PRP Injections
Platelet-rich plasma injections for tendon, ligament and early arthritis pain, given by an orthopedic surgeon after a proper diagnosis. In Port St. Lucie and Palm Beach Gardens.
What is PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma is made from your own blood. A small sample is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and that concentrate is injected into the injured area. Platelets carry growth factors involved in tissue repair.
The aim is to support healing in tissue that has stalled, not to switch off pain for a while. That is the difference from a cortisone shot, which suppresses inflammation for a time. PRP is one of the orthobiologic treatments the practice offers.
Why have it done by an orthopedic surgeon?
Giving the injection is the easy part. Deciding whether PRP fits the problem at all is the part that needs a diagnosis. Dr. Matarazzo examines the joint and reviews your imaging first, and sometimes the answer is that therapy, shockwave therapy or surgery is the better route. You hear that before you pay for anything.
What is PRP used for?
Tendinopathy
Tendons around the shoulder, elbow, knee or ankle that have stayed painful despite rest and rehabilitation.
Early to moderate knee arthritis
Joint pain from cartilage wear that has not yet reached the point of surgery.
Ligament sprains and partial tears
A ligament that is partly torn rather than ruptured.
Muscle strains
Soft-tissue injuries that are slow to settle.
Pain after previous surgery
Stiffness and pain left behind after an operation.
What to expect
- An exam and imaging review before anything is injected
- Blood drawn and processed in the office, then the injection, in one visit
- Some soreness at the site for a few days is common
- Improvement that comes gradually, over several weeks
- Rehabilitation alongside, because PRP works harder with it
- The cost made clear before you begin
Is PRP covered by insurance?
Usually not. Regenerative treatments such as PRP are generally considered elective and are typically self-pay. Our staff will make the cost clear before you begin, so there are no surprises. The practice does not publish prices; call 561-202-8886 to ask.
Important safety & regulatory information. Many orthobiologic and regenerative treatments discussed on this page (such as platelet-rich plasma and related injection therapies) are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment, cure, or prevention of any medical condition, and much of the supporting research is preclinical or preliminary. They are offered only after evaluation by a physician, as one part of an individualized treatment plan, and are not appropriate for every patient. Individual results vary, and no outcome is guaranteed. This page is educational and is not medical advice — discuss the potential benefits, risks, and alternatives with your physician.
FAQ
Common Patient Questions
No. Cortisone suppresses inflammation for a while. PRP is aimed at supporting the repair of the tissue itself, so it works more slowly and in a different direction.
Gradually, over several weeks. It does not give the immediate relief a cortisone injection can.
It depends on the problem being treated. Dr. Matarazzo sets out the plan, including the number of injections, before you start.
Sometimes, most realistically with early arthritis, tendon problems and partial ligament tears. It is not a substitute for surgery where surgery is genuinely needed.
Usually not. It is generally considered elective and is typically self-pay. Our staff will make the cost clear before you begin.
PRP injection therapy is not approved by the FDA to treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, and much of the research is preliminary. It is offered only after a physician's evaluation, as one part of an individual treatment plan.
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You may also be interested in
Orthobiologics & Regenerative Therapies
Orthobiologics & Regenerative Therapies →Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy →Knee Arthritis
Knee Arthritis →Where You’d Be Seen
PRP injections in Port St. Lucie & Palm Beach Gardens
Dr. Matarazzo sees patients for this at both offices — Port St. Lucie (1100 SW St. Lucie West Blvd., Ste. 105) and Palm Beach Gardens (11380 Prosperity Farms Rd, Ste 204). Patients travel in from Stuart, Jensen Beach, Fort Pierce, Jupiter, North Palm Beach and West Palm Beach — see every area we serve, or call 561-202-8886.