At Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons in Montgomery, AL, our sports medicine specialists offer platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections as part of a comprehensive approach to orthopaedic care. PRP, sometimes called an “orthobiologic,” is not a cure or a one-size-fits-all treatment, but it can be a helpful non-operative option for certain joint and tendon conditions—especially in active patients and athletes.
What is PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma is created by drawing a small sample of your own blood and spinning it in a sterile system to separate and concentrate the platelets. Platelets contain natural growth factors that help signal tissue repair. When injected into a targeted area, PRP may support the body’s healing response.
Important to note: Devices that prepare PRP are FDA-cleared for producing platelet concentrate. However, PRP injections themselves are not specifically FDA-approved for every musculoskeletal condition. At SOS, our board-certified orthopaedic surgeons use PRP carefully and selectively, based on current research and individual patient needs.
Who Might Benefit from PRP?
PRP may be considered if you:
- Have early to moderate knee osteoarthritis and want to reduce reliance on steroid injections.
- Struggle with a chronic tendon problem such as tennis elbow or Achilles tendinopathy that hasn’t improved with physical therapy.
- Are an athlete hoping to return to your sport using non-surgical strategies.
PRP is not a cure for arthritis, but many patients experience pain relief and improved function for several months. Results vary from person to person.
How the Procedure Works at SOS
- Blood draw: A small sample of your blood is collected.
- Preparation: We use a sterile, FDA-cleared system to concentrate platelets.
- Injection: The PRP is carefully injected into the joint or tendon.
- Recovery: You may feel soreness for a few days, followed by a guided activity plan.
Because PRP is made from your own blood, the risk of allergic reaction is very low.
What Our Sports Medicine Specialists Say
Dr. Austin Worley
“PRP isn’t a cure-all, but in carefully selected cases we see meaningful symptom improvement and function gains without surgery.”
Safety, Side Effects, and Coverage
- Common effects include mild pain or swelling at the injection site.
- PRP is not appropriate for everyone, such as patients with certain blood disorders or active infections.
- Many insurance companies consider PRP investigational for joint or tendon use, which means patients often pay out-of-pocket.
PRP at Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons
Our goal at SOS is to help you move with less pain—whether that’s through activity modification, physical therapy, bracing, or, when appropriate, injections like PRP. We tailor treatment plans to your lifestyle and activity goals, so you can get back to doing what you love.
FAQs
Is PRP the same as stem cell therapy?
No. PRP uses your own platelets, not stem cells.
How many injections are needed?
Often one to three injections spaced weeks apart, depending on your diagnosis.
How soon will I feel better?
Some patients notice improvement within weeks, others over a few months.
Thinking about PRP?
PRP may be one of several options for managing your pain. The best way to know if it’s right for you is to schedule a consultation with one of our providers at Southern Orthopaedic Surgeons in any of our convenient locations across the River Region. We are accepting new patients at our Montgomery, Prattville, Wetumpka, and Tallassee locations. To schedule an appointment, call our office at 334-613-9000.
