P By Phil, your point of contact at Aloha Stem Cell
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is one of the most common regenerative treatments offered in the United States. It uses a sample of your own blood, spun in a centrifuge to concentrate platelets and growth factors, then injected into an injured joint, tendon, ligament, or muscle to support the body's natural healing process.
Platelets are best known for their role in clotting, but they are also loaded with growth factors that orchestrate tissue repair. In PRP therapy, a clinician draws a small amount of your blood, places it in a centrifuge, and separates it into layers. The platelet-rich layer, often concentrated roughly tenfold compared to whole blood, is then injected precisely into the area that needs help.
Because the treatment uses your own blood, the risk of allergic or immune reaction is very low. The injection itself is the main source of discomfort, and clinics typically numb the area first. The whole visit is usually an outpatient appointment lasting under an hour.
The evidence for PRP is real but mixed. Some well-conducted studies report meaningful improvement in pain and function for knee osteoarthritis and certain tendinopathies, while other trials show modest or comparable results to placebo or to simpler injections. In other words, many patients benefit, but PRP is not a guaranteed fix, and more research is still needed across most conditions.
A responsible clinic will walk you through what the studies do and do not show for your specific problem, rather than presenting PRP as a cure-all. For many people, PRP works best as part of a broader plan that includes physical therapy, activity modification, and strength training.
A note from the clinic
Most regenerative treatments are not covered by health insurance. Confirm costs and coverage with the clinic before you book so there are no surprises.
Phil is happy to listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you decide whether a consultation makes sense. There is no pressure and no obligation.
Keep reading
A clear, honest introduction to stem cell therapy: what stem cells are, how regenerative clinics use them, what is FDA-approved today, and the questions to ask before any treatment.
Your first visit at a regenerative medicine clinic should be thorough, unhurried, and honest. Here is exactly what happens at a consultation and what to bring with you.
Regenerative treatments for arthritis and joint pain are a growing field, but the science is nuanced. Here is an honest look at what researchers are studying and what patients should expect.