because the realistic goal may be improvement in pain and function—not magically replacing all of the cartilage you’ve lost.”

Patient: “So it might help even if it doesn’t regrow the joint?”

Dr. Dee: “Exactly. Improvement and regeneration are not necessarily the same thing.”

Facing One of the Biggest Fears

“If PRP Doesn’t Regrow My Cartilage, What’s the Point?”

That’s a very reasonable question.

Suppose your cartilage doesn’t return to what it looked like 30 years ago.

But you:

<ul>

• Walk farther
• Use stairs more comfortably
• Sleep better
• Exercise more
• Return to activities
• Reduce pain

</ul>

Would that matter?

Of course it would.

A treatment does not have to make an X-ray normal to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.

Joint Health Success Principle #4

Ask What the Treatment Is Supposed to Accomplish

Before any treatment, ask:

What is the goal?

Is it supposed to:

<ul>

• Reduce pain?
• Improve function?
• Reduce inflammation?
• Improve strength?
• Delay surgery?
• Heal an injury?
• Restore tissue?

</ul>

Then ask:

“What evidence tells us it can realistically do that?”

Don’t judge a treatment by the most dramatic advertisement you can find.

Judge it by the goal, evidence, risks, alternatives, and whether it fits your condition.

Ask Dr. Dee

“Doctor, is PRP a stem cell treatment?”

No.

PRP is made from your blood and primarily contains plasma and concentrated platelets.

It should not be described as a stem cell injection.

The terminology matters because different biologic treatments have different:

<ul>

• Composition
• Evidence
• Regulatory considerations
• Potential uses

</ul>

Patients deserve to know exactly what is being injected.

Lesson I’ve Learned in Nearly 40 Years

The Best Treatment Isn’t Always the Newest Treatment

Medicine changes.

Technology changes.

New procedures appear.

Some become extremely valuable.

Others are eventually shown to be less useful than originally hoped.

After nearly four decades of practice, I’ve learned not to become impressed simply because something is:

New.

Or:

Advanced.

Or:

Regenerative.

The better questions are:

Does it make sense for this patient?

What does the evidence say?

What are we realistically trying to accomplish?

That’s how I want healthcare decisions made.

The Hope Principle

PRP sits in an interesting place in medicine.

Some people oversell it.

Others dismiss it.

I think patients deserve something better than either extreme.

They deserve:

Realistic hope.

Realistic hope means:

<ul>

• Understanding what PRP is
• Understanding what it isn’t
• Knowing what the research suggests
• Recognizing that outcomes vary
• Knowing that advanced arthritis may respond differently than mild arthritis
• Understanding alternatives
• Knowing when surgery may ultimately be more appropriate

</ul>

Hope doesn’t require exaggeration.

In fact:

The strongest hope is the kind that can survive an honest conversation.

“I believe the best healthcare decisions are made when patients understand their condition. My job isn’t simply to treat symptoms—it’s to help you understand why they’re happening and what your options are.”

— Dr. D. Scott (“Dee”) Stevens

Frequently Asked Questions

What does PRP stand for?

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma.

Where does PRP come from?

PRP is prepared from the patient’s own blood.

Is PRP the same as stem cells?

No. PRP is primarily a platelet- and plasma-based preparation and should not be described as a stem cell treatment.

Does PRP work for knee arthritis?

Research suggests PRP may improve pain and function in some patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Results vary according to the patient, severity of arthritis, PRP preparation, and treatment protocol.

Does PRP regrow cartilage?

PRP should not be promised to restore an advanced arthritic joint to normal cartilage. Its most realistic clinical goal in osteoarthritis is generally improvement in symptoms and function.

Can PRP help bone-on-bone arthritis?

Some patients with advanced osteoarthritis may experience symptom improvement, but results tend to be less predictable as joint degeneration becomes more severe.

How quickly does PRP work?

When improvement occurs, it often develops gradually over weeks rather than immediately.

How many PRP injections are needed?

There is no universal number. Protocols vary depending on the condition, evidence, clinician, and patient.

Is PRP painful?

