If knee, shoulder, elbow, hip or foot pain keeps coming back after rest, physical therapy or steroid shots, PRP may be an option to discuss. It is an office-based, self-pay treatment for select patients who want something beyond steroid injections and before considering surgery.

 

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What Is PRP?

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Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous treatment, which means it is made from your own blood. On

your procedure day we take a small blood sample, process it in our office to concentrate the platelets, and

inject that concentrate into the painful joint, tendon or ligament. Ultrasound guidance is used when

appropriate to place the injection precisely.

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Platelets carry natural growth factors and signaling proteins. PRP is used to help reduce pain and improve

function in certain joint and tendon conditions. Research on PRP is ongoing, and results vary from person

to person.

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Who May Be a Candidate?

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PRP may be worth discussing if you have:

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• Mild to moderate arthritis of the knee, hip or other joints

• Chronic tendon pain (tendinopathy) that has not improved with physical therapy or activity changes,

• such as tennis or golfer's elbow, patellar or Achilles tendon pain, or partial rotator cuff problems

• Plantar fasciitis lasting more than 3 to 6 months despite conservative care

• Partial ligament strains in active adults working toward a return to work or sport

• Hip or outer-hip (greater trochanteric) pain with matching exam findings

• A preference to avoid or limit repeated steroid injections

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PRP may not be a good fit for advanced "bone-on-bone" arthritis, a complete tendon tear that needs

surgical repair, an active infection, certain blood or platelet disorders, cancer at the treatment site, or blood

thinners that cannot safely be paused. It is usually postponed during pregnancy.

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A consultation is required. Dr. Rema will review your history, exam and any imaging, and tell you

honestly whether PRP makes sense for you, or whether another option may serve you better.

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What to Expect

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1. Consultation visit. We review your symptoms, prior treatments, exam and imaging, and talk through

realistic expectations, risks and cost.

2. Procedure day: blood draw. On a separate, scheduled day, a small amount of blood is drawn from

your arm, similar to routine lab work.

3. Processing. Your blood is spun in a centrifuge in our office to concentrate the platelets. This takes a

short time while you relax.

4. Injection. The treatment area is cleaned and numbed, and the PRP is injected, with ultrasound

guidance when appropriate.

5. Your plan. You go home the same day with written aftercare instructions and a personalized plan for

gradually returning to activity.

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Your consultation and your PRP procedure are scheduled on separate days. Most procedure visits take

about an hour.

 

 

 

Recovery

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• Soreness is common. The treated area may be sore, swollen or stiff for several days.

• Anti-inflammatory medicines. You may be asked to avoid NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen

• before and after your injection. We will give you specific instructions and tell you what you can take.

• Relative rest, then gradual return. Expect a short period of reduced activity, followed by a step-by-

• step return to normal activity. Physical therapy is often recommended.

• Patience matters. Any improvement in pain or function usually develops over weeks rather than days.

• Some patients notice meaningful change, and others notice little or none.

• Follow-up. We will check your progress and decide together whether more treatment is appropriate.

 

 

 

Pricing

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PRP is self-pay. It is not covered by insurance. You will know the full price before treatment.

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Joint injection (one site) $1,050

Tendon or ligament injection (one site) $1,150

Each additional site, same procedure visit +$400

Series of 3 PRP treatments $2,700

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Pricing is reviewed with you at your consultation. Payment is due at the time of service.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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QUESTION 1

Is PRP made from my own blood?

ANSWER 1

Yes. PRP is autologous. It is prepared from a small sample of your own blood, drawn and processed in our

office during your procedure visit.

QUESTION 2

Does PRP hurt?

ANSWER 2

Most patients feel pressure and some discomfort during the injection, and soreness for a few days

afterward. Local anesthetic is used to keep you comfortable.

QUESTION 3

How soon might I notice a difference?

ANSWER 3

If PRP helps, changes usually build gradually over several weeks. Results vary, and PRP does not work for

everyone.

QUESTION 4

How many treatments will I need?

ANSWER 4

Some patients have a single treatment and others benefit from a series. Dr. Rema will recommend a plan

based on your condition and how you respond.

QUESTION 5

Is PRP covered by insurance?

ANSWER 5

No. PRP is a self-pay service at our office. We are happy to give you a written receipt.

QUESTION 6

Is PRP FDA-approved?

ANSWER 6

The devices used to prepare PRP are FDA-cleared, but PRP injections are not FDA-approved for treating

the specific conditions described on this page. Dr. Rema will discuss the evidence, benefits and risks with

you.

QUESTION 7

What are the risks?

ANSWER 7

PRP uses your own blood, so allergic reactions are unlikely. As with any injection, risks include temporary

pain or swelling, bruising, infection, and nerve or tissue irritation. Dr. Rema reviews these with you before

treatment.

QUESTION 8

Can I have PRP if I take blood thinners?

ANSWER 8

Possibly. Tell us about all your medications. Some may need to be paused, with approval from the

prescribing doctor, and others may make PRP unsuitable.

QUESTION 9

Can PRP be combined with physical therapy?

ANSWER 9

Yes. A guided return to activity, often with physical therapy, is usually part of the plan.

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Important information: PRP is a self-pay service and is not covered by insurance. A consultation is

required to determine whether PRP is appropriate for you. Results vary, and no specific outcome can be

guaranteed. PRP injections are not FDA-approved for the treatment of the conditions described on this

page. This page is for general information and is not medical advice.