PRP Injections Explained

PRP injections use platelet-rich plasma from your own blood to help heal injured, stiff, or arthritic joints. At The Stone Clinic, PRP is often combined with hyaluronic acid (HA) to help reduce pain, improve motion, and support recovery in injured knees, shoulders, and ankles.

Kevin R. Stone, MD, explains how PRP is prepared, why hyaluronic acid is added, and how this biologic combination helps create a better environment for joint healing.

Potential Benefits of PRP and Hyaluronic Acid Injections

For injured joints, PRP combined with HA may help:

  • Reduce joint pain and soreness in irritated or arthritic joints
  • Limit scar formation
  • Support and accelerate the body's natural healing response
  • Ease stiffness and improve range of motion, helping patients participate more effectively in physical therapy

How PRP and Hyaluronic Acid Work Together

PRP is created by drawing a small amount of a patient's own blood and concentrating the platelets by spinning it in a centrifuge. Those platelets contain growth factors and signaling proteins that help calm inflammation and stimulate the body's repair response.

Hyaluronic acid is the natural lubricant found in healthy joints. When added to PRP, it helps reduce friction and stiffness while the PRP supports healing. Together, they address both sides of the problem: the biology of an irritated joint and the mechanics of painful movement.

These injections are not a shortcut around rehab. They are part of a broader joint-preservation strategy that combines accurate diagnosis, biologic treatment, physical therapy, and progressive strengthening to help you return to sports fitter, faster, and stronger than you were before your injury. 

PRP vs. Cortisone Injections

Cortisone injections can reduce pain and inflammation, but they do not repair injured tissue, and can contribute to further tissue weakening.

The Stone Clinic's biologic approach is regenerative rather than degenerative. PRP and hyaluronic acid are used to reduce pain and stiffness while supporting the joint's natural healing, lubrication, and repair environment.

Learn More About Injection and Non-Operative Therapies

For a deeper look at PRP and biologic joint care at The Stone Clinic, explore: