Knee pain is one of the most common reasons adults seek medical care. It can come from osteoarthritis, tendon irritation, sports injuries or years of wear. Many patients want an option between basic pain relief and surgery. TeamMD Medical, a multispecialty pain, vein, orthopedic and foot and ankle practice, is helping patients understand one of those options: platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.
What PRP Is and How It Works
PRP therapy uses the patient’s own blood. A small sample is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. Platelets carry growth factors involved in the body’s natural repair process. The concentrated plasma is then injected into or around the affected knee, often with ultrasound guidance for precise placement.
Because PRP comes from the patient’s own body, the risk of allergic reaction or rejection is low. The procedure is done in the office and usually takes under an hour. Most patients return to normal daily activities quickly, with guidance on activity during the following weeks.
Who May Benefit
PRP is most often considered for:
- Mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis
- Tendon problems such as patellar tendinopathy (“jumper’s knee”)
- Certain ligament and soft-tissue injuries
- Patients who have not found enough relief from rest, physical therapy or medication and want to delay or avoid surgery
PRP is not right for everyone. Advanced joint damage, some blood disorders, active infection and certain medications can make other treatments a better choice. A thorough evaluation, often including imaging, helps determine whether PRP, another type of injection, physical therapy or a surgical consultation makes the most sense.
Setting Realistic Expectations
PRP is not an instant fix. Improvement usually builds gradually over several weeks as the tissue responds, and some patients need more than one injection. Research on PRP for knee pain is still developing, and results vary from patient to patient. Patients should also know that PRP is often not covered by insurance, so it is worth asking about cost before treatment.
“PRP can be a valuable option for the right patient, but it works best as part of a complete plan. We look at what is causing the pain, how active the patient wants to be and what they have already tried before recommending any treatment,” said a spokesperson for TeamMD Medical.
A Team-Based Approach to Knee Care
TeamMD brings pain management, orthopedic, physical therapy and sports medicine care together under one practice. Patients can move from an injection-based option like PRP to rehabilitation or, when needed, a surgical consultation without starting over with a new provider. The practice’s team includes board-certified pain medicine specialists and a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon with a focus on sports medicine and cartilage restoration.
About TeamMD Medical
TeamMD provides expert care for pain management, vein conditions, orthopedics, spine, and foot and ankle problems, with a focus on minimally invasive treatments that relieve pain, restore mobility and improve quality of life. With more than 15 years of experience and a 4.9-star rating across 2,000+ Google reviews, TeamMD serves patients at locations including Clifton, Hillsborough, Hamilton, Metuchen, Jersey City, Middletown, East Brunswick, Somerset, Succasunna, Millburn, Flemington, Newark, Perth Amboy and Mine Hill Township, N.J., and Easton, Pa. The practice accepts most PPO insurance plans and offers free insurance verification.
Media Contact / Appointments
TeamMD Medical
Phone: (908) 827-6086
Email: patient@teammdmedical.com
Web: https://teammdmedical.com/pain-management/treatments/prp-injections/
