Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, therapy is a regenerative medicine treatment that harnesses the healing power of your own blood to reduce inflammation, stimulate tissue repair, and relieve pain. For patients with osteoarthritis, tendonitis, or chronic ligament injuries, PRP offers a non-surgical alternative that can delay or eliminate the need for surgery.
At Joint Health Solutions in Charlotte, we specialize in image-guided PRP injections. Our team—led by Dr. Jeffrey Galvin and Ariel Curtis, FNP-C—uses advanced ultrasound or fluoroscopy to deliver PRP precisely to the target area, maximizing the therapeutic potential. Whether you are suffering from knee arthritis, rotator cuff tendinopathy, tennis elbow, or plantar fasciitis, PRP may be the right option for you.
Medically reviewed by: Dr. Jeffrey Galvin & Ariel Curtis, FNP-C | Last reviewed: March 2026
PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is a concentrated preparation of platelets derived from a small sample of your own blood. Platelets are best known for their role in clotting, but they also contain hundreds of growth factors and bioactive proteins that help coordinate the body’s natural healing response.
When PRP is injected into an injured or arthritic area, these growth factors can:
Unlike corticosteroid injections, which primarily suppress inflammation, PRP works by stimulating the body’s own healing mechanisms and may offer longer-lasting improvement.
The entire process usually takes approximately 30–45 minutes.
A safe, simple, and entirely natural outpatient procedure performed right here in our Charlotte clinic.
The number of injections depends on the condition:
Your provider will recommend a personalized plan based on your specific diagnosis and response.
Some patients experience a temporary increase in soreness
Gradual improvement begins
Continued improvement becomes more noticeable
Peak benefit is often reached
Effects can last a year or longer, depending on the condition
| Feature | PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) | Cortisone (Corticosteroids) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Stimulates natural healing and reduces inflammation. | Suppresses inflammation by inhibiting immune response. |
| Onset | Gradual improvement over several weeks. | Rapid relief, often within 24–72 hours. |
| Duration | Long-lasting; typically 6–12+ months. | Temporary; usually weeks to months. |
| Effect on Tissue | Promotes repair and tissue regeneration. | No healing effect; repeated use may weaken or damage cartilage/tissue. |
| Frequency | 1–3 injections; may be repeated as needed. | Strictly limited; usually 3–4 times per year in the same joint. |
| Best For | Chronic conditions, mild to moderate osteoarthritis, and tendinopathy. | Acute flare-ups and severe inflammatory conditions. |
In some cases, we use both strategies at different times—for example, cortisone for rapid relief during a flare-up and PRP for longer-term healing.
Because PRP is derived from your own blood, there is no risk of allergic reaction or disease transmission.
Ideal candidates typically have:
Patients with advanced bone-on-bone arthritis may still benefit, though outcomes are less predictable. We evaluate each case individually.
PRP is generally considered an elective regenerative procedure and is not covered by most insurance plans. We provide transparent pricing and can discuss financing options. Some patients use HSA or FSA accounts.
The entire process, including blood draw, processing, and injection, typically takes 30–45 minutes. The injection itself is quick and usually takes less than 5 minutes.
You may feel a brief pinch from the local anesthetic. After the procedure, some patients experience soreness or a mild inflammatory reaction for 1–3 days. This is normal and is often part of the healing response.
We recommend avoiding NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin for 2–4 weeks because they can inhibit the healing response. Acetaminophen is generally safe for mild discomfort.
For osteoarthritis, 1–3 injections are common. For tendinopathy, often 1–2 injections are sufficient. Your provider will recommend a personalized plan based on your condition.
Yes. Numerous studies show PRP can significantly reduce pain and improve function in knee osteoarthritis, with effects often lasting 12 months or longer.
Yes. Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is one of the conditions with the strongest evidence for PRP. It can be an excellent alternative to surgery.
Success rates vary by condition. For knee osteoarthritis, studies often report that 70–80% of patients achieve meaningful improvement. Tendinopathy results are also favorable, although not all patients respond.
It depends on the type of blood thinner. Some patients may need to temporarily hold their medication with approval from their prescribing physician. We evaluate each case individually.
Improvement is gradual. Many patients notice the first signs of relief at 2–4 weeks, with continued improvement over 3–6 months. Peak benefit is often reached around 6 months.
Don’t let chronic joint pain dictate your life. Schedule a comprehensive evaluation with our Charlotte specialists to find out if PRP therapy is the right non-surgical solution for you.
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© 2025 Joint Health solutions. All rights reserved.
