Regenerative Medicine
PRP Injections
Platelet-rich plasma therapy uses the healing power already inside your own blood to repair damaged joints, tendons, and soft tissue, without surgery or steroids.
Regenexx-Certified Provider
Image-Guided Injections
NY & NJ Locations
Overview
What Are PRP Injections?
Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is created from a small sample of your own blood. Your blood is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, which carry growth factors responsible for tissue repair and regeneration. That concentrated mixture is then injected precisely into the damaged joint, tendon, ligament, or soft tissue.
Because PRP comes from your own body, there is no risk of rejection. The growth factors stimulate your body's natural repair response in the targeted area, helping tissue heal from the inside out. PRP is widely used for knee, shoulder, hip, and spine