PRP vs. Stem Cell Therapy: What's the Difference?

Both treatments start with your own body

Neither treatment uses donor tissue or synthetic products at Aloha Stem Cell. Both begin with a small sample from your own body: blood for PRP, and bone marrow or fat tissue for cell-based therapy. Because the materials are your own, the risk of allergic or immune reaction is very low for both approaches.

What PRP is and what it does

PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, starts with a blood draw. A centrifuge separates out a concentrated layer of platelets, which are rich in growth factors that call healing cells to the area. A clinician then injects the concentrate into the injured joint, tendon, or ligament. PRP is best understood as signaling and support therapy:it creates better conditions for healing rather than replacing tissue itself.

What stem cell therapy is and what it does

Cell-based therapy collects living cells, typically from bone marrow aspirate or adipose, or fat, tissue, concentrates them in a clinical setting, and injects them into the damaged area. Beyond signaling molecules, these cells can respond to the local environment and contribute to tissue repair pathways. It is a more involved procedure than PRP, starting with a collection step and a longer preparation process.

How do the evidence and the procedure compare?

PRP has the larger body of published research, especially for knee osteoarthritis and certain tendon injuries, but results across trials vary. Cell-based therapy is an earlier field, with promising but more limited data. In terms of the visit itself, PRP is usually quicker, while cell-based treatment includes an extra collection and preparation step. Neither approach should ever be sold as a guaranteed cure.

Which one fits which problem?

• PRP is often discussed first for tendon injuries, ligament sprains, muscle strains, and mild to moderate joint degeneration
• Cell-based therapy is commonly discussed for more advanced osteoarthritis, larger cartilage defects, and areas where more robust tissue support may be needed
• Some plans combine both: PRP for targeted healing signals and cell concentrate for structural support
• The right choice depends on your imaging, your anatomy, your activity goals, and how your body has responded so far

Frequently asked questions

• Is one treatment better than the other? Not universally. For some conditions PRP has stronger evidence, and for other conditions,the cell-based approach may be the better fit. The answer is specific to your case.
• Do the injections hurt? Both involve a guided injection into the target area. Clinics typically numb the area first, and most people describe the injection itself as the main discomfort.
• Can I receive both? Sometimes, as part of one carefully designed plan. Ask whether combining the two adds genuine value for your condition.
• Are they alternatives to surgery? They are non-surgical options but not guaranteed outcomes. For some patients they may delay or reduce the need for joint replacement, while for others surgery remains the better answer.