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Joint Injections & Regenerative Care

Joint Injections and Platelet-Rich Plasma

​Joint and musculoskeletal pain can arise from arthritis, tendon injury, ligament injury, bursitis, inflammation, mechanical problems, prior trauma, or other conditions. The first step is to determine whether an injection is appropriate and whether the patient needs updated imaging, rehabilitation, orthopedic evaluation, or another diagnostic approach.

What Is PRP?

Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is prepared from the patient's own blood. A blood sample is drawn and processed in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelet-rich portion. The prepared PRP is then injected into the selected joint, tendon, ligament, or soft-tissue treatment area. Platelets contain proteins and signaling factors involved in the body's normal healing response. PRP is intended to support recovery in selected conditions, but it does not guarantee cartilage regrowth, tissue regeneration, or pain relief.

Concerns That May Be Considered

  • Selected osteoarthritis-related joint pain 

  • Selected tendon or ligament injuries

  • Chronic overuse conditions 

  • Persistent musculoskeletal pain after appropriate conservative treatment

  • Patients seeking an alternative or adjunct to selected conventional injection options

How the Procedure Is Performed

  1. The physician reviews the patient's concern, prior treatment, medications, health history, and available imaging. 

  2. A focused treatment-area assessment is performed to confirm procedural candidacy and identify safety concerns.

  3. Blood is drawn and processed in a sterile PRP system. 

  4. The treatment area is cleaned and the prepared PRP is injected using the technique appropriate for that location. 

  5. The patient receives written aftercare instructions and a follow-up plan. 

Other Injection Options

Depending on the diagnosis, the physician may discuss PRP alone or a different option such as a corticosteroid injection, hyaluronic-acid injection, or referral for another treatment. These products work differently and may not be placed in the same injection or performed on the same schedule. The physician determines whether treatments should be separated and which approach is most appropriate.

Preparation

  • Provide current medication and supplement lists, including anticoagulants, antiplatelet drugs, and anti-inflammatory medications

  • Bring or upload relevant X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, or specialist reports

  • Report infection, fever, new illness, skin breakdown, recent procedures, or medication change

  • Do not stop prescribed medication unless the treating or prescribing physician gives specific instructions  

  • Arrange activity modification or transportation if advised for the planned treatment area 

After the Injection

Temporary soreness, stiffness, swelling, or increased discomfort can occur after PRP. Improvement, when it occurs, is usually gradual rather than immediate. Activity restrictions and the timing of rehabilitation vary by the treated structure. The physician may recommend a single treatment or a series based on the diagnosis and response.

Risks and Limitations

  • Pain, swelling, bruising, bleeding, or temporary worsening of symptoms

  • Infection

  • Injury to a nerve, blood vessel, tendon, or nearby tissue

  • Failure to improve or need for additional treatment

  • Need for further imaging, rehabilitation, orthopedic care, or surgery

  • PRP evidence and response vary by condition; insurance often does not cover treatment

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