Living with arthritis can make everyday tasks challenging, from climbing stairs to simply getting out of a chair. Joint pain and stiffness can affect your mobility and overall quality of life.
At Marin Regenerative Health, we offer PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections for arthritis—a natural, non-surgical approach that uses your own blood’s healing cells to reduce inflammation and support tissue repair. PRP targets the root cause of joint pain, helping improve function and comfort over time.
Our clinic in Marin County combines PRP with personalized regenerative care to help you move more easily and enjoy life with less reliance on medications or surgery. Schedule a consultation with Marin Regenerative Health today and start supporting your body’s natural healing process.
What Are PRP Injections for Arthritis?
PRP injections use your own blood to help heal damaged joint tissue. This treatment aims to reduce pain and improve joint function by boosting your body’s natural repair processes.
It works for several kinds of arthritis. You can compare PRP to other common treatments based on benefits and how it works.
How PRP Therapy Works
To make Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), a doctor draws a small amount of your blood. They spin it in a machine to concentrate the platelets.
These platelets contain growth factors that encourage tissue repair. When injected into an arthritic joint, PRP may reduce inflammation and stimulate healing of cartilage and ligaments.
This process can support better joint function and reduce pain over time. Since PRP uses your own blood, you have a lower risk of allergic reactions or side effects.
Types of Arthritis Treated
PRP injections often help with osteoarthritis, especially in knees, hips, and shoulders. Osteoarthritis results from wear and tear on the joints, which breaks down cartilage and causes pain.
Most research focuses on osteoarthritis. PRP may also help other types of arthritis that cause joint pain and inflammation, but it is less common for autoimmune types like rheumatoid arthritis.
Comparison to Other Arthritis Treatments
Steroid shots mainly reduce inflammation for a short time, while PRP aims to promote tissue healing. Pain medications mask pain but don’t improve joint health.
PRP is less invasive than surgery and carries fewer risks. You can combine PRP with non-surgical options like physical therapy or chiropractic care to improve joint mobility.
| Treatment Type | PRP Injections | Steroid Injections | Surgery | Pain Medication |
| Reduces Inflammation | Yes, promotes natural healing | Yes, but temporary | N/A | Yes |
| Supports Tissue Repair | Yes | No | Yes (removal or replacement) | No |
| Recovery Time | Minimal | Minimal | Weeks to months | N/A |
| Risk of Side Effects | Low (uses your own blood) | Possible side effects | Infection, longer recovery | Dependence, side effects |
Benefits of PRP Injections
PRP injections have several advantages for arthritis. They use your own blood to start healing in your joints.
This can lead to less pain and better movement. Many people experience longer-lasting joint health without surgery.
Pain Relief and Reduced Inflammation
You might notice less pain in your affected joints. PRP injections deliver a high concentration of platelets, which release growth factors to help calm inflammation.
This can ease the stiffness and swelling that make arthritis uncomfortable. Because the treatment uses your own blood, it targets the root of the problem by encouraging natural healing.
Many people can reduce their need for pain medications after starting PRP therapy. This approach helps your body repair itself instead of just masking symptoms.
Improved Joint Function
PRP injections can also help your joint move better. The growth factors in PRP support the repair of cartilage and soft tissues like tendons and ligaments.
Arthritis often damages these structures over time. Improved joint function means you may find everyday activities easier, like walking, climbing stairs, or bending.
When combined with treatments like chiropractic care or knee decompression therapy, results may improve even more. Many patients in Marin County have seen positive changes in their mobility with this approach.
Long-Term Outcomes
PRP injections may provide lasting benefits by promoting tissue regeneration in your joint. Unlike treatments that only cover symptoms, PRP encourages your body to rebuild damaged areas at a cellular level.
This can slow down arthritis progression and help maintain joint health over time. PRP is a natural therapy used as a step before considering more invasive options.
Your provider will monitor your progress and adjust care as needed. This personalized approach helps you get the most out of your therapy.
The PRP Injection Procedure
Getting PRP injections for arthritis involves a few clear steps. Your doctor will prepare you, perform the injection, and guide you on what to do afterward.
Preparation for Treatment
Before your PRP injection, your doctor may ask you to avoid certain medications like blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs. These can affect how well the PRP works.
A small blood sample is taken from your arm. This blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma.
You may be advised to eat a light meal and stay hydrated before your appointment. This helps make the process smoother.
Step-by-Step Process
The doctor cleans and sterilizes the area around your arthritic joint. Next, they use a small needle to draw the PRP from your prepared blood sample.
They then inject the PRP directly into your joint. Sometimes, ultrasound guides the needle for accuracy.
The entire injection usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You’ll stay awake during the procedure.
