PRP vs Stem Cell Therapy: Which is Right for Your Joint Pain?

When dealing with joint pain, patients often hear about two of the most promising non-surgical options in regenerative medicine: PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy and Stem Cell Therapy. Both are backed by scientific research and clinical outcomes, but they’re not interchangeable. Understanding the difference between PRP and stem cell therapies can help you make an informed decision that supports your recovery and long-term joint health.

This guide from Interventional Orthopedics of Washington (IOW) offers a side-by-side look at how each treatment works, what conditions they’re best suited for, and what to expect from cost to recovery.

How PRP Therapy Works

PRP therapy concentrates your own blood platelets to stimulate healing in injured tissues. Platelets contain growth factors that promote cell repair, modulate inflammation, and can lead to tissue regeneration.

Process:

• Blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to isolate platelets.

• Concentrated platelets are injected into the affected area under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance.

• Growth factors initiate healing responses within the joint or soft tissue.

Best for:

• Mild to moderate osteoarthritis

• Tendinopathies (e.g., tennis elbow, Achilles injuries)

• Acute soft tissue injuries

For a deeper understanding of PRP’s long-term effects, see our full post on what to expect from PRP injections.

Treatment Timeline:

• Relief begins: 4-10 weeks after the procedure

• Duration of effect: At least 6 months or longer

Advantages:

• Minimally invasive

• A good option to try if you have a mild to moderate level of injury

• A great value especially if you have a nagging injury and have not tried regenerative medicine before

How Stem Cell Therapy Works

Stem cell therapy at IOW refers to autologous (or your own) mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that are harvested either from your bone marrow or from your fat tissue to support lasting repair of damaged tissue. Stem cells are more potent than PRP in signaling to the surrounding immune system to stimulate tissue regeneration.

Process:

• Bone marrow is harvested from the iliac crest (hip bone).

• Adipose tissue can be harvested from abdominal fat, the flank, over the gluteus muscles or over the thigh.

• The cells are isolated and counted then injected under image guidance.

• Stem cells act as cellular orchestrators, stimulating repair and recruiting healing cells from the immune system.

Best for:

• Moderate to severe osteoarthritis

• Meniscus or labral tears

• Chronic joint degeneration

If you’re unfamiliar with how regenerative medicine like this fits into joint care, read our complete guide to restorative treatments.

Treatment Timeline:

• Relief begins: 6-10 weeks after the procedure. Cell therapy can take a longer time than PRP to achieve relief because of the remodeling that is taking place

• Duration of effect: 1-2+ years

Advantages:

• Potential for deeper structural healing

• Ideal for more severe joint conditions

• May delay or eliminate need for surgery

PRP vs Stem Cell Therapy

When PRP Is The Right Fit

PRP is typically recommended for patients with:

• Early-stage arthritis or inflammation

• Recent tendon or ligament injuries

• Sports-related joint pain

Patient Case Example: A 42-year-old runner with mild knee osteoarthritis receives a single PRP injection. Within six weeks, the patient returns to regular running with significantly reduced pain after combining the procedure with a structured rehab program.

To understand how PRP fits into a broader rehab approach, see how it’s used in our step-by-step PRP recovery timeline.

When Stem Cell Therapy Is the Better Choice

Stem cell therapy is preferred when:

• Joint damage is more advanced

• PRP or other treatments have failed

• There’s cartilage loss or bone-on-bone contact

• Patients want a longer-lasting solution without joint replacement

Patient Case Example: A 68-year-old with severe hip arthritis avoids surgery after stem cell treatment. Over a 3-month period, she returns to hiking and gardening with improved mobility and reduced pain.

Unfortunately, not all clinics follow best practices when it comes to stem cell care. Learn how to avoid misleading claims in our blog on stem cell scams and red flags.

Making The Right Choice at IOW

Choosing between PRP and stem cell therapy involves more than just comparing timelines or costs. It requires an expert evaluation of your:

• Joint condition and severity

• Past treatment outcomes

• Activity level and performance goals

• Overall health and recovery potential

At IOW, every treatment plan begins with:

• A functional orthopedic evaluation

• Diagnostic imaging (including ultrasound)

• Medical history and lab review (as needed)

If you're unsure how to select the right provider, read our advice on choosing your regenerative medicine expert.

Care is collaborative. Dr. Sridhar and Dr. Silva helps with correctly diagnosing your issue and determining the appropriate treatment modality for your issue.

Common Questions About PRP vs Stem Cells

Q: What’s the difference in healing mechanisms?

PRP signals tissue repair using concentrated growth factors. Stem cells not only reduce inflammation but also regenerate and rebuild damaged tissue through cellular differentiation and communication.

Q: Is PRP less expensive than stem cells?

Yes. PRP is typically 2-3 times less expensive and often used as a first-line treatment.

Q: Can either treatment regrow cartilage?

Stem cells have shown some potential to support cartilage regeneration, especially in early to moderate arthritis. PRP helps protect existing cartilage by slowing degeneration. Neither treatment has been proven to regrow cartilage.

Q: Are repeat treatments needed?

Some patients may need multiple PRP sessions. Stem cell treatments are often more durable and may only require one injection, depending on the condition.

Q: Is the procedure painful?

Discomfort is minimal for PRP. Stem cell procedures involve bone marrow aspiration or lipoaspiration, which are well-tolerated with local anesthesia or light sedation.

Final Thoughts: PRP or Stem Cell—What’s Right for You?

Both PRP and stem cell therapy are powerful tools in non-surgical orthopedic care. The best option depends on your unique diagnosis, condition severity, goals, and prior treatments.

At Interventional Orthopedics of Washington, the team tailors every care plan based on evidence, imaging, and patient priorities. Through a collaborative model, precision diagnostics, and biologic innovation, patients receive regenerative treatments designed to restore long-term mobility and reduce pain without surgery.

Schedule a discovery call today to learn whether PRP, stem cell therapy, or a combined regenerative approach is right for you.