PRP: Does It Work or Is It Just Hype?

If you’ve been dealing with joint pain, tendon issues, or slow-healingIt sounds promising: draw your blood, spin it down to concentrate the platelets, then inject it back into the injured area to accelerate healing. But does it actually work? Or is it just the latest trend in sports medicine?

Let’s break it down.

🧪 The Science Behind PRP

Your blood contains plasma (fluid), red and white cells, and platelets. Platelets aren’t just for clotting — they carry growth factors that help heal tissue.

In PRP therapy:

1. A small amount of your blood is drawn.

2. It’s spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets (up to 5–10x the normal amount).

3. The platelet-rich portion is injected into the affected area — tendon, joint, ligament, etc.

The theory? These growth factors stimulate healing and reduce inflammation.

✅ Where PRP May Help

While results vary, the best evidence supports PRP use in:

• Tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis

• Mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis

• Chronic patellar or Achilles tendinopathy

• Plantar fasciitis (chronic cases)

Some patients report reduced pain, improved function, and faster recovery compared to rest or standard physical therapy alone.

❌ Where PRP Is Less Proven

PRP is not a magic fix, and the results for certain conditions are mixed or still under investigation:

• Rotator cuff tears – unclear benefit, especially for large or full-thickness tears

• Advanced arthritis – PRP may not help once cartilage is severely damaged

• Acute injuries (sprains/fractures) – better used for chronic or slow-to-heal issues

• Back pain or disc issues – limited evidence so far

Also important: not all PRP is created equal. Technique matters, and results vary depending on the concentration, injection site, and whether ultrasound guidance is used.

⚠️ Things to Know

• It’s not covered by Medicare or most insurance

• You may need multiple treatments (often 1–3)

• It’s generally safe, since it’s your own blood — but soreness/swelling are common

• It works best when paired with the right rehab plan (like PT)

🧠 Bottom Line

For the right conditions, in the right patient, with the right provider, it can be a valuable tool to speed up healing and reduce pain.

But it should be part of a full plan — not a stand-alone fix.

💵 What Does PRP Cost?

Because PRP is considered “regenerative medicine”, it is not covered by Medicare or most insurance plans — even when used for evidence-supported conditions like knee arthritis or tennis elbow.

Typical out-of-pocket costs in our region:

• Per injection: $400–$900

• Packages of 2–3 injections may range from $900–$2,000

• Ultrasound-guided injections may add $100–$250 depending on the provider

Some providers offer bundled pricing or allow HSA/FSA payment.

While it may seem expensive, many patients choose PRP to avoid surgery, reduce medication use, or speed recovery — making it a worthwhile investment for the right case.

Interested in learning more? Click the link

Longevity Rehab Center

“Backed by science. Focused on you.”

Sources consulted:

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)

• Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 2021–2025

• Cochrane Reviews (PRP for musculoskeletal conditions)

• Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic guidelines