Is PRP Effective for Knee Pain? What the Research Says
PRP for Knee Pain: Understanding Its Effectiveness and Who It Helps
If you're living with chronic knee pain, you've likely tried everything from over-the-counter medications to physical therapy—and maybe even steroid injections. But what about regenerative therapies like PRP (platelet-rich plasma)?
Many patients are now turning to PRP as a minimally invasive alternative to manage pain and potentially delay or avoid knee surgery. But is PRP effective for knee pain, or is it just hype?
In this post, we break down the current research, compare PRP to more traditional injections, and explore who benefits most from this innovative treatment.
What Is PRP Therapy?
PRP therapy uses a small sample of your blood, spun in a centrifuge to isolate platelet-rich plasma—a substance rich in growth factors that stimulate healing. Once injected into the knee, PRP may help repair tissue, reduce inflammation, and improve joint function.
At Wisteria Health, we offer ultrasound-guided PRP injections to ensure accurate placement and safe delivery into the joint or surrounding structures.
What the Research Says About PRP for Knee Pain
Several clinical studies support PRP as a viable option for managing knee osteoarthritis and soft tissue injuries like patellar tendinitis.
A 2021 systematic review published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine found that PRP significantly improved pain and function in patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis compared to placebo. The benefits were more pronounced when compared to hyaluronic acid (gel) injections.
Another randomized controlled trial showed that PRP outperformed corticosteroid injections in both short- and long-term relief for knee osteoarthritis—especially when tracking improvements beyond six months.
While PRP is not a cure for degenerative knee conditions, it does offer durable pain relief for many patients, particularly when used early in the disease process.
PRP vs. Corticosteroids or Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Corticosteroid injections are often used to relieve inflammation in the knee—but their effects tend to be short-lived, and repeated use can weaken cartilage over time.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) injections provide cushioning in the joint but often require multiple rounds and are typically less effective in later stages of osteoarthritis.
PRP, on the other hand:
Uses your body’s own healing agents
Shows longer-lasting pain relief in head-to-head studies
Has no risk of cartilage breakdown
May actually support tissue regeneration
That’s why many physicians and patients now see PRP as a safer, more sustainable treatment option—especially when surgery isn't the immediate next step.
Who Benefits Most from PRP?
PRP tends to be most effective in:
Patients with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis
Active individuals recovering from overuse or sports injuries
Those looking to delay or avoid surgery
Patients who haven't responded well to NSAIDs or corticosteroid injections
It’s also a good fit for people who want to pursue natural, regenerative treatment options and avoid long-term use of medications.
Curious whether you’re a candidate? Contact Wisteria Health to schedule a consultation and we’ll help determine if PRP is right for you.
What to Expect: Treatments, Side Effects, and Results
Most patients receive 1–3 injections, spaced several weeks apart. The procedure is outpatient and takes about 30–45 minutes from start to finish.
You can return to light activity the same day, though some soreness or stiffness is normal for 24–48 hours. PRP has minimal side effects since it uses your own blood—but some patients experience temporary inflammation or discomfort at the injection site.
Results typically develop over 4–6 weeks, with ongoing improvement as inflammation subsides and tissue begins to heal.
We may also pair PRP with physical medicine and rehabilitation to optimize outcomes and mobility.
Is PRP Covered by Insurance?
At this time, most insurance plans do not cover PRP for knee pain. However, we offer transparent pricing and can provide a detailed overview during your consultation.
Visit our Minimally Invasive Procedures page to learn how PRP fits into our broader range of non-surgical pain solutions.
Is PRP Right for Your Knee Pain?
If you’ve been asking yourself “is PRP effective for knee pain?”, the answer is: for many patients, yes. It offers a promising, research-backed option to reduce pain and improve function—especially when more traditional treatments aren’t working.
At Wisteria Health, we bring together advanced techniques and compassionate care to help you feel better without surgery. Our team will assess your symptoms, review your imaging, and guide you toward the right treatment path.
Ready to explore your options?
Schedule your consultation today and find out if PRP therapy is the right step for your recovery.