Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has gained significant attention in recent years as a non-surgical option for joint pain, arthritis, and soft tissue injuries. But how well does it actually work? At Modern Pain Solutions in Granada Hills, CA , Dr. Jungjae Lim stays current with the evolving evidence base for PRP therapy to ensure patients receive treatments that are both scientifically grounded and clinically effective.
What Is PRP Therapy?
PRP therapy uses concentrated platelets derived from your own blood to deliver a high dose of growth factors to an injured or degenerated tissue. Platelets contain proteins — including platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor (TGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) — that regulate tissue repair, cell proliferation, and anti-inflammatory responses. By injecting a concentrated solution of these factors directly into a damaged joint or soft tissue, PRP aims to accelerate and amplify the body’s natural healing process.
Learn more about how Modern Pain Solutions uses PRP therapy for joint and tissue conditions.
What Does the Research Show?
The evidence for PRP therapy continues to grow, particularly for knee osteoarthritis and tendinopathy. A meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine found that intra-articular PRP injections significantly reduced pain and improved function in knee osteoarthritis patients compared to placebo and hyaluronic acid injections, with effects lasting up to 12 months. For rotator cuff tendinopathy, multiple clinical trials have demonstrated that PRP injections provide superior pain relief and functional improvement compared to corticosteroid injections, with more durable results. Research published by the Hospital for Special Surgery supports PRP as a viable regenerative option for tendon and ligament conditions.
What Conditions at Modern Pain Solutions Are Best Treated with PRP?
Dr. Lim recommends PRP therapy for patients with:
- Mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis — particularly those seeking to delay joint replacement
- Rotator cuff tendinosis and partial tears — see our Shoulder Pain services
- Hip joint arthritis and tendinopathy — see our Hip & Knee Pain services
- Chronic tendinitis (Achilles, patellar, lateral epicondyle)
- Spinal disc and facet joint degeneration — related to Back & Neck Pain care
PRP is also an excellent complementary therapy alongside conventional injection treatments and physical rehabilitation. To find out whether PRP therapy is appropriate for your condition, call Modern Pain Solutions at (818) 826-4145 or request an appointment online.