PRP Injections for Joint, Tendon & Sports Injuries in Orlando
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy at Orlando City Health & Wellness uses a concentrated sample of your own blood platelets to support healing in painful knees, shoulders, elbows, hips and tendons — without surgery and without long-term pain medication.
What Is PRP Therapy?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Platelets are the cells in your blood that carry growth factors — the signaling proteins your body already uses to repair injured tissue.
During a PRP treatment, we draw a small sample of your blood, spin it in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets, and inject that concentrate directly into the injured joint or tendon. Because PRP is made from your own blood, there is no donor tissue and no risk of rejection.
At Orlando City Health & Wellness, PRP is never a stand-alone quick fix. We use it inside a complete plan alongside chiropractic care, physical therapy, shockwave therapy and progressive strengthening, so the joint is not just less painful — it is loaded, supported and moving correctly again.
From your own body
Autologous treatment — drawn, concentrated and re-injected in a single visit at our clinic.
Non-surgical
An in-office injection option for patients who want to avoid or delay joint surgery.
Built into a real plan
Paired with rehab and movement work so results hold after the injection series ends.
Joint, Tendon and Sports Injuries We Treat
PRP is most often considered for stubborn musculoskeletal pain that has not responded to rest, medication, bracing or standard therapy alone.
Knee
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Patellar tendinitis (jumper's knee)
- Meniscus irritation
- Chronic knee pain after injury
Shoulder & elbow
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy
- Shoulder impingement
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer's elbow
Hip, foot & ankle
- Hip osteoarthritis and bursitis
- Gluteal tendinopathy
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
Sports & overuse injuries
- Chronic tendon pain in runners and lifters
- Partial ligament and muscle strains
- Return-to-sport plateaus
Spine-related pain
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain
- Facet joint irritation
- Chronic low back pain with joint involvement
Not sure if you qualify?
Every PRP candidate starts with an exam and a diagnosis — not a sales pitch. If PRP is not the right tool for your problem, we will tell you and recommend what is.
Your PRP Visit, Step by Step
Step 01 Consultation and exam
We review your history, examine the joint, go over any imaging you already have, and confirm whether PRP fits your diagnosis. You will get a clear explanation of expected timelines and realistic outcomes before anything is scheduled.
Step 02 Blood draw
A small blood sample is drawn in-office, much like a routine lab draw. The visit is typically completed in under an hour.
Step 03 Platelet concentration
Your sample is processed in a centrifuge to separate plasma with a high concentration of platelets and growth factors from the red blood cells.
Step 04 Targeted injection
The concentrate is injected precisely into the affected joint or tendon. The area is numbed for comfort, and most patients describe pressure rather than sharp pain.
Step 05 Recovery and rehab
Expect some soreness for a few days — that inflammatory response is part of how PRP works. We then guide you through graded loading, mobility and strengthening so the healing tissue is prepared for the demands of your sport, job or daily life.
Step 06 Follow-up and reassessment
We track measurable progress — pain, range of motion, strength and function — and adjust the plan. Some conditions respond to a single injection; others do better with a short series.
What the Research Actually Shows
We would rather set honest expectations than oversell a treatment. Here is where the current evidence stands.
Knee osteoarthritis
A 2025 Level 1 meta-analysis of 18 randomized controlled trials and 1,995 patients found PRP produced greater improvement than placebo injections in both pain and WOMAC function scores at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months, with clinically meaningful functional gains through 12 months and clinically meaningful pain relief at 3 and 6 months. Higher platelet concentrations were associated with better and more durable results (American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2025).
Professional guidance
The American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation convened an expert panel that issued evidence-based recommendations and best practices for PRP in knee osteoarthritis, while noting that orthobiologics remain an evolving field and that care should be tailored to the individual patient (AAPM&R guidance statement).
Tendon injuries
For conditions such as tennis elbow, some trials show PRP outperforming corticosteroid injection at 6 months and 1 year, while shorter-term results and some reviews are mixed. Protocols vary widely between studies, which is one reason technique and rehab matter (review of PRP evidence and regulation).
What PRP is not
There is no good evidence that PRP regrows cartilage or reverses arthritis. It is a tool for reducing pain and improving function — not a cure, and not a substitute for rehabilitation, strength work or appropriate surgical care when that is indicated.
Individual results vary. PRP is an autologous blood product and is not an FDA-approved drug; it is offered in clinical practice for musculoskeletal conditions and is generally not covered by insurance (Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine).
