Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): A Regenerative Approach to Joint Pain
If you’ve been dealing with ongoing joint pain, tendon issues, or arthritis, you may have heard about Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. This treatment is part of a growing field called regenerative medicine, which focuses on helping the body heal itself more effectively.
What is PRP?
PRP is created using a sample of your own blood. That blood is processed to concentrate platelets—cells that contain growth factors involved in healing. The concentrated PRP is then injected into the area of injury to support tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
In our practice, PRP is commonly used to treat musculoskeletal conditions such as:
Tendinopathies (like tennis elbow, rotator cuff issues)
Ligament injuries
Osteoarthritis (especially knee, shoulder, and other joints)
PRP can be a valuable option for patients who have not improved with standard treatments such as rest, physical therapy, medications, or steroid injections.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
Some patients experience significant improvement after a single injection. Others may benefit from a series of treatments depending on the condition, severity, and response to the first injection. Treatment plans are individualized based on your goals and progress.
Safety and Effectiveness
PRP is generally very safe because it uses your own blood, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions or major complications. Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as soreness at the injection site.
Overall, PRP is considered a safe, minimally invasive option that may reduce pain and improve function, especially in mild-to-moderate arthritis and chronic tendon conditions.
Why Ultrasound Guidance Matters
PRP injections in our office are performed under ultrasound guidance. This allows us to:
Precisely place the PRP exactly where it is needed
Avoid surrounding nerves and blood vessels
Improve accuracy and improve outcomes
Studies show that ultrasound-guided injections are more accurate than “blind” injections, which is especially important for joints, tendons, and ligaments.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Here’s what a typical PRP visit looks like:
During the procedure:
A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm
The blood is processed to concentrate the platelets
The treatment area is cleaned and prepped
Using ultrasound guidance, PRP is injected into the targeted area
The entire process usually takes about 30 minutes.
After the procedure:
You may experience soreness or a temporary increase in pain for a few days
This is part of the body’s natural healing response
Most patients gradually improve over several weeks, with continued progress over 2–3 months
Activity modifications and a guided rehab plan may be recommended
Our Technology: Apex Biologix Xcell System
We use the Apex Biologix Xcell PRP system, which is designed to produce a high-quality, consistent concentration of platelets while minimizing unwanted components such as red blood cells.
Why this matters:
Higher-quality PRP may lead to better clinical outcomes
More consistent preparation reduces variability (seen in some lower-quality systems)
Optimized platelet concentration supports more effective healing
Not all PRP systems are the same, and preparation methods can significantly impact results.
Is PRP Right for You?
PRP is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, but it can be an excellent option for patients looking to:
Avoid or delay surgery
Reduce reliance on medications
Explore regenerative approaches to healing
Interested in Learning More?
I offer consultation visits to discuss whether PRP may be appropriate for your specific condition and goals. Together, we can review your history, imaging, and prior treatments to create a personalized plan.
If you’re curious whether PRP could help you get back to feeling better and moving more comfortably, I’m happy to discuss your options. Please call the office or reach out on Klara.
In Health,
John Bednar, PA-C
In addition to offering PRP, John uses other types of injections for injuries or pain. Learn more HERE.