PRP for Hip & Knee Arthritis: A Regenerative Treatment Option

Regenerative medicine has become a meaningful part of modern arthritis care. For active patients who want to stay moving and manage their symptoms — without surgery, or before it — platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has emerged as one of the most established biologic options. Here's a clear, modern look at how PRP works, who it can help, and how it fits into a comprehensive, individualized plan.

What PRP is

PRP is made from your own blood. Platelets are the cells that carry the growth factors and signaling proteins your body uses to manage inflammation and healing. PRP concentrates those platelets and delivers them directly into an arthritic hip or knee — a biologic, regenerative approach that works with your own physiology.

How it's prepared

The process is simple and done in a single visit: a small sample of your blood is drawn, spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and the resulting plasma is injected into the joint. Because it uses your own blood, it's a lower-risk treatment with minimal downtime.

How PRP helps

Much of the pain of arthritis is driven by inflammation. PRP works to modulate that inflammation and support the joint's healing response — and for appropriately selected patients, that can translate into real, meaningful relief: less pain, better function, and the ability to stay active in the activities they value. While PRP doesn't rebuild a joint that's already worn out, calming the inflammation inside it can make a genuine difference in how a joint feels and performs.

Who PRP can help

PRP is especially well-suited to active patients with mild-to-moderate arthritis who want to stay moving and, where appropriate, delay surgery. It's most effective when there's still cartilage to work with. It tends to be a great fit when:

When a joint is severely worn — essentially bone-on-bone — joint replacement is usually the more dependable way to restore comfort and function. For earlier-stage arthritis, PRP can be a thoughtful step along that continuum, and the right choice is always individualized to your anatomy and your goals.

Where PRP fits among your options

PRP is one of several tools we can draw on, and they complement one another:

• Cortisone — a fast-acting anti-inflammatory, ideal for calming a flare.
• Hyaluronic acid (gel) — supplements the joint's lubrication; well established for the knee.
• PRP — a regenerative option that uses your own platelets to modulate inflammation and support the joint.

These all sit within the broader nonsurgical treatment plan, and the best combination is tailored to where your arthritis is today.

What to expect

After a PRP injection, many patients notice improvement over the following weeks as inflammation settles. Results are individualized — which is exactly why PRP works best as part of a thoughtful plan rather than a one-size-fits-all fix. With minimal downtime and a low-risk profile, it's a reasonable option to consider when you and your surgeon agree it fits your goals.

Insurance and cost

On the practical side: PRP is considered elective and is not covered by insurance — it's an out-of-pocket cost. We'll give you clear pricing in advance so you can make an informed decision, with no surprises.

Part of a comprehensive plan

PRP is best understood as one option within a complete approach to your care — a bridge between conservative treatment and surgery for the right patient. If you're exploring it, it helps to see the full picture: hip osteoarthritis or knee osteoarthritis, the full nonsurgical treatment continuum, and — when arthritis is advanced — modern joint replacement. Whatever stage you're at, the goal is the same: keep you comfortable, mobile, and active.