PRP Compared With Other Options
How PRP typically fits next to the other common choices for joint and tendon pain.
| Option | How it works | Typical role | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRP injection | Concentrated platelets from your own blood deliver growth factors to injured tissue | Persistent joint or tendon pain that has not responded to conservative care | Soreness for several days; benefit builds over weeks; typically self-pay |
| Cortisone injection | Steroid suppresses inflammation in the joint | Fast, short-term relief of a painful flare | Relief often fades; repeated use raises tissue-quality concerns |
| Physical therapy | Loading, mobility and strengthening restore capacity | Foundation of nearly every treatment plan, including PRP | Requires consistency; best paired with pain-reducing interventions |
| Shockwave therapy | Acoustic energy stimulates the body's healing response | Chronic tendon pain, plantar fasciitis, calcific shoulder pain | Multiple sessions; often combined with PRP or used before it |
| Surgery | Repairs or replaces damaged structures | Structural damage or failure of conservative care | Longer recovery, higher risk and cost; appropriate for the right cases |
PRP Inside a Complete Recovery Plan
Everything under one roof
Chiropractic, physical therapy, massage therapy, shockwave and regenerative options in the same clinic — no chasing referrals across town.
Diagnosis first
We do not believe in one-size-fits-all treatment. You get an exam, a clear explanation and a plan — and an honest answer if PRP is not right for you.
Measurable progress
We track pain, mobility, strength and function so you can see real progress rather than guessing.
Same-day access
Same-day appointments are often available at both our Winter Park and Orlando locations.
Trusted locally
Hundreds of 5-star reviews from patients across Winter Park, Baldwin Park, College Park, Lake Nona, Dr. Phillips, Windermere and greater Orlando.
Straightforward pricing
PRP is generally not covered by insurance. We explain your investment clearly at the consultation — no surprises, no pressure.
PRP Therapy: Common Questions
Does a PRP injection hurt?
Most patients tolerate it well. We numb the area before the injection, and the sensation is usually described as pressure rather than sharp pain. Expect soreness in the treated joint or tendon for a few days afterward — that response is part of how PRP works.
How long does PRP take to work?
PRP is not an instant painkiller. Most patients begin noticing changes in 3 to 6 weeks, with continued improvement over 2 to 3 months as tissue remodels. Research in knee osteoarthritis has shown meaningful functional improvement persisting out to 12 months.
How many PRP injections will I need?
It depends on the diagnosis, severity and how you respond. Some conditions do well with a single injection; others benefit from a short series spaced a few weeks apart. We decide together after your exam and reassess as you progress.
Is PRP covered by insurance?
PRP for joint and tendon conditions is generally considered investigational by insurers and is typically a self-pay service. Related care such as chiropractic and physical therapy may be covered — call us and we will help verify your benefits.
Is PRP safe?
Because PRP is made from your own blood, there is no risk of rejection or disease transmission from a donor. The main side effects are temporary soreness, swelling or bruising at the injection site. As with any injection, infection is a rare risk. We review your full history to confirm you are a candidate.
Who is not a good candidate for PRP?
PRP may not be appropriate if you have certain blood or platelet disorders, an active infection, some cancers, or if you are pregnant. Certain medications, including blood thinners and anti-inflammatories, may need to be adjusted beforehand. We will review all of this at your consultation.
What should I do before and after my PRP appointment?
Come well hydrated and eat beforehand. We will advise you on pausing NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen before and after treatment, since they can blunt the healing response. Afterward, avoid heavy loading of the area for the first several days, then follow the rehab progression we give you.
Can PRP help me avoid knee surgery?
For some patients with knee osteoarthritis or chronic tendon pain, PRP combined with structured rehabilitation reduces pain enough to delay or avoid surgery. It does not repair structural damage, so if imaging and exam point to a problem that needs surgical repair, we will say so and help coordinate the right referral.
Do you offer PRP near me in Winter Park or Orlando?
Yes. We have two locations: 1320 S Orlando Ave, Suite 3 in Winter Park, and 855 Outer Rd in Orlando's Baldwin Park area. We serve patients throughout Winter Park, College Park, Baldwin Park, Lake Nona, Dr. Phillips, Windermere and greater Orlando.
Visit Orlando City Health & Wellness
Winter Park
1320 S Orlando Ave, Suite 3
Winter Park, FL 32789
Mon–Thurs: 8 AM – 6 PM
Fri: 9 AM – 1 PM
Sat & Sun: Call (407) 250-5566 for an appointment
Orlando — Baldwin Park
855 Outer Rd
Orlando, FL 32814
Mon–Thurs: 8 AM – 6 PM
Fri: 9 AM – 6 PM
Sat: 9 AM – 2 PM
Sun: Call for an appointment
Ready to Find Out if PRP Is Right for You?
Stop working around the pain. Call Orlando City Health & Wellness for an evaluation and a straight answer about whether PRP belongs in your plan.
This page is for general educational purposes and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a guarantee of results. Platelet-rich plasma is an autologous blood product and is not an FDA-approved drug for musculoskeletal conditions. Individual results vary. Candidacy for PRP is determined only after an in-person examination. Please consult a qualified provider about your specific condition.