What is PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is prepared from your own blood. The sample is processed to concentrate platelets and associated signaling factors, then the prepared product is placed at a selected treatment area. PRP is considered for some musculoskeletal conditions, but evidence and expected benefit vary by diagnosis and protocol.
Not all PRP is the same
Blood volume, processing, platelet dose, red- and white-cell content, sterility, diagnosis and injection target can differ. We use a substantial blood draw and a preparation designed to create a concentrated, dark amber product without relying on ordinary diagnostic lab tubes.
Why ultrasound guidance matters
Musculoskeletal ultrasound provides a real-time view of soft tissues and other anatomy during an injection. It can help the physician identify the intended structure, plan a path and observe placement. Reviews show higher placement accuracy for many ultrasound-guided procedures than landmark-only techniques. Precision cannot guarantee a result, but it should not be optional when the target or nearby anatomy calls for it.
What problems might be evaluated?
Patients may seek evaluation for selected joint pain or osteoarthritis, tendon or ligament injuries, persistent sprains or strains and other musculoskeletal concerns. A diagnosis and candidacy assessment come before a procedure. Some conditions are better served by physical therapy, medication, surgery, time or another type of care.
What happens before treatment?
- Review of your symptoms, goals, medical history, medications and prior treatments
- Focused physical examination
- Review of available imaging and consideration of additional imaging if needed
- Discussion of options, uncertainties, risks, recovery and cost
- Instructions about medications, supplements, activity and follow-up when applicable
What is recovery like?
Recovery depends on the site and procedure. Temporary soreness and activity modification are common considerations. Your physician will give individualized instructions and explain symptoms that should prompt a call or urgent evaluation.
How do I know whether I am a candidate?
A consultation is the appropriate starting point. Bring prior imaging reports, a current medication and supplement list, and a short timeline of what happened, what you have tried and what you hope to return to doing.
Common questions
Are all injections ultrasound-guided?
Most orthopedic joint, tendon, ligament and nerve injections are ultrasound-guided when clinically appropriate. Not every procedure or anatomical site requires the same approach; your physician will explain the plan.
Does insurance cover PRP?
PRP is often not covered by commercial insurance. Ask the clinic for current cost and payment-plan information.
Is PRP the same as BMAC?
No. PRP is prepared from blood. Bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) comes from marrow collected during a separate procedure. Autologous adipose-tissue procedures begin with the patient's own fat. Each has different preparation, evidence and regulatory considerations.
What if I tried PRP before and it did not work?
We review the original diagnosis, product, platelet dose, guidance, target, technique and rehabilitation. Sometimes a different plan is reasonable; sometimes the prior result points away from another procedure.