maxprp logo syringe Transparent 2 Platelet Rich Plasma being prepared in Type A2 Biosafety Cabinet. Tubes are being prepared to go into the centrifuge to the left.

Plate Rich Plasma Treatment

Benefits, Expectations & Cost

Medically reviewed by Lawrence Li, MD — Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine & Regenerative Orthopedics.   Reviewed on August 16, 2026 | View Dr. Li's full bio →

 

Dr. Lawrence Li is excited to bring regenerative Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment to patients through the maxPRP lab. maxPRP is specifically equipped to deliver state-of-the-art PRP therapy, combining a dedicated blood analyzer, a Type A2 biosafety hood, and ultrasound guidance to provide the most effective and precise PRP treatment possible. This investment in advanced lab technology allows Dr. Li and his team to prepare and deliver PRP with a level of accuracy and quality control that sets maxPRP apart from standard in-office PRP kits.

 

What Is PRP?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a regenerative treatment that uses a concentrated portion of your own blood, rich in platelets and growth factors, to support the body's natural healing process. Platelets are best known for their role in clotting, but they also carry a dense supply of growth factors that drive cell reproduction, stimulate tissue regeneration, and accelerate recovery from injury. By delivering these elevated platelet and growth factor levels directly to the site of injury, PRP creates an optimal environment for faster, more effective healing.

PRP is considered a regenerative orthopedic treatment. It is not a cure-all, and results vary by condition, patient health, and how the PRP is prepared — a point we explain in detail below.

How PRP works

Platelets are best known for helping blood clot, but they also store a dense supply of growth factors that direct the body's repair process. Key growth factors released by PRP include platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), which stimulates new cell growth and blood vessel formation, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), which supports the regeneration of connective tissue, bone, and cartilage. Other growth factors involved include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF), both of which help repair damaged tissue and improve local blood supply.

Conditions Treated With PRP

PRP is used in orthopedics and sports medicine to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.

Tendon Injuries and Tendonitis

Ligament and Muscle injuries

Ligament sprains, muscle strains, and partial tears in several locations such as the shoulder, knee and ankle.

Osteoarthritis of the following joints

  • Knee
  • Hip
  • Shoulder
  • Ankle
  • Elbow
  • Wrist

Fracture and Surgical Recovery

Accelerated healing and reducing pain after fractures and orthopedic surgery.

Benefits of PRP

Your own Biology: PRP uses your own cells, minimizing risk of allergic reaction or rejection.

Minimally invasive:  Quick outpatient procedure with little downtime.

Opioid Sparing: Reduces pain and inflammation without opioids or long-term NSAID use.

Supports recovery: May contribute to faster, longer-lasting recovery from certain injuries.

Cost Effective:  PRP treatment is a quick, cost effective, outpatient procedure. No anesthesia, hospital or facility costs are incurred.

Surgery Sparing Potential: Avoid or delay the need for surgery.

Lower risk profile than corticosteroids: Avoids the tissue-weakening effects associated with repeated steroid injections.

Functional Improvement: Improve long-term joint mobility and function.

Risks and Realistic Expectations of PRP

Bruising and Pain at the blood draw or injection site.

Risk of infection is low if prepared in a clean environment such as in a Type A2 Biosafety cabinet.

Results depend on the severity and chronicity of the injury — PRP works best as an early or adjunct intervention, not a guaranteed alternative to surgery in advanced cases.

Multiple sessions may be needed, and improvement is gradual rather than immediate.

PRP is not appropriate for everyone; a review of your medical history is required.

We will discuss your specific diagnosis and evidence-based expectations during your consultation.

Cost of PRP and Insurance coverage

PRP therapy is generally not covered by insurance.  The cost of PRP injections depends on the number of joints and locations.  Because there are no hospital, facility, or anesthesia fees, PRP is often more affordable than surgical alternatives on a per-treatment basis, but total cost depends on the number of injections your condition requires. Our team will walk you through current pricing and available payment options during your consultation, before any treatment is scheduled.

Difference between maxPRP and other providers

Not all PRP is prepared or delivered the same way.  Our maxPRP lab protocol focuses on total platelet dose, precision and transparency.

Higher Blood Draw Volume:

maxPRP starts with a 120cc blood draw which is 2-4X what other clinics draw.  Drawing more blood means more platelets in the final PRP product, which enhances healing.   

Platelet Count Verification: 

We then verify your platelets with a Sysmex Analyzer.  When patients know how many platelets are available, they can have a more informed discussion about whether to inject multiple sites or concentrate on one.  Other clinics do not test for platelets to confirm the quality of their PRP.

Sample being tested for platelet count in the Sysmex Blood Analyzer.
Information being entered into Sysmex Blood Analyzer.
A sample being tested in our Sysmex Analyzer

 

Cleaner and Safer Environment: 

Your PRP is prepared in a Type A2 Biosafety cabinet with a hospital grade HEPA air filter to maximize sterility. Other clinics prepare PRP using an off-the-shelf kit in an open-air environment.

