PRP Therapy FAQs

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses a concentrated portion of your own blood to support healing. Platelets contain growth factors that drive tissue repair and help control inflammation. PRP is used in orthopedic medicine to treat joint pain, tendon and ligament injuries, and early osteoarthritis without surgery. At IOW's Bellevue clinic, every PRP injection is placed using ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance for accuracy and safety.

When tissue is injured, platelets release growth factors that signal the body to begin healing. PRP concentrates those platelets and delivers them directly into the damaged joint, tendon, or ligament. This can reduce inflammation, support tissue repair, improve joint stability, and encourage healthier regeneration over time. Because placement matters, IOW performs all PRP injections under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance rather than by feel.

PRP is most often used for musculoskeletal problems: chronic joint pain, tendon and ligament injuries, sprains and strains, joint instability, mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis, and inflammation-related pain. It's frequently chosen by patients who want to avoid steroid injections or delay surgery. The right fit depends on which tissue is involved and how advanced the condition is.

For the right patient, PRP can be a strong alternative to repeated cortisone shots or surgery — it targets the source of the problem rather than masking pain. A published cohort study of PRP for knee osteoarthritis found response rates of roughly 75% in patients with mild arthritis, 66% with moderate arthritis, and just over 50% with severe, bone-on-bone disease at one year — a pattern that matches what IOW sees clinically: PRP helps most with tendon and ligament injuries and early-to-moderate arthritis, and less with end-stage degeneration. Many patients weigh PRP's one-time cost against years of medication or a surgical recovery.

Source (verify/replace before publishing): Yurtbay et al., “Predictors of Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Retrospective Cohort Study” — responder rates by Kellgren-Lawrence grade at 12 months.

PRP pricing depends on the condition treated and how many areas need care, so a precise figure comes after your consultation. Because PRP targets the underlying tissue, many patients find it cost-effective compared with ongoing pain medication, repeated steroid injections, or the total cost of surgery and its recovery. See the Insurance & Cost FAQ for a full pricing breakdown.

Both are regenerative injections, but they work differently — here's how they compare:

They aren't mutually exclusive — at IOW they're sometimes combined, depending on which tissue is involved and your goals.

PRP is a gradual process, not an instant fix. Many patients notice temporary soreness or swelling in the first days — a normal part of the healing response — with functional improvement over roughly 4 to 12 weeks as tissue remodels. Some conditions need a short series, and IOW builds a rehab plan around your specific timeline.

Mild soreness, swelling, or stiffness at the injection site is expected and usually eases within days to a couple of weeks — it reflects the inflammatory healing response PRP is designed to trigger. Some patients feel briefly run down afterward. Pain that is severe, worsening, or accompanied by fever, spreading redness, or warmth is not typical and should prompt a call to IOW so we can check for infection or another issue.

Because PRP relies on a healthy inflammatory response, patients are generally asked to stop NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) for about 7–10 days before and after treatment, since these blunt healing — always confirm with your physician first. Supportive nutrients such as vitamin D, magnesium, and collagen are commonly discussed as part of recovery, but timing and suitability are individual. IOW gives you a personalized pre- and post-procedure plan rather than one-size-fits-all rules.

PRP may fit patients who have joint, tendon, or ligament injuries, are in early stages of arthritis, haven't improved with physical therapy or medication, want a non-surgical biologic option, or are trying to avoid repeated steroid injections. IOW confirms candidacy with a physical exam and diagnostic ultrasound before any treatment is scheduled.