There can be discomfort during the injection and temporary soreness afterward. Experiences vary.

Is PRP safe?

PRP is prepared from the patient’s own blood, but injections still have risks including pain, bleeding, bruising, infection, tissue injury, and failure to improve.

Is PRP covered by insurance?

Coverage varies, but PRP is frequently not covered for musculoskeletal conditions. Patients should verify coverage and costs.

Can PRP guarantee that I won’t need knee replacement?

No. No responsible provider should guarantee that PRP will prevent future knee replacement.

Key Takeaways

<ul>

• PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma.
• It is prepared from the patient’s own blood.
• Platelets contain biologically active signaling molecules.
• PRP preparations are not all identical.
• PRP has been studied extensively for knee osteoarthritis.
• Some patients may experience meaningful improvement in pain and function.
• Earlier or moderate osteoarthritis may have more predictable outcomes than severely advanced disease.
• PRP should not be promised to regrow an entire arthritic joint.
• PRP is not a stem cell treatment.
• Improvement in pain and function does not necessarily mean structural regeneration.
• PRP should follow an accurate diagnosis.
• Patient selection matters.
• Sometimes another nonsurgical treatment is more appropriate.
• Sometimes surgery is more appropriate.
• Hope should be based on evidence and understanding—not hype.

</ul>

Why Patients Choose Advanced Integrated Medical

At Advanced Integrated Medical, we don’t want to begin with:

“How many PRP injections can we sell you?”

We want to begin with:

“What is causing your pain?”

Then:

What does the examination show?

What does the imaging show?

How advanced is the condition?

What have you already tried?

What are your goals?

What does the evidence suggest?

What are the alternatives?

And finally:

“Is PRP a reasonable option for you?”

That’s a much better question than assuming every painful joint needs the same treatment.

Continue Exploring the Joint Pain &amp; Regenerative Medicine Learning Center

You may also want to read:

<ul>

• What Causes Knee Pain as We Get Older?
• What Is Knee Osteoarthritis—and Why Does It Hurt?
• Does Bone-on-Bone Knee Arthritis Always Mean I Need a Knee Replacement?
• PRP vs. Cortisone Injections for Knee Pain: What’s the Difference?
• Can Regenerative Medicine Help Knee Osteoarthritis?
• Why Does My Knee Hurt Going Up and Down Stairs?
• Why Does My Knee Hurt on the Inside? Understanding Medial Knee Pain
• When Should I Consider Knee Replacement?
• What Should a Good Knee Pain Evaluation Include?

</ul>

Medical Disclaimer

This article is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical diagnosis or treatment.

PRP has been studied for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, but evidence, expected outcomes, preparation methods, and treatment protocols vary by condition. PRP should not be considered a guaranteed cure, guaranteed cartilage-regeneration procedure, or guaranteed alternative to surgery.

Injection procedures carry potential risks, including pain, bleeding, bruising, infection, injury to surrounding structures, and lack of benefit.

Medical conditions, medications, blood disorders, anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy, and other factors may influence whether PRP is appropriate. Do not discontinue prescription medications, aspirin, anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, or other medically important treatments without guidance from the appropriate healthcare professional.

Seek prompt medical attention for severe or progressively worsening pain, redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, fever, or other concerning symptoms following an injection.

Ready to Learn More?

If you’re considering PRP, don’t begin with:

“How many injections do I need?”

Begin with:

What is my diagnosis?

What exactly are we treating?

What does my imaging show?

How advanced is the problem?

What does the evidence say about PRP for my condition?

What improvement should I realistically expect?

What are my alternatives?

What happens if PRP doesn’t help?

At Advanced Integrated Medical, we believe patients should understand a treatment before deciding whether to receive it.

PRP can be a valuable option for selected patients.

But it isn’t magic.

It isn’t appropriate for everyone.

And it doesn’t need exaggerated promises to be worth discussing.

The right question isn’t simply, “Does PRP work?” The better question is, “Is PRP a reasonable treatment for me?”

Advanced Integrated Medical

Advanced Care • Natural Healing • Real Results