 

PRP being prepared in a clean environment using a Type A2 Biosafety Cabinet.
Type A2 Biosafety Cabinet used during PRP preparation
IMG_5947
Close up of the PRP preparation in the cabinet

Double Spin Centrifugation: 

Your blood undergoes two centrifugation spin cycles.  A gentle first spin removes red blood cells so the usable platelet layer can be separated cleanly.  A more vigorous second spin concentrates platelets to build a stronger PRP product for treatment.

 

Ultrasound Guided Injection: 

Your PRP is placed precisely using Ultrasound guidance.  By visualizing where the needle is going, we can inject the PRP accurately into the intended area so there is no guessing and no waste.

Injection being given into posterior tibialis tendon under ultrasound guidance.
Ankle tendon sheath injection placement performed under Ultrasound guidance
Ultrasound image showing needle placement into the shoulder joint.
Ultrasound provides precise needle
Watch this video to learn about our PRP process.

 

Difference between maxPRP and other clinics

Process

maxPRP

Other Clinics

Blood Draw Volume

120 cc

Often much less

Biosafety

PRP is prepared in a Type A2 Biosafety Cabinet

PRP is prepared while exposed to room air

Concentration Method

Double Spin Centrifugation

Many use only Single Spin

Platelet Count Verification

Platelet count is verified on a Sysmex Analyzer

Not measured and verified

Injection Placement

Accuracy is guided by Ultrasound

Often done without image guidance

Flexibility

The number of injections is tailored to your needs

Many use off the shelf kits which limits flexibility

Frequently Asked Questions

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a regenerative treatment made from a concentrated portion of your own blood. It's rich in platelets and growth factors that support the body's natural healing process. A small blood sample is drawn, processed in our maxPRP lab using a blood analyzer, Type A2 biosafety hood, and centrifugation, then injected into the injured area under ultrasound guidance to enhance tissue repair.

Clinical evidence for PRP is promising but varies by condition. Research shows benefits for conditions like knee osteoarthritis, tennis elbow, and certain tendon injuries, with some studies showing PRP outperforming traditional treatments in long-term outcomes. Positive response to PRP is more likely in moderate versus severe cases. Not every patient responds the same way, and results depend on factors like the severity and chronicity of the injury. Dr. Li and his staff will discuss the evidence specific to your diagnosis during your consultation, so you know what to realistically expect.

Most insurance plans, including Medicare, do not provide coverage. Patients typically pay out of pocket. Our team will review current pricing and payment options with you before any treatment is scheduled.

Improvement is gradual since PRP relies on your body's own healing response rather than providing immediate relief. For joint injections, noticeable improvement typically takes several weeks, and results continue to develop over the following months.

NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, Celebrex) and corticosteroids can interfere with the platelet function and inflammatory response PRP relies on and should generally be stopped 5-7 days before treatment.

Stop NSAIDs and aspirin at least 5-7 days before your appointment. Stay well hydrated in the days leading up to your appointment, since this helps with the blood draw and PRP preparation, and avoid alcohol for a couple of days prior.

For 2-3 days afterward, avoid alcohol and smoking, and avoid vigorous exercise for at least 7 days depending on the treatment area. You should also avoid anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen) for 1- 2 weeks after treatment since these can blunt the inflammatory healing response PRP is designed to trigger.

Sources & References

  1. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
  2. Comparison of single and double centrifugation methods for preparation of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
  3. Re-Evaluating Platelet-Rich Plasma Dosing Strategies in Sports Medicine: The Role of the “10 Billion Platelet Dose” in Optimizing Therapeutic Outcomes—A Narrative Review
  4. The varying clinical effectiveness of single, three and five intraarticular injections of platelet-rich plasma in knee osteoarthritis
  5. AAPM&R guidance statement on PRP for knee osteoarthritis
  6. Knee Osteoarthritis Injection Choices: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Versus Hyaluronic Acid (A one-year randomized clinical trial)
  7. Multiple PRP injections are more effective than single injections and hyaluronic acid in knees with early osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
  8. Efficacy of ultrasound-guided intra-articular injections of platelet-rich plasma versus hyaluronic acid for hip osteoarthritis
  9. Efficacy of Ultrasound-Guided Glenohumeral Joint Injections of Leukocyte-Poor Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Hyaluronic Acid in the Treatment of Glenohumeral Osteoarthritis: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Trial
  10. Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma for chronic tennis elbow: a double-blind, prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial of 230 patients
  11. Is Platelet-rich Plasma Injection more Effective than Steroid Injection in the Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis in Achieving Long-term Relief?
  12. Platelet-Rich Plasma for Bone Fracture Treatment: A Systematic Review of Current Evidence in Preclinical and Clinical Studies
  13. Advances with Platelet-Rich Plasma for Bone Healing
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309-888-9800

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