Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, uses a concentrated preparation made from your own blood. Matthew P. Wichman, MD offers PRP injections for appropriately selected orthopedic and sports-medicine conditions in the Milwaukee area, explained honestly and never oversold.
Your blood is mostly liquid (plasma) with red cells, white cells, and platelets. Platelets carry growth factors that your body uses to signal healing. For PRP, we draw a small sample of your blood and spin it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, then inject that concentrate into the painful joint or tendon. Because it comes from your own body, allergic reactions and rejection are very unlikely.
New to this? Start with the orthobiologics overview, or see PRP by joint for the knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow.
The honest picture: the strongest evidence for PRP is in the knee. In April 2026 the American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (AAPM&R) issued a guidance statement concluding that PRP can be considered for mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis in patients who still hurt after conservative care such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, and activity changes. The same experts were candid that more high-quality studies are still needed to know exactly who benefits most and how best to prepare and dose PRP. Evidence for other uses is earlier and still developing. We will tell you where your specific situation falls.
PRP is most reasonable for people with mild-to-moderate joint arthritis or a chronic tendon problem that has not settled with the basics, who want to try a biologic before considering surgery. It is less likely to help advanced, bone-on-bone arthritis, and it is not a substitute for an operation when one is genuinely needed. Whether PRP is right for you is a decision we make together after an evaluation.
PRP is an in-office procedure. We draw your blood, prepare the concentrate, numb the area, and place the injection, using ultrasound guidance when it helps us put the PRP exactly where it is needed. Afterward a short-lived soreness or flare is normal. We generally ask you to avoid anti-inflammatory medicines (like ibuprofen) for a window before and after, since they can blunt the effect. Most people return to normal activity quickly and feel the benefit build over the following weeks.
PRP vs cortisone: a cortisone shot usually works faster but for a shorter time, and repeated cortisone can be hard on cartilage and tendon. PRP usually works more slowly and, for the right problem, can last longer. PRP vs surgery: for the right patient PRP may calm things enough to delay or avoid an operation, but it does not replace surgery when surgery is truly the answer. We will give you a straight recommendation either way.
What PRP is not: it does not regrow cartilage, reverse arthritis, or guarantee you will avoid surgery. Results vary, and it is not right for everyone. We would rather tell you that honestly than oversell it.
Because insurers consider orthobiologics investigational, PRP is a cash-pay service. We give you a clear price up front and answer every question before you decide, and there is never pressure to proceed.
Insurers consider PRP investigational, so it is a cash-pay service. We give you a clear price up front and answer your questions before you decide, with no pressure to proceed.
Most people tolerate the injection well with numbing medicine. It is common to feel a short-lived flare for a few days, then gradual improvement over the following weeks, with benefit often building over two to three months. It is not an overnight fix.
They do different jobs. Cortisone tends to relieve pain faster but for a shorter time, and repeated cortisone can be hard on tissue. PRP tends to work more slowly and, for the right problem such as a stubborn tendon, can last longer. We will tell you which fits your situation.
For some patients it can calm pain and improve function enough to delay or avoid an operation. It is not a substitute for surgery when surgery is truly needed, and we will be honest with you about which situation you are in.
No. PRP is a concentrate of platelets from your own blood. We use precise language and do not market unproven stem-cell cures. If a cellular treatment like bone marrow concentrate is worth discussing for your case, we will explain exactly what it is.
Wichman Orthopedics and Wellness opens in Milwaukee in mid-November 2026. Reach out now and we will follow up to get you scheduled as soon as we open.
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This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Whether a procedure is right for you is a decision made with your surgeon after an evaluation. If this is a medical emergency, call 911.
Wichman Orthopedics