All You Need to Know About PRP

Original Publication Date: June 2016

Updated October 2026

Some injuries refuse to heal all the way. You rest the sore elbow, ice the swollen knee, and keep up with your home exercises, yet months later the ache returns the moment you swing a golf club, pull on ski boots, or lift a feed sack. Living in that holding pattern is discouraging, especially when it seems the only choices left are to keep waiting or to start talking about surgery.

For many patients, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy opens up a middle path. It uses a concentrated portion of your own blood to deliver healing proteins straight to the injured tissue. It is a nonsurgical option, and research continues to support its use for certain tendon injuries and for knee arthritis.

At Rocky Mountain Spine & Sport, our physiatrists (doctors of physical medicine and rehabilitation) believe the body is capable of real healing when it gets the right support. PRP fits naturally into that approach.

What Is PRP and How Does It Work?

Blood is made mostly of a liquid called plasma, along with red cells, white cells, and platelets. Platelets are known for forming clots, but they also carry hundreds of proteins called growth factors that help the body repair injuries.

PRP is plasma that holds far more platelets than normal blood. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the concentration can be five to ten times higher than usual.

To prepare it, a small sample of your blood is placed in a centrifuge, a machine that spins it quickly to separate and concentrate the platelets. The PRP is then injected into the tendon, ligament, or joint that needs help, and the extra growth factors may speed up the natural repair process.

Is PRP the Right Treatment for Me?

PRP is often a good fit when a tendon, ligament, muscle, or joint problem has been slow to improve with rest and therapy alone. Because it comes from your own body, it also appeals to patients who would like to avoid or delay surgery.

Conditions PRP is used for include:

  • Achilles tendinitis: Pain and swelling in the heel cord, common in runners and tennis players.
  • Hamstring strains: Pulled muscles along the back of the thigh.
  • Knee ligament sprains: Stretched or partially torn ligaments that hold the knee steady.
  • Knee osteoarthritis: Gradual wear of the cartilage that cushions the knee.
  • Patellar tendinitis: Also called jumper's knee, this is irritation of the tendon just below the kneecap.
  • Tennis elbow: An overuse injury of the tendons on the outer elbow.

Research is especially encouraging for chronic tendon problems and for mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.

Results also depend on the area treated, your overall health, and how long you have had the injury. Because of this, our team pairs PRP with a rehabilitation plan so the treated tissue can rebuild strength and movement.

PRP for Knee Arthritis

Osteoarthritis develops as the smooth cartilage lining the knee slowly wears down. Over time, this can bring pain, stiffness, and swelling that make squatting, climbing into a truck, or walking downhill on a trail more difficult.

PRP is one nonsurgical option for this condition. A growing body of research shows that it has the potential to be effective for low- to moderate-grade knee osteoarthritis, although results may vary.

Since the strongest results are seen in milder arthritis, an early evaluation can make a real difference. PRP is one of several knee pain treatments we offer, alongside hyaluronic injections, genicular radiofrequency ablation, and physical therapy.

PRP for Meniscus Tears

Meniscus tears often happen when the foot stays planted while the knee twists, such as cutting on a basketball court or catching an edge on the slopes. As cartilage weakens with age, even stepping on uneven ground can cause one.

Not every tear shows up the same way, but most people notice at least one of these:

  • Feeling a pop: Many people remember the exact moment it happened because something in the knee popped.
  • Giving way: The knee buckles, or feels close to it, when you step off a curb or change direction.
  • Limited motion: Straightening the leg gets difficult. Some people can’t bend it fully, either.
  • Pain and swelling: These often build over the next few days.

Depending on its size and location, a meniscus tear may heal without surgery, and many patients want to explore that route first. PRP is one promising option that is being studied for meniscus tears. 

However, if your knee locks, keeps swelling, or will not straighten, schedule an exam first. Imaging such as an MRI can show the type of tear and whether PRP belongs in your plan.

How Long Will It Take Before I See Results?

PRP works with your body's own repair process, so improvement is gradual. The injection site may feel more sore for the first week or two, and it can take several weeks to notice a clear change.

The benefits are not permanent, and some patients need more than one injection. Your provider will set expectations around your condition and goals.

PRP Treatment in Idaho Falls and Rexburg

You do not have to keep waiting for pain to fade on its own. Our physiatrists focus on nonsurgical care for muscles, tendons, and joints, and PRP may be a factor in your recovery plan. If PRP is not the best match for your injury, we will walk you through other options. 

Connect with us today to book a PRP consultation at our Idaho Falls or Rexburg location.