Does Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy Really Help Knee Pain?

Knee pain can make the simplest things—like walking your dog, climbing the stairs, or standing up from a chair—feel like a major challenge. At Florida Medical Pain Management, we often meet patients who have tried just about everything to get relief. Physical therapy, over-the-counter medications, injections, even surgery. And yet, the pain keeps coming back. That’s where platelet-rich plasma therapy (often called PRP therapy) enters the conversation. But does it really work? In this blog, we’ll walk you through what platelet-rich plasma therapy is, how it’s used to treat knee pain, what the science says, and what you can expect if you choose this regenerative treatment.

What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy?

To understand PRP therapy, you have to first understand your body’s natural healing process.

Your blood is made up of several components: red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Platelets are rich in growth factors—substances that stimulate healing in injured tissues.

In platelet-rich plasma therapy, we draw a small amount of your blood, spin it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and then inject this platelet-rich substance back into the site of pain or injury—in this case, your knee.

This therapy aims to boost your body’s natural healing capabilities by delivering a concentrated dose of those growth-promoting platelets right where they’re needed most.

Why PRP for Knee Pain?

Knee pain can stem from many conditions: osteoarthritis, meniscus tears, ligament injuries, or even chronic overuse. Traditional treatments usually focus on managing symptoms rather than addressing the root cause of the pain.

What sets platelet-rich plasma therapy apart is that it doesn’t just mask the pain—it promotes healing.

PRP is especially appealing for:

• Osteoarthritis patients, where cartilage has broken down and inflammation causes chronic pain.

• Athletes recovering from ligament sprains or meniscus injuries.

• Older adults hoping to avoid knee replacement surgery.

• People who haven’t responded well to steroid injections or physical therapy.

What the Research Says

Now, let’s talk facts. One of the most common questions we get at Florida Medical Pain Management is: Is this scientifically backed?

The good news is—yes, there’s growing evidence.

Multiple clinical studies and reviews over the past few years show that platelet-rich plasma therapy can reduce knee pain and improve function, especially in early to moderate stages of osteoarthritis. A 2021 study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine found that PRP injections provided better pain relief and improved joint function compared to hyaluronic acid (often used in viscosupplementation therapy).

Another meta-analysis from 2022 concluded that PRP was more effective than corticosteroids for long-term relief (6-12 months) from knee osteoarthritis pain.

That said, the results vary. Some patients feel significant relief after just one injection, while others may need multiple sessions. And a small percentage may not respond at all. It’s not a one-size-fits-all miracle—but for many, it’s a game-changer.

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What’s the PRP Process Like?

One of the most appealing aspects of platelet-rich plasma therapy is that it’s minimally invasive and uses your body’s own healing materials.

Here’s what the typical process looks like at Florida Medical Pain Management:

1. Consultation

We start with a thorough assessment, including a physical exam, review of medical history, and imaging if necessary (like X-rays or MRIs). This ensures PRP is a good fit for your condition.

2. Blood Draw

We draw a small amount of blood from your arm—similar to a routine lab test.

3. Centrifugation

The blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets. This usually takes about 15 minutes.

4. Injection

The concentrated PRP is then injected directly into your knee under ultrasound guidance. This ensures pinpoint accuracy and minimal discomfort.

5. Recovery

You may feel some soreness for a few days, but most people can resume normal activities shortly afterward. Results typically begin to show within a few weeks, with continued improvement over several months.

What Does PRP Feel Like?

Many of our patients describe the injection as “uncomfortable but tolerable.” Since it’s your body’s own material, the risk of allergic reaction is virtually nonexistent.

After the injection, you might feel some mild swelling or soreness at the injection site. This is actually a good sign—it means your body’s healing response has been activated. Unlike steroid shots that provide fast but short-lived relief, platelet-rich plasma therapy works gradually, building strength and reducing inflammation over time.

Is PRP Right for You?

This is where personalized care becomes crucial. At Florida Medical Pain Management, we don’t offer cookie-cutter treatments. We tailor every therapy plan based on your specific diagnosis, lifestyle, and goals.

You might be a good candidate for platelet-rich plasma therapy if:

• You have mild to moderate osteoarthritis or a knee injury.

• Conservative treatments (like physical therapy, NSAIDs, or corticosteroids) haven’t provided lasting relief.

• You want to avoid or delay surgery.

• You’re looking for a more natural, regenerative solution to pain.

However, PRP might not be the best fit if you have a bleeding disorder, active infection, or are on certain blood-thinning medications. That’s why a thorough evaluation is key.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Experience a pain-free life! Call us at (727) 268-0172

The Future of Pain Management Is Regenerative

We believe the future of orthopedic care lies in regenerative therapies—like PRP—that harness the body’s ability to heal itself. While more long-term research is still needed, the growing body of clinical data combined with our real-world results makes platelet-rich plasma therapy an exciting option for knee pain sufferers.

It’s not just about pain relief—it’s about reclaiming your quality of life without invasive surgery or harsh medications.

Conclusion

Knee pain can wear you down physically and emotionally. But you don’t have to live with it. At Florida Medical Pain Management, we’re committed to helping you explore the most advanced, effective, and personalized treatment options available. If you’ve been wondering whether platelet-rich plasma therapy is the answer to your knee pain, the best place to start is with a consultation.

Let us help you take that first step toward healing—so you can walk, move, and live with confidence again.

Schedule Your PRP Consultation Today

If you’re interested in learning more about platelet-rich plasma therapy or want to know if it’s right for your knee pain, contact Florida Medical Pain Management. Our team of experts is ready to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today!

Our Treatment Services

Florida Medical Pain Management’s top priority is serving our patients’ needs and creating long-lasting relationships with them. Our treatments include:

• Treatment for Neuropathy
• Arthritis Management
• Back Pain Medication
• Chronic Pain Treatments
• Epidural Injection
• Regenerative Medicine
• Hip Pain Medication
• Ketamine Infusion Therapy

We want to help patients live more fulfilling and productive lives by effectively managing their pain. Florida Medical Pain Management also provides home therapy and many more. Click here to see our other services.