Which joints can be treated with PRP injections at BHRC?+
BHRC physicians treat knees, hips, and shoulders as primary joints — these have the strongest clinical evidence for PRP efficacy and the highest patient demand. We also treat ankles, wrists, elbows, the thumb CMC joint, and other small joints on a case-by-case basis. During your consultation, your physician will review your imaging, assess joint accessibility, and recommend whether PRP is appropriate for your specific condition and joint.
How is PRP different from cortisone for joint pain?+
Cortisone (corticosteroid) injections are anti-inflammatory agents that suppress symptoms temporarily, but do nothing to address underlying joint degeneration. Repeated cortisone injections have been shown in clinical studies to accelerate cartilage loss over time. PRP contains concentrated growth factors that stimulate cartilage cell (chondrocyte) activity, improve synovial fluid quality, and promote tendon and ligament repair. PRP is slower-acting but addresses the underlying tissue pathology rather than masking it.
How many PRP joint injection sessions are needed?+
The most studied protocol for knee and hip osteoarthritis is 3 injections spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Some patients respond well to a single injection; others with more severe pathology benefit from the full 3-injection series. Research shows that 3 injections produce more sustained results than 1–2. After the initial series, maintenance injections every 6–12 months sustain the regenerative environment. Your BHRC physician will recommend the appropriate protocol based on your imaging and clinical presentation.
How long does PRP take to work for joint pain?+
PRP works through a biological healing cascade — not immediate anti-inflammatory suppression like cortisone. Most BHRC joint patients experience a mild flare in soreness for 2–5 days post-injection as PRP activates the healing response, followed by gradual improvement over 4–8 weeks. Meaningful pain reduction and functional improvement are typically assessed at 6–8 weeks. Full results, particularly for cartilage regeneration, develop over 3–6 months.
Is ultrasound or imaging guidance used?+
BHRC physicians use precise anatomical landmark-guided injection technique for most knee injections, where the joint space is accessible. For hip joints and challenging anatomical positions, image guidance is used to ensure accurate intra-articular placement. Your physician will discuss the injection approach at your consultation. Accurate placement is critical to PRP efficacy — BHRC physicians are specifically trained in musculoskeletal injection technique.
What is the recovery after a PRP joint injection?+
Most patients can walk and perform light activities immediately after the injection. Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and high-impact exercise for 3–5 days post-injection to allow the PRP growth factors to establish in the joint space without mechanical disruption. Mild soreness, warmth, and swelling are normal for 48–72 hours. Ice and over-the-counter analgesics (avoid NSAIDs for 1 week post-injection, as they may interfere with the PRP healing response) manage discomfort.
Is PRP joint therapy covered by insurance?+
PRP joint injections are not currently covered by most insurance plans in the United States, as they remain classified as experimental or investigational by most carriers despite the growing clinical evidence. BHRC's pricing is transparent — see our pricing section above — and payment plans are available. Many patients find the cost per injection is comparable to their insurance copays for surgical consultations, while providing a genuinely non-surgical treatment option.
Who is a good candidate for PRP joint injections?+
Ideal candidates for PRP joint injections are patients with mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis who have not found adequate relief from conservative measures (physical therapy, oral medications) and are not yet at the point of needing joint replacement. Patients with tendinopathy, partial ligament tears, or early-stage cartilage damage also respond well. Candidates should not have active joint infection, cancer affecting the treated joint, or blood disorders. A comprehensive consultation with imaging review is required to confirm candidacy.
