When pain or an injury changes how you move, you deserve a clear explanation of your options.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is made by processing a sample of your own blood to concentrate platelets. These contain proteins involved in healing. Whether PRP is a reasonable option depends on the specific diagnosis, your prior care, and the available evidence.
Start with the condition, not the injection
- Knee osteoarthritis: a closer look at PRP
- Tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and overuse concerns
- Shoulder and rotator cuff concerns
- Achilles, heel, and foot or ankle concerns
These are reasons to seek an evaluation; they do not all have the same evidence for PRP. A complete tear, advanced joint damage, or a different source of pain may call for another approach.
Hear Dr. Patel discuss PRP
PRP explained
How PRP Therapy can help with Pain- Roshni Patel MD
An earlier discussion with Dr. Patel about platelet-rich plasma and pain care.
Earlier recording. Ask about the current evidence and your individual treatment plan. Playing connects to YouTube.
How a PRP consultation works
- Understand the problem. Review symptoms, examination findings, relevant imaging, and treatment history.
- Compare your options. Discuss rehabilitation, activity changes, medicines, other injections, specialist referral, and where PRP may fit.
- Plan the next steps. If treatment is appropriate, review the proposed preparation, technique, risks, fees, recovery plan, and follow-up.
Recovery is part of the treatment decision
Ask about soreness after the procedure, work and sport restrictions, rehabilitation, and when progress will be reviewed. Improvement, when it occurs, may take weeks. Your plan should match the condition being treated; the website cannot set your return-to-sport date.
PRP questions patients ask
Is PRP a stem-cell treatment?
No. PRP concentrates platelets from your blood. Cell-based procedures use different preparations and need their own discussion of evidence, risks, and regulatory status.
How much does PRP cost? Is it covered by insurance?
Consultation fees vary. Pricing will be provided after a discussion with the practice. Ask the office for procedure fees. Ask for the total expected cost, including follow-up and rehabilitation, and confirm coverage with your insurer. No package price or insurance benefit is promised here.
How many injections will I need?
That depends on the diagnosis and the treatment plan. Discuss the rationale for the proposed number, when to reassess, and what happens if treatment does not help.
Can I get a second opinion before committing?
Yes. Request a consultation to review the diagnosis, prior treatment, and proposed options before deciding. Explore second opinions.
Make a well-informed choice
Benefits and evidence vary by condition, and PRP has risks including pain, infection, and injury to nearby structures. It does not guarantee cartilage regrowth, pain relief, or avoidance of surgery.
Patient resource: AAOS guide to PRP ↗.
Request a PRP consultation ↗