Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Joint & Tendon Injections in Plano, TX
Accelerate biological tissue repair, reduce synovial inflammation, and postpone joint surgery with physician-administered autologous PRP concentrated at 5x–7x baseline platelets under live ultrasound visualization.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy harnesses your body's endogenous bioactive healing proteins to accelerate musculoskeletal repair. Unlike synthetic cortisone injections—which temporarily mask pain but can accelerate cartilage degradation with repeated use—PRP delivers a concentrated suspension of autologous growth factors (PDGF, TGF-beta, VEGF, and EGF). At our dedicated Plano West procedural facility, Dr. Mateo Arrieta uses a closed-system dual-spin centrifugation protocol to isolate high-purity, leukocyte-poor or leukocyte-rich PRP tailored specifically for mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis, patellar tendonitis, and rotator cuff impingement under live ultrasound guidance (CPT 76942).
Who is a good candidate
- Knee Osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence Grades I-III) unresponsive to conservative NSAIDs or physical therapy
- Chronic patellar, Achilles, or common extensor (tennis elbow) tendinopathies exceeding 6 weeks duration
- Partial rotator cuff tears or subacromial bursitis seeking alternatives to surgical intervention
- Athletes and active adults seeking biological restoration without corticosteroid cartilage atrophy
Treatment protocol
- Step 1: MSK Ultrasound Evaluation & Venous Harvest — Comprehensive bedside musculoskeletal ultrasound of the affected joint, followed by a routine 30–60mL venous blood draw collected into sterile acid-citrate-dextrose tubes.
- Step 2: Dual-Spin Centrifuge Purification — Automated differential centrifugation isolates the buffy coat layer, concentrating bioactive platelets 5x–7x above baseline while eliminating pro-inflammatory red blood cells.
- Step 3: Ultrasound-Guided Intra-Articular Delivery — Real-time high-resolution ultrasound tracking verifies the needle tip position within the intra-articular joint space or tendon sheath prior to cellular infiltration.
- Step 4: Biological Rehabilitation Protocol — Structured 6-week progressive functional rehab program designed to stimulate collagen synthesis and cellular remodeling without premature mechanical stress.
Frequently asked questions
How does PRP therapy differ from standard cortisone injections?
Cortisone is a powerful synthetic anti-inflammatory steroid that provides rapid temporary relief but does not repair tissue; repeated cortisone injections can weaken tendons and accelerate cartilage loss. PRP is 100% autologous biological material that releases natural growth factors (PDGF, TGF-beta) to stimulate cellular repair and collagen synthesis over several months.
How many PRP injection sessions will I need for knee osteoarthritis?
Most clinical trials and patient protocols demonstrate optimal regenerative outcomes with a series of 1 to 3 injections spaced 3 to 4 weeks apart, followed by an annual biological booster if needed.
Is the PRP procedure painful and what is the recovery time?
We use local anesthetic buffering at the injection site so discomfort is minimal. Mild soreness or stiffness may occur for 24 to 48 hours as the natural inflammatory healing cascade activates. Patients walk out unassisted and resume normal non-impact daily activities immediately.