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Regenerative Medicine · First-Line Biologic

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP concentrates the growth factors in your own blood to calm inflammation and support healing — a first-line biologic we use selectively, only when it's genuinely likely to help.

Am I a Candidate? → Call (808) 439-6201

Not a cure; usually not covered by insurance. Evidence is still evolving. Not everyone is a candidate.

Best suited for

  • Early arthritis
  • Tendon injuries
  • Inflammation-driven conditions

How It Works

Your own biology, concentrated

01

Blood draw

A small sample of your blood is drawn, just like a routine lab.

02

Concentrate

It's spun to concentrate the platelets and their growth factors.

03

Ultrasound-guided injection

The concentrate is delivered precisely to the target under ultrasound guidance.

Laboratory centrifuges used to spin blood samples
Centrifuges spin the blood sample to concentrate the platelets and their growth factors.
Gloved hand holding a syringe of layered biologic concentrate
A layered biologic concentrate drawn into a syringe.

An honest note: Some patients experience real symptom relief from PRP, but the evidence is still evolving, it is usually not covered by insurance, and it is not a cure or a substitute for surgery when surgery is indicated. We'll tell you honestly whether it's likely to help you.

Research & Evidence

What the evidence says about PRP

Your own biology

PRP is concentrated from your own blood; its growth factors may reduce inflammation and support healing in selected patients.

Strongest in select uses

Evidence is more supportive for certain tendon conditions and early knee arthritis; results vary elsewhere and continue to evolve.

Honest expectations

PRP may relieve symptoms but is not a cure, is usually not insured, and is not a substitute for surgery when it's indicated.

Educational summaries simplified from the orthopedic literature; not a promise of results. Individual results vary. The largest randomized trial — Bennell KL, et al. JAMA. 2021;326(20):2021–2030 (the RESTORE trial) — found PRP was not superior to placebo for knee-osteoarthritis pain or cartilage; some meta-analyses report modest short-term symptom relief. The evidence remains mixed, which is why we use PRP selectively.

PRP by the Numbers

What peer-reviewed research shows about platelet-rich plasma injections.

2-5x
Platelet Concentration vs Whole Blood
Your blood is spun down to concentrate the platelets and growth factors
6-12
Months of Relief Reported in Knee OA Studies
Meta-analyses show symptom improvement versus placebo for mild-to-moderate arthritis; results vary
~30 min
Typical Visit Time
Blood draw, concentration, and ultrasound-guided injection in one office visit
100%
From Your Own Blood
Autologous — no donor tissue, no synthetic medication in the injection

Explore Related Care

Related care

2-Minute Check

Am I a candidate for PRP treatment?

Answer a few quick questions. This is educational and is not a diagnosis — only an evaluation can tell for sure.

Do you have early arthritis or a tendon injury?

Would you like to explore non-surgical options before considering surgery?

Have you either not yet tried, or not responded to, other conservative care?

Answer all 3 questions to see your result.

Patient Reviews

What patients say

“Dr. Ronnie Otieno did a very personalized consultation for my chronic knee pain, recommending PRP to aid my recovery since I need to remain active. He is detailed, gentle, kind, patient, and precise — and uses an ultrasound machine to target the exact area for treatment.”

— Kalea· Google review

Review excerpts reflect individual patient experiences and may be lightly condensed. Results vary.

Questions, Answered

Frequently asked questions

What is PRP?+

Platelet-rich plasma is made from a small sample of your own blood, concentrated to deliver growth factors that may reduce inflammation and support healing in selected patients.

Does PRP cure arthritis?+

No. PRP may relieve symptoms and help delay progression in certain patients, but it is not a cure and not a substitute for joint replacement when that is indicated.

Is PRP covered by insurance?+

Usually not. We'll explain the cost clearly before any treatment.

How many injections will I need?+

It varies by condition and response. We'll discuss a realistic plan at your visit.

Wondering if PRP could help you?

Request a regenerative medicine consult for an honest, evidence-based recommendation.

Am I a Candidate? → Call (808) 439-6201
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