When joint pain, tendon irritation, or soft tissue injuries interfere with daily life, surgery is not always the first step. Many orthopedic conditions can be treated with non-surgical options such as physical therapy, activity changes, medication, or injection therapy.
One option ROC offers are platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, which use a concentrated sample of your own blood to help support healing in the area causing pain.
What are PRP Injections?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Platelets are cells in the blood that help the body respond to injury. Platelets are best known for helping blood clot but also contain growth factors, which are natural proteins that send signals to nearby cells during the healing process.
Growth factors act like messengers. When tissue is injured, they help tell the body to repair damaged tissue, build new cells, and support healing in the area.
During PRP treatment, a small sample of blood is drawn and processed to separate the platelets from other blood components. The concentrated platelets are then mixed with plasma, the liquid part of your blood, and injected into the injured or painful area.
Once injected, the platelets release growth factors into the surrounding tissue. The goal is to help support the body’s natural repair process in the area causing pain. Unlike injections that are mainly used to reduce inflammation, PRP is intended to encourage healing over time.
What Conditions May PRP Help Treat?
PRP may be considered for certain orthopedic conditions involving joints, tendons, or soft tissue injuries. Depending on the patient and diagnosis, PRP may be used as part of a non-surgical care plan for conditions such as:
- Mild to moderate arthritis
- Chronic joint pain
- Soft tissue irritation that has not improved with initial treatment
PRP is not right for every injury or patient. A specialist will evaluate the source of your symptoms, how long symptoms have been present, and whether PRP is an appropriate option for your condition.
How is PRP Different from Cortisone?
PRP and cortisone are both injection therapies, but they are used for different reasons.
Cortisone injections are often used to reduce inflammation and provide symptom relief by delivering medication directly to the affected area.
PRP injections use components from your own blood to support healing in the targeted area. While cortisone is often focused on calming inflammation, PRP is intended to help stimulate the body’s natural repair process.
A simple way to think about the difference:
- Cortisone to help calm inflammation
- PRP to help support healing
Your provider can explain which option may make the most sense based on your condition, goals, and previous treatments.
What to Expect During PRP Treatment
PRP treatment typically starts with an orthopedic evaluation. Your provider will review your symptoms, examine the affected area, and may recommend imaging if more information is needed.
If PRP is recommended, the process generally includes:
- Drawing a small sample of blood
- Processing the blood to concentrate the platelets
- Injecting the PRP into the injured or painful area
- Reviewing aftercare instructions and activity guidance
Some patients may feel soreness after the injection as the body responds to treatment. Your provider will explain what to expect, how to modify activity, and when to follow up.
Recovery with a PRP injection may also depend on improving strength in the surrounding muscles, correcting movement patterns, and gradually returning to activity, in addition to the injection itself.
The goal is not just to reduce pain in the short term, but to help the injured area recover and function better over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens to my blood during PRP treatment?
During PRP treatment, a small sample of your blood is processed to separate the platelets and plasma from the red and white blood cells. The platelets are then concentrated within the plasma, creating platelet-rich plasma. This PRP is injected into the injured or painful area to help support the body’s natural healing response.
Is PRP a replacement for physical therapy?
PRP is often most effective when it is part of a larger treatment plan. In many cases, strengthening the muscles around the injured or painful area, improving mobility, and adjusting activity are still important for long-term improvement.
How long does it take for PRP injections to work?
PRP does not usually provide immediate relief. Because it is designed to support the body’s healing response, improvement may happen gradually over several weeks or months. Your provider can help set expectations based on your condition and treatment plan.
Do I need surgery if I get PRP?
Not necessarily. PRP is a non-surgical treatment option. However, some conditions may still require surgery if non-operative care does not provide enough improvement.
Conservative Care at ROC
PRP may be an option if pain or injury has not improved with initial conservative care, but surgery is not the next or best step. It may also be considered when the goal is to support healing and help patients stay active without a more invasive procedure.
If pain is keeping you from the activities you enjoy, a ROC provider can help you understand whether PRP injections may be right for you. Schedule an appointment today to explore your non-surgical treatment options and take the next step toward getting back to what you love.