If you’re dealing with a stubborn injury or chronic joint pain, you may have heard about Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy as a potential treatment. Touted by professional athletes and increasingly offered by orthopedic specialists, PRP therapy is gaining popularity for its potential to speed up healing using your body’s own regenerative powers.

But what exactly is PRP therapy, and does it actually work?

At South Shore Orthopedics, we believe in educating our patients so they can make informed decisions about their care. In this post, we’ll explore how PRP therapy works, what conditions it may help treat, and whether it might be right for you.

What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy?

PRP therapy promotes healing by delivering a concentrated dose of your own platelets directly to injured tissues.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Blood is drawn from your body—usually from your arm.
  2. The blood is placed in a centrifuge, which spins rapidly to separate its components.
  3. The provider extracts the platelet-rich portion of the plasma and injects it into the injured area.

Platelets are best known for their role in clotting, but they also contain growth factors and proteins that play a crucial role in tissue repair. By concentrating the platelets and injecting them directly where they’re needed, PRP therapy aims to stimulate and accelerate the healing process.

What Can PRP Therapy Treat?

PRP is used for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including:

1. Tendon Injuries

  • Chronic tendon injuries like tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, Achilles tendinopathy, and patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee) often respond well to PRP.
  • Tendons have poor blood supply, so healing can be slow—PRP may help boost regeneration.

2. Ligament Injuries

  • Mild to moderate sprains of the knee (MCL) or ankle may benefit from PRP injections.

3. Osteoarthritis

  • PRP is commonly used in joints like the knee, hip, and shoulder to reduce inflammation and potentially slow the progression of arthritis.
  • Some studies show PRP can improve function and reduce pain more effectively than corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid injections.

4. Muscle Strains and Tears

  • PRP may help heal muscle injuries faster, especially in athletes aiming to return to play.

5. Post-Surgical Healing

  • Some surgeons use PRP to support recovery after orthopedic procedures, including tendon or ligament repair surgeries.

What Happens During a PRP Procedure?

The PRP process is typically quick and minimally invasive, often completed in under an hour.

Here’s what you can expect:

  1. Consultation and evaluation to determine if you’re a good candidate.
  2. Blood draw—around 15–60 mL, depending on the treatment area.
  3. Centrifugation to isolate platelet-rich plasma.
  4. Injection of PRP into the affected area using ultrasound guidance for precision.
  5. Post-injection instructions may include rest, ice, and temporary activity modifications.

Because the treatment uses your own blood, the risk of allergic reaction or infection is very low.

How Many Treatments Are Needed?

Most patients need 1 to 3 injections, spaced several weeks apart. However, the exact number depends on:

  • The severity and location of the injury
  • Your overall health and healing response
  • The specific goals of treatment

Your provider will create a personalized treatment plan based on your condition.

What Are the Benefits of PRP Therapy?

PRP offers several potential advantages over traditional treatments:

1. Natural Healing

  • Uses your own biological material—no foreign substances or drugs.
  • Stimulates your body’s natural repair processes.

2. Minimally Invasive

  • No incisions or surgery required.
  • Performed in-office with little to no downtime.

3. Faster Recovery

  • May help shorten the healing timeline for soft tissue injuries.
  • Can be especially helpful for athletes or active individuals.

4. Pain Relief

  • Many patients experience a noticeable reduction in pain after treatment.

5. Reduced Need for Medications

  • May lessen or eliminate the need for anti-inflammatories, corticosteroid injections, or even surgery in some cases.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Most people tolerate PRP therapy well, but potential side effects include:

  • Mild pain or soreness at the injection site
  • Swelling or bruising
  • Temporary increase in inflammation

These symptoms usually resolve within a few days. Since PRP does not contain any medications or synthetic substances, serious side effects are rare.

How Soon Will You See Results?

PRP is not an instant fix. Because it works by stimulating natural healing, it can take several weeks to notice improvement, with continued progress over several months.

General timeline:

  • First few days: Mild discomfort or swelling
  • 2–6 weeks: Gradual pain relief and improved function
  • 3–6 months: Peak benefits are usually achieved

For some chronic conditions, additional treatments may be needed to maintain results.

Who Is a Good Candidate for PRP?

You may be a good candidate for PRP therapy if you:

  • Have a chronic or recurring tendon, ligament, or joint injury
  • Want to avoid or delay surgery
  • Haven’t responded well to traditional treatments like physical therapy, medications, or steroid injections
  • Prefer a more natural healing option
  • Are in generally good health (no active infections or bleeding disorders)

PRP is not recommended for:

  • People with certain blood disorders or active cancer
  • Pregnant women
  • Individuals taking blood thinners that can’t be paused

A consultation with one of our orthopedic specialists will help determine if PRP is appropriate for your specific condition.

What Does the Research Say?

PRP therapy is still considered relatively new, and while studies show promising results, more research is needed to fully understand who benefits most and under what circumstances.

Key findings so far:

  • PRP is more effective than placebo for treating knee osteoarthritis and chronic tendinopathies.
  • PRP may improve outcomes when combined with physical therapy or used post-surgery.
  • Response to PRP can vary depending on the formulation and technique used, which is why choosing an experienced provider is key.

At South Shore Orthopedics, we stay current with evolving research to ensure our patients receive the most effective and evidence-based care.

PRP vs. Cortisone Injections: What’s the Difference?

Cortisone injections are commonly used to reduce inflammation and pain—but they don’t promote healing and can cause tissue thinning over time.

PRP injections, on the other hand, encourage the body to repair damaged tissue. While PRP takes longer to work, the effects are more regenerative and longer-lasting for many patients.

Is PRP Therapy Covered by Insurance?

Currently, PRP therapy is considered experimental by most insurance providers and is typically not covered.

Out-of-pocket costs vary depending on:

  • Number of treatments needed
  • Area being treated
  • Provider experience

At South Shore Orthopedics, we’ll review the cost with you upfront and discuss all available options so you can make an informed decision.

Could PRP Help You Heal?

If you’re dealing with joint pain, tendon issues, or soft tissue injuries that just won’t seem to heal, PRP therapy may be worth considering. It’s a natural, minimally invasive treatment option that has helped many patients return to the activities they love—without surgery or long-term medications.

At South Shore Orthopedics, we offer advanced regenerative treatments like PRP as part of our commitment to personalized, cutting-edge care. If you’re curious about PRP or wondering if it’s right for your condition, we’re here to help.

Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward a more comfortable, active life.