PRP Therapy for Arthritis
Living with arthritis doesn’t have to mean living with pain. At Connecticut Pain Solutions, Dr. Igor Turok specializes in Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy for arthritis — a natural, minimally invasive treatment that uses your own blood’s healing growth factors to reduce joint inflammation, slow cartilage deterioration, and restore mobility. Say goodbye to the pain that’s keeping you from the activities you love and contact Connecticut Pain Solutions today to schedule your consultation.
What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy?
Your blood contains four key components: plasma, platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells. Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy works by isolating and concentrating the platelets — the component responsible for healing — and injecting them into areas of pain and tissue damage to trigger a powerful, natural repair response.
Plasma is the liquid portion of blood, made up of water and proteins that keep your cells circulating. Platelets are a specialized blood cell (thrombocytes) packed with cytokines, growth factors, and signaling proteins that promote tissue regrowth, reduce inflammation, and support joint lubrication. By separating out the platelets and concentrating them into a PRP solution — which contains 2 to 8 times the normal platelet concentration — Dr. Turok delivers a potent, targeted dose of your body’s own healing agents directly to the affected joint.
How PRP Helps Arthritis Patients
PRP therapy is particularly well-suited to arthritis because it addresses several aspects of the disease simultaneously:
Reduces Inflammation — PRP growth factors signal the immune system to modulate the inflammatory response in the joint, reducing swelling, heat, and pain.
Supports Cartilage Health — PRP promotes the production of collagen and other structural proteins that protect and partially restore cartilage integrity, helping slow the degenerative process.
Improves Joint Lubrication — PRP injections have been shown to increase synovial fluid production, improving the natural lubrication of the joint and reducing the stiffness that makes arthritis so limiting.
Long-Lasting Relief — Many patients experience significant pain relief for six months to over a year after their initial PRP treatment, with results continuing to build as the tissue repairs.
PRP for Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition that causes joint tissue to progressively break down over time, leading to chronic pain and stiffness in the lower back, neck, hips, hands, and knees. It is most common in patients over 50 but can affect younger individuals following a joint injury.
PRP therapy for osteoarthritis is particularly effective because it directly targets the degenerative process — promoting new tissue growth and joint lubrication rather than simply masking pain. Research indicates that patients treated with PRP experience greater long-term relief than those receiving corticosteroid injections, and without the long-term risks associated with repeated steroid use.
PRP for Knee Arthritis
The knees are among the most commonly affected joints in arthritis patients — bearing the brunt of daily body weight and physical activity. PRP for knee arthritis has strong clinical support: studies show meaningful pain relief for patients ranging from athletes with overuse injuries to older adults with chronic degeneration.
For patients who are wary of or do not qualify for knee replacement surgery, PRP offers an effective, non-surgical alternative. Even many patients who have not responded well to medications or physical therapy alone experience significant improvement with PRP knee injections. Learn more about our knee pain treatment options.
What to Expect at Connecticut Pain Solutions
Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Turok. During this visit, he reviews your medical history, examines the affected joint, and evaluates any prior imaging or diagnostic results. Some patients may require an updated MRI to assess the extent of cartilage damage before a final treatment plan is determined.
Blood Draw and PRP Preparation
When you arrive for treatment, a small blood sample is drawn — similar to a routine blood test. It is then placed in a centrifuge for approximately 15 minutes to separate and concentrate the platelets. Once prepared, the PRP is drawn into a syringe and precisely injected into the affected joint using imaging guidance for accuracy.
The entire process takes less than an hour. You may receive guidance on post-treatment physical therapy to help the joint regain strength and function as healing progresses.
Recovery
Recovery from PRP arthritis injections is straightforward. Most patients rest for the first 24 hours before returning to light activity. Mild soreness at the injection site is the most common side effect and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most patients begin to feel meaningful relief within a few weeks, with continued improvement over the following months.
Follow-Up
A follow-up appointment several weeks after your initial injection allows Dr. Turok to monitor your progress and assess whether additional injections are needed to maximize your results.
PRP vs. Other Arthritis Treatments
vs. Oral Medications — Over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers provide temporary symptom relief but do nothing to address the underlying joint degeneration. PRP stimulates actual tissue repair.
vs. Steroid Injections — Corticosteroids reduce inflammation but are short-term solutions. Research consistently shows PRP produces greater pain reduction over time and avoids the tissue-weakening effects of repeated steroid use.
vs. Physical Therapy Alone — Physical therapy strengthens muscles and improves mobility but cannot reverse internal cartilage degeneration. PRP and physical therapy together are more effective than either alone.
vs. Surgery — Joint replacement carries significant risks, long recovery periods, and is often reserved as a last resort. PRP offers many patients meaningful relief while avoiding the operating room entirely.
Are You a Candidate for PRP Arthritis Treatment?
PRP therapy for arthritis may be right for you if you haven’t found adequate relief through medications or physical therapy, are in otherwise good health, and prefer to explore non-surgical options before considering joint replacement. Call Connecticut Pain Solutions at (203) 626-9080 - Wallingford Office or (203) 724-9290 - Ridgefield Office or book your consultation online to find out if PRP is the right next step for your arthritis treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About PRP for Arthritis
How does PRP therapy differ from a standard cortisone injection for arthritis?
Cortisone injections are anti-inflammatory and provide temporary pain relief but do not repair damaged joint tissue and may weaken cartilage with repeated use. PRP uses your own concentrated platelets to promote genuine tissue regeneration, reduce inflammation, and improve joint lubrication — delivering longer-lasting results that support the joint’s structural health over time.
How many PRP injections will I need for arthritis?
Most patients receive between one and three injections depending on the severity of their arthritis and the results of diagnostic testing. Dr. Turok will determine the appropriate number during your consultation and adjust based on your response to treatment.
How long does PRP relief last for arthritis patients?
Many patients experience significant pain relief for six months to over a year after PRP arthritis treatment. Results vary by patient and severity of arthritis, but relief tends to continue building as the tissue heals in the weeks and months following injection.
Can I drive myself home after a PRP arthritis injection?
In most cases, yes. You can typically drive yourself home after PRP treatment unless the injection was placed in your right knee or ankle, which could temporarily affect your ability to operate a vehicle. Your provider will advise you on this based on the specific injection site.
Is PRP for arthritis covered by insurance?
PRP therapy for arthritis is generally not covered by insurance and is considered an elective procedure. However, many patients find the investment worthwhile given the reduction in pain medications, reduced need for repeat steroid injections, and potential to delay or avoid joint replacement surgery. Call (203) 626-9080 - Wallingford Office or (203) 724-9290 - Ridgefield Office to discuss pricing.
What joints can be treated with PRP for arthritis?
Dr. Turok uses PRP to treat arthritis in the knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, wrists, ankles, and spine. If you’re dealing with arthritis pain in a specific joint, contact Connecticut Pain Solutions to find out whether PRP is appropriate for your situation. See also our joint injection services.
Is PRP therapy safe for arthritis patients?
Yes. PRP is extremely safe for appropriate candidates. Because it uses your own blood, the risk of allergic reaction, immune response, or infection is minimal. Dr. Turok carefully screens each patient during the consultation to ensure PRP is suitable given their health status and medical history.