PRP therapy · Knee pain
PRP Therapy for Knee Pain in Honolulu
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for knee pain uses a small sample of your own blood, spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and growth factors that coordinate healing, then injected into the knee at our Honolulu clinic. It is one of the most studied regenerative treatments and is commonly discussed for knee osteoarthritis and strains around the joint. PRP does not replace worn cartilage overnight, but for the right patient it can support the knee’s own repair systems over time.
Honest, patient-first care
Start with a conversation
01 · How PRP works
What PRP is and what it does in the knee
Platelets are small cells in your blood best known for clotting, but they also carry hundreds of growth factors and signaling proteins that help tissue repair itself. In PRP therapy we take a small blood sample, concentrate those platelets in a centrifuge, and inject the prepared plasma into the area that needs support.
Inside the knee, the goal is to shift the local environment toward healing: less inflammation, more of the signals that encourage tissue repair. It is not a structural replacement for lost cartilage, and we never describe it as one.
02 · The evidence
What studies show about PRP for knees
PRP has been studied for knee osteoarthritis more than almost any other regenerative treatment, and many trials report improvements in pain and function for patients with mild to moderate wear. At the same time, results vary from person to person, some studies show little difference compared to a placebo injection, and the field has not settled on one standard preparation.
What this means in practice: PRP is a reasonable option to discuss for many patients, but it comes with honest caveats. We review what the evidence says for your specific knee and let the data, not the marketing, guide the recommendation.
03 · The visit
What a PRP knee treatment involves
A PRP visit at Aloha Stem Cell is an outpatient appointment and moves quickly, though the fuller process starts with a consultation first.
What to expect
- A consultation covering your history, symptoms, and imaging before anything is scheduled
- A blood draw and preparation, about a 30 to 60 minute visit
- Numbing of the knee and a guided injection into the target area
- Mild soreness for a few days, which is a normal part of the response
- Improvement that typically builds over weeks, with follow-up to track progress
04 · Candidacy
Is PRP right for your knee?
Candidacy depends on what is actually wrong with your knee. The degree of cartilage wear, joint alignment, prior surgeries, and your overall health all play a role. PRP tends to be discussed most for mild to moderate osteoarthritis and for tendon or ligament strain that has not settled with conservative care.
For a knee with advanced collapse or bone-on-bone changes, a regenerative injection may be unlikely to help, and we will say so directly. Sometimes the more honest recommendation is a different treatment path entirely, and our job is to tell you that clearly.
05 · Cost and coverage
The pricing picture, stated up front
Most insurance plans do not cover PRP for knee pain because it is considered investigational for this use. You will always receive the full pricing picture in writing before you commit, with no surprise line items later.
Questions & answers
Frequently asked questions about PRP for knee pain
How many PRP injections will my knee need?
That depends on your condition and your response. Some patients see meaningful improvement from a single injection, while others benefit from a series planned over several weeks or months. Your care team will set realistic expectations at the consultation.
How soon will I feel relief from PRP?
PRP does not produce instant relief. Regeneration takes time, and improvement, when it comes, typically builds over weeks to months. Some patients notice a temporary flare of soreness before things settle, which is a normal part of the healing response.
Can I have PRP if I have already had knee surgery?
Possibly. Prior surgeries change the tissue environment, so the decision depends on what was done, how long ago, and what your imaging shows today. Bring your full history to the consultation and we will give you an honest read.
Is PRP safe?
Because the plasma comes from your own blood, PRP carries a low risk of allergic reaction or immune rejection. The most common side effects are injection-site soreness, swelling, and bruising. Risks are reviewed thoroughly with you before any treatment.
PRP or stem cells for knee pain, which is better?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. PRP is simpler and better studied for some knee conditions, while cell-based therapy may be discussed for others. The choice depends on your specific joint and the evidence for each approach. We walk through that comparison honestly at your consultation.
Talk to the clinic
Get honest answers before you decide anything
Every treatment at Aloha Stem Cell starts with a conversation, not a sales pitch. Tell us what is going on and Phil will get back to you with straight answers and a clear next step.
What happens next
After you get in touch, Phil will call or write back to understand your situation, answer your questions, and set up a consultation if that is the right next step. No pressure and no obligation.
Send us a message
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Not sure if this is the right step for you?
One phone call gets you honest answers, a clear picture of your options, and, if it makes sense, a consultation at our Honolulu clinic. No pressure and no obligation.
Good to know
- Autologous treatments from your own body
- Honest answers about costs and evidence
- Suite 511, 1314 South King St
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