Aftercare and Recovery
After your injection, you might feel some soreness or stiffness in the joint for 1 to 3 days. This is normal and usually improves quickly.
Avoid heavy activities or intense exercise for about a week to let your joint heal. You can use ice packs and over-the-counter pain relief if needed, but avoid anti-inflammatory drugs as they can interfere with healing.
Most people notice gradual improvements in pain and joint function over the next 4 to 6 weeks. Regular check-ins with your doctor help track your progress.
Candidacy for PRP Therapy
PRP therapy is an option for many people with arthritis, but it’s not right for everyone. Your medical history, the type and stage of arthritis, and age all affect whether this treatment may work for you.
Who Is Eligible
You may be a good candidate for PRP therapy if you have mild to moderate arthritis and want to avoid surgery. People with joint pain from wear and tear often see benefits.
PRP helps by using your own blood to promote healing in damaged tissues. Those with stable health and no active infections are usually eligible.
You should not have blood disorders or take blood-thinning medications that affect platelet levels. If your arthritis pain limits movement but does not cause severe joint deformity, PRP might help improve mobility and reduce discomfort.
Conditions That May Exclude Patients
Certain health issues may make you ineligible for PRP therapy. Active infections near the injection site are a reason to wait or avoid treatment.
You may also be excluded if you have cancer or autoimmune diseases that affect how your body responds to PRP. If you have bleeding disorders, low platelet counts, or use blood thinners that cannot be stopped, PRP injections could be unsafe.
Uncontrolled diabetes or severe heart conditions might increase risks during treatment. Always share your full medical history with your provider for a safe evaluation.
Age and Severity Considerations
Your age can influence PRP’s effectiveness, but there is no strict age limit. Younger patients with early-stage arthritis tend to respond better since their joints have more healing potential.
If your arthritis is advanced with significant joint damage or bone loss, PRP injections may offer limited relief. In cases of severe arthritis, other treatments or surgery might be recommended.
PRP is often considered a non-surgical step to try before more invasive options. Your provider in Marin County can tailor a plan based on your age, arthritis severity, and overall health.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
When you get PRP injections for arthritis, some side effects might happen. Most are mild and short-lived, but a few rare risks exist.
Common Reactions
After your PRP injection, you might notice some redness and swelling near the injection site. This is normal and usually lasts 1 to 3 days.
Mild soreness or stiffness in your joint can also happen as your body starts its healing process. You could feel warmth or slight bruising, but these effects should fade quickly.
Avoid putting heavy pressure on the joint for a few days to make recovery smoother. These reactions mean the treatment is working and your body is responding to the PRP.
Rare Complications
Though rare, some risks include infection or increased joint pain. Infection is unlikely because PRP uses your own blood, but it can happen if the area isn’t kept clean.
If you notice fever, severe redness, or unusual pain, contact your doctor right away. There is a small risk of nerve or tissue damage if the needle isn’t placed correctly, but skilled providers reduce this risk.
Allergic reactions are rare since PRP uses your own blood.
Managing Post-Treatment Discomfort
You can manage pain or swelling with simple steps at home. Applying ice packs in 15-minute intervals helps reduce swelling.
Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen are safe unless your doctor advises otherwise. Try to keep the joint rested but gently move it as your provider instructs.
Avoid heavy activities that stress the joint for about a week. Follow-up care may include light exercises or physical therapy to help you regain movement.
Expected Results and Timeline
You can expect some changes after your PRP injections, but the pace varies. Healing builds gradually as your body repairs the joint.
When to Expect Improvement
Most people start to feel some relief within 4 to 6 weeks after a PRP injection. You might notice less pain and better movement around that time.
The injections work by boosting your body’s natural healing process, so improvement tends to grow slowly. Some soreness or swelling can happen right after the treatment but usually goes away in a few days.
By 3 months, many patients see the best results. If your arthritis is mild to moderate, this timeline is typical.
Severe cases might take longer, and results vary from person to person.
How Many Sessions Are Needed
Usually, you will need between 1 and 3 PRP sessions for the best effect. Doctors often space these sessions 4 to 6 weeks apart.
Your healthcare provider in Marin County or Novato might adjust the number based on how your symptoms respond.
Below is a simple overview:
| Number of Sessions | Typical Timing | Purpose |
| 1 | Single shot | Initial healing boost |
| 2–3 | Every 4-6 weeks | Strengthen and sustain healing |
Talk with your provider about what’s best for your joint health and overall goals.
Cost of PRP Injections for Arthritis
Understanding the cost of PRP injections can help you plan your treatment. The price depends on several factors, including how many injections you need and where you get treated.
