PRP Injections Guide

What Are PRP Injections?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses concentrated platelets from your own blood to promote tissue healing. A small sample of your blood is drawn, spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets (which contain growth factors), and then injected into the injured area under ultrasound guidance. PRP has become one of the most popular non-surgical treatments in sports medicine, used by professional and recreational athletes alike.

What Does PRP Treat?

Most effective for:
Chronic tendon injuries (tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, rotator cuff tendinopathy), mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis, muscle strains in athletes wanting faster return to sport, plantar fasciitis, and hamstring injuries.

Less effective for:
Severe osteoarthritis (bone-on-bone), complete ligament or tendon tears, acute fractures, and conditions that require structural surgical repair.

PRP Injection Cost

PRP injections cost $500 to $2,000 per injection. Most patients need 1-3 injections spaced 4-6 weeks apart. PRP is almost always a cash-pay procedure — insurance rarely covers it. Ask about package pricing for multiple sessions.

What to Expect

Before: A blood draw (15-60mL depending on protocol). The blood is processed in a centrifuge for 10-15 minutes.
During: The concentrated PRP is injected into the target area using ultrasound guidance. The injection takes 5-10 minutes.
After: Mild soreness for 2-5 days is normal (the healing response). Avoid NSAIDs for 1-2 weeks — they counteract PRP. Most patients see improvement in 4-8 weeks.

How to Choose a PRP Provider

Look for a sports medicine doctor (orthopedic or primary care) who performs PRP injections regularly under ultrasound guidance. Ask about their preparation method (single-spin vs double-spin), platelet concentration, and whether they use leukocyte-rich or leukocyte-poor PRP. Experience matters.

Frequently Asked Questions