Treatments · Hormones & Wellness
Intra-Articular PRP Joint Injections in San Antonio
Platelet-rich plasma prepared from your own blood and injected into the joint to support healing in knees, shoulders, hips and other joints.
Medically reviewed by Francisco Cardona, MD, board-certified physician
Visit time
About 45 minutes
Downtime
1–2 days of rest
Source
Your own blood
Common joints
Knee, shoulder, hip
Overview
What is intra-articular PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrate of platelets taken from a small sample of your own blood. Platelets carry growth factors that play a role in tissue repair.
With intra-articular PRP, the concentrate is injected directly into the joint space. It is used for osteoarthritis and chronic joint pain, often by patients who want to avoid or delay steroid injections or surgery.
What it may help
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Shoulder pain and degenerative changes
- Hip joint pain
- Chronic joint stiffness
- Sports and overuse joint injuries
Who it’s for
- Adults with mild to moderate osteoarthritis
- Active patients with ongoing joint pain
- Patients looking for an option before surgery
- People who prefer a treatment made from their own blood
What to Expect
Your treatment, step by step
01
Your Evaluation
We review your symptoms, imaging if available and medical history to confirm PRP is appropriate.
02
Your Treatment
A small blood draw is spun to concentrate platelets, then injected into the joint.
03
Results & Follow-Up
Improvement, when it occurs, builds over weeks. We follow up to decide whether more injections are needed.
Does the injection hurt?
You may feel pressure and soreness for a day or two. We use local numbing to keep you comfortable.
How many injections will I need?
Some patients need one; others benefit from a short series. We decide together at follow-up.
How long until I notice a difference?
Changes usually develop over several weeks rather than right away.
Can I take anti-inflammatory medicine?
We usually ask you to avoid NSAIDs before and after PRP. We will give you specific instructions.
Is PRP covered by insurance?
PRP is generally not covered by insurance. We will explain pricing at your evaluation.
Is PRP better than a steroid injection?
They work differently. Steroids reduce inflammation quickly but can be limited with repeated use; PRP aims to support the joint environment. We help you decide which fits your situation.
Who should not get PRP?
PRP may not be appropriate for people with certain blood disorders, active infection or some cancers. We review your history first.
Can I exercise after PRP?
We usually recommend relative rest for a few days, then a gradual return to activity.
How long do results last?
When PRP helps, results can last months. Some patients choose repeat treatments.
Related Treatments
You may also consider
Peptide Therapy
Physician-prescribed peptides for recovery, body composition and healthy aging.
Begin Here
Your plan starts with an evaluation
Find out whether PRP is a good option for your joint pain.
Individual results vary. Results are not guaranteed. This page is for general education and is not medical advice.