PRP Therapy

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses concentrated platelets from a small sample of your own blood. After the blood is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and growth factors, the PRP is injected under ultrasound guidance into the injured tendon, ligament, muscle, or joint to stimulate the body’s natural healing response.

PRP is most commonly used for joint, tendon, ligament, and soft tissue conditions to support the body's natural healing response.

The strongest research support is for knee osteoarthritis, tennis elbow, and some cases of plantar fasciitis. PRP may also be considered for other tendon and joint problems, including patellar tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, gluteal tendinopathy, hamstring injuries, mild-to-moderate hip or ankle arthritis, and select rotator cuff injuries.

Not every condition responds the same way, and PRP is not appropriate for everyone. Dr. Borys will review your symptoms, exam, imaging, and goals to determine whether PRP is a reasonable option for your condition.

Most patients tolerate PRP injections well. The blood draw feels like a routine lab test, and a local anesthetic is typically used at the injection site. Some soreness in the treated area for a few days afterward is normal and is generally part of the healing response.

Most patients need 1–3 PRP treatments, depending on the condition being treated and how they respond.

For knee arthritis, many research protocols use a series of 2–3 injections, often spaced 1–2 weeks apart, and some studies suggest a series may work better than a single injection. For tendon injuries such as tennis elbow, one PRP injection combined with physical therapy may be sufficient, while other tendon conditions may benefit from a series.

Dr. Borys will review your exam, imaging, and goals to determine whether a single treatment or a series makes the most sense. Progress is typically reassessed over the following 6–12 weeks.

PRP therapy is not covered by insurance and is an out-of-pocket expense. While clinical research supports its use for select conditions, most insurance plans still classify it as investigational.

Before proceeding, Dr. Borys will review pricing, expected costs, and whether PRP is clinically appropriate for your condition.

Dr. Borys does not offer stem cell injections for orthopedic conditions. Many products marketed as stem cells — including donor-derived, amniotic, umbilical cord, Wharton's jelly, and exosome products — are not FDA-approved for arthritis, tendon injuries, or spine pain, and carry documented safety concerns and regulatory restrictions.

PRP is different: it uses your own blood, is prepared at the point of care, and has stronger clinical evidence for select conditions such as knee osteoarthritis and certain tendon injuries. Dr. Borys focuses on evidence-informed regenerative options with clear safety profiles.

If you've encountered stem cell treatments elsewhere, Dr. Borys welcomes discussing what you've learned and how your specific condition might best be treated.

You may be a candidate for PRP if you have a joint, tendon, ligament, or soft tissue condition that has not improved enough with conservative care such as physical therapy, exercise, bracing, or other nonsurgical treatments.

Dr. Borys will review your symptoms, exam, imaging, medical history, medications, and goals to determine whether PRP is a reasonable option for you.

Mild soreness, stiffness, or swelling is common for a few days after PRP and usually improves within the first week.

Most patients take it easy for the first few days, avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) unless directed otherwise, and gradually return to activity based on the treatment area and symptoms. Light movement is usually encouraged, while heavy lifting, running, sports, and high-impact activity may need to be limited for a period of time.

PRP results are gradual. Many patients begin noticing improvement over 6–12 weeks, with continued progress over several months when paired with appropriate rehabilitation and activity progression.

PRP results vary by condition, severity, overall health, activity level, and follow-through with rehabilitation.

For knee arthritis, research shows that when PRP is effective, benefits typically peak around 3–6 months and can last 12 months or longer — with some studies showing sustained improvement for several years, especially in earlier-stage arthritis. More advanced arthritis tends to respond for a shorter period. PRP does not reverse arthritis, but it may reduce pain and improve function for a meaningful window of time.

For tendon conditions like tennis elbow and plantar fasciitis, PRP tends to work more gradually than a cortisone shot, but the relief is often more durable — commonly lasting 1–2 years in studies.

Some patients benefit from a single treatment course, while others may choose to repeat treatment if symptoms return. The goal is better tissue tolerance, improved movement, and a plan to help you stay active longer. Dr. Borys will discuss realistic expectations based on your specific condition.