Insurance coverage also affects what you will pay out of pocket.
Pricing Factors
The cost of PRP injections for arthritis usually ranges from $500 to $2,000 per injection.
The total price depends on:
- Number of injections: Some patients need multiple sessions for the best results.
- Treatment area: Larger joints like knees may cost more than smaller areas.
- Provider experience: Highly skilled specialists or clinics may charge higher fees.
- Location: Clinics in Marin County or Novato might have different pricing based on local market rates.
- Additional services: Some providers combine PRP with therapies like shockwave or chiropractic care, which can affect costs.
You should also consider consultation fees and follow-up visits when budgeting for treatment.
Insurance Coverage Options
Most insurance plans do not cover PRP injections because they are considered experimental or elective for arthritis. Some plans may help if PRP is part of a broader treatment plan or if you have other qualifying conditions.
You can:
- Check with your insurance provider before treatment to understand your benefits.
- Ask the clinic if they offer payment plans or discounts.
- Use health savings accounts (HSAs) or flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to help cover costs.
Choosing a PRP Provider
Finding the right provider for PRP injections matters a lot. You want someone with the right skills, experience, and tools who listens to your needs.
Knowing what to ask before treatment helps you feel confident and prepared.
Qualifications to Look For
Look for providers with proper medical training in regenerative medicine or orthopedics. They should have good experience specifically with PRP injections for arthritis or joint pain.
Check if the clinic uses advanced equipment for preparing PRP. This ensures you get a concentrated and effective dose of platelets.
Providers who use a combination of natural healing methods, like shockwave therapy or chiropractic care, often focus on treating the root cause—not just symptoms.
It’s important they are licensed and have positive patient reviews, ideally from people with similar joint issues in Marin County or Novato.
Questions to Ask Ahead of Treatment
Ask how many PRP treatments you might need and what results to expect over time. Some people see improvement after one session, while others need more.
Find out how they prepare the PRP and if they combine it with other therapies, like knee decompression or growth factors.
Check about any risks or side effects based on your health history.
Lastly, ask about the provider’s follow-up plan. Good care includes checking your progress and adjusting treatment if needed.
Lifestyle Tips to Support Joint Health
You can help your joints stay strong and healthy by taking small daily steps. Keeping a healthy weight reduces pressure on your knees and other joints.
Gentle exercise is important. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or biking strengthen the muscles around your joints without causing extra wear.
Eating a balanced diet that includes anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts, and fish can help reduce joint swelling. Avoid foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats, which can increase inflammation.
Rest and good sleep matter too. Your body heals when you rest, so listen to your pain signals.
If your joints feel sore, give them time to recover.
Here are a few tips to support joint health:
| Do This | Avoid This |
| Maintain a healthy weight | High-impact exercises |
| Exercise regularly | Sitting for too long |
| Eat anti-inflammatory foods | Processed foods |
| Get enough rest | Smoking and excess alcohol |
Using PRP injections along with these lifestyle changes may help support natural healing in your joints.
Frequently Asked Questions
PRP injections can be an option to ease arthritis pain and support your joint health. You might wonder about the costs, how well it works, and what to expect during recovery.
What is the average cost of PRP injections for knee arthritis?
PRP injections for knee arthritis usually cost between $500 and $2,000 per treatment. Prices vary depending on the clinic, the number of injections you need, and your location.
Some clinics in Marin County or Novato may offer package deals.
How successful are PRP injections in treating arthritis in knees?
PRP injections often help reduce pain and improve knee function, especially in early to moderate arthritis. They support natural healing by using your body’s own growth factors.
Results vary, and not everyone responds the same way.
Are PRP treatments covered by health insurance policies?
Most health insurance plans do not cover PRP injections for arthritis because they are still considered experimental. You might need to pay out of pocket, so it’s important to check with your insurance before starting treatment.
What’s the procedure for using PRP for arthritis in the hands?
For arthritis in the hands, a provider draws PRP from your blood, spins it to concentrate platelets, and injects it into the affected joints. The process is quick, and you may feel some soreness afterward.
It aims to reduce inflammation and stimulate healing.
Can I find a clinic that offers PRP injections for arthritis near me?
Yes, many clinics in Marin County and Novato offer PRP injections for joint pain. Look for providers specializing in regenerative medicine or non-surgical knee pain treatment.
Clinics with chiropractic care and integrative medicine are also more likely to offer these services.
What is the expected recovery time after undergoing a PRP injection for knee cartilage?
Recovery after a PRP injection for knee cartilage usually takes a few days to a week. You might have mild swelling or discomfort.
Most people return to normal activities quickly. Avoid heavy exercise for about two weeks to help the healing process.
