Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses concentrated growth factors derived from the patient’s own blood to stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Blood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Platelets contain a rich store of growth factors — proteins that play a critical role in cellular repair, tissue regeneration, and the reduction of inflammation.

To prepare a PRP injection, a small volume of the patient’s blood is drawn and placed in a centrifuge, which separates and concentrates the platelet-rich plasma from the remaining blood components. This concentrated solution is then precisely injected into the area of injury or degeneration. The elevated concentration of growth factors delivered directly to the affected tissue accelerates the body’s innate repair processes in a targeted, controlled manner.

Because PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood, it carries a low risk of adverse reaction and is considered a safe, well-tolerated treatment option for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.

PRP therapy is applied across a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions. At AIHI Clinics, we utilize PRP injections to treat the following:

PRP injections are an established treatment for osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint conditions affecting the knee, hip, and shoulder. In joints affected by cartilage loss or chronic inflammation, the concentrated growth factors delivered through PRP promote cartilage repair, reduce synovial inflammation, and improve overall joint lubrication. For patients seeking to delay or avoid joint replacement surgery, PRP therapy represents a clinically meaningful conservative option. Studies have demonstrated that PRP can provide significant and sustained improvement in pain and function in patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee, and emerging evidence supports its use in the hip and shoulder as well.

Chronic spinal conditions — including degenerative disc disease, facet joint arthropathy, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction — are among the most common and debilitating sources of pain in our patient population. PRP injections can be administered into the facet joints, sacroiliac joints, and surrounding spinal structures to reduce local inflammation and support tissue healing in areas where blood supply is inherently limited. By delivering a high concentration of growth factors directly to these structures, PRP has the potential to address the underlying degenerative process, rather than simply masking pain with anti-inflammatory medications.

Tendons and ligaments are notoriously slow to heal due to their limited vascular supply. PRP therapy is particularly well-suited to these tissues, as the direct delivery of concentrated growth factors can meaningfully accelerate the regenerative process. At AIHI Clinics, PRP is used to treat conditions including patellar tendinopathy, Achilles tendinopathy, lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow), rotator cuff tendinopathy, and partial ligament tears. Patients with chronic tendon or ligament injuries who have not responded adequately to physical therapy, rest, or corticosteroid injections are often excellent candidates for PRP.

Step 1 — Consultation & Evaluation
Each patient begins with a comprehensive clinical evaluation. Our provider will review your medical history, imaging studies, and prior treatment history to determine whether PRP is an appropriate and clinically indicated option for your condition.

Step 2 — Blood Draw
A small volume of blood — typically 30 to 60 milliliters — is drawn from the patient’s arm in our office. This is the same routine process used for standard laboratory blood draws.

Step 3 — Centrifugation & PRP Preparation
The blood sample is placed in a specialized centrifuge, which spins at high speed to separate and concentrate the platelet-rich plasma fraction. This process takes approximately 15 minutes and results in a PRP solution containing a platelet concentration several times greater than what is found in whole blood.

Step 4 — Guided Injection
The prepared PRP is injected precisely into the target area — joint, tendon, ligament, or spinal structure — using imaging guidance when appropriate to ensure accurate placement. Local anesthetic is used to maximize patient comfort during the procedure.

Step 5 — Recovery & Follow-Up
Most patients experience mild soreness at the injection site for 24 to 72 hours following the procedure, which is a normal response as the growth factors begin to stimulate the healing process. Patients are typically able to return to light activity within a few days. A follow-up evaluation is scheduled to monitor progress and determine whether additional injections are indicated.

Is PRP therapy safe?
Because PRP is derived entirely from the patient’s own blood, the risk of allergic reaction or rejection is extremely low. As with any injection-based procedure, there is a small risk of localized discomfort, bruising, or infection at the injection site. These risks will be reviewed in detail at your consultation.

How many PRP injections will I need?
The number of injections varies depending on the condition being treated, its severity, and the individual patient’s response. Many patients benefit from a series of one to three injections administered over several weeks. Your provider will develop a treatment plan tailored to your clinical presentation.

When will I notice improvement?
PRP works by stimulating the body’s natural biological repair processes, which take time to produce measurable results. Most patients begin to notice improvement between four and eight weeks following their initial injection, with continued progress over the following months. PRP is not a rapid-onset treatment in the same way that corticosteroid injections are — its goal is to promote durable, sustained healing rather than temporary symptom relief.

Is PRP covered by insurance?
PRP therapy is not currently covered by most insurance plans, as it is classified as a regenerative or investigational treatment by many carriers. Our team will discuss the cost of treatment transparently at your consultation. We encourage patients to contact our office at (801) 263-0530 or email info@aihiclinics.com with any questions regarding pricing.

Can PRP be combined with other treatments?
Yes. PRP therapy is frequently used in conjunction with physical therapy, chiropractic care, and other pain management interventions to optimize patient outcomes. A coordinated, multimodal treatment approach is often the most effective strategy for complex or chronic musculoskeletal conditions.

Am I a candidate for PRP?
Ideal candidates for PRP therapy are patients with documented musculoskeletal injuries or degenerative conditions who have not achieved adequate relief through conservative treatment measures. A thorough clinical evaluation is required to determine candidacy. Certain medical conditions, medications — including anticoagulants — and low platelet counts may affect eligibility.