What is platelet-rich plasma?
PRP is made by drawing blood and processing it in a centrifuge to concentrate platelets in plasma. Platelets contain proteins involved in tissue repair. The preparation is then injected into a selected area when the assessment supports its use.
PRP is different from a stem-cell treatment and from dextrose prolotherapy. The preparation, injection target, and condition being treated influence how research findings apply to you.
Is PRP worth considering for your concern?
PRP may come up in a discussion about persistent tendon pain or selected joint conditions, including knee osteoarthritis. A diagnosis alone does not establish that PRP is the best next step.
- Clarify the source. Review your symptoms, examination, previous investigations, and relevant imaging.
- Review what you have tried. Consider rehabilitation, activity changes, medication, and other appropriate options.
- Define a useful outcome. Walking, training, working, or sleeping more comfortably can matter more than a single pain score.
What happens at an appointment?
We review your health history, medications, bleeding risk, and any factors that could affect treatment. If PRP is appropriate, the discussion covers blood collection, preparation, the proposed injection, and consent. Ultrasound guidance is used for appropriate joint injections to help visualize the target.
You receive individualized preparation and aftercare instructions. Do not stop prescribed medication on your own. Follow-up considers symptoms, function, and how the treatment fits with your movement and rehabilitation plan.
Evidence, expectations & recovery.
Research is condition-specific. Some studies report improvement in knee osteoarthritis and selected tendinopathies, while findings and recommendations vary across diagnoses and PRP preparations. Benefit for one condition does not establish benefit for another.
Improvement, if it occurs, can take time. PRP does not guarantee cartilage regrowth, complete healing, or avoidance of surgery. Temporary soreness or a pain flare can follow treatment; other risks include bleeding, infection, and injury to nearby structures. We discuss the risks relevant to the injection site and your health before proceeding.
Common questions.
How many PRP injections will I need?
There is no single schedule that fits every condition. We discuss the proposed course, cost, reassessment point, and what would lead us to continue or change direction before treatment.
Is PRP the same as prolotherapy?
No. PRP is prepared from your blood; dextrose prolotherapy uses a different injected solution. Their rationale and supporting evidence differ.
Can I return to exercise immediately?
Your activity plan depends on the area treated, symptoms, and demands of your sport or work. We provide specific aftercare and a gradual return plan rather than a universal timeline.
What does PRP cost, and is it covered?
Contact Healthcode Regenerative for current fees and appointment details. Benefits coverage varies; confirm eligibility with your insurer before booking treatment.
Learn more.
These resources explain the approach and the evidence discussed above. Research findings are interpreted in the context of your diagnosis and care.
- PRP patient information · American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ↗
- PRP for knee osteoarthritis · AAOS evidence overview ↗
Page updated November 2026.
Care with Dr. Jeff Martineau, BScH, BHSc, ND
Start with your priorities.
Care is offered at Healthcode Regenerative in Vancouver. My approach brings assessment, shared decisions, and ongoing follow-up together. Learn about my education and clinical training, or begin with a meet and greet to discuss whether the practice fits your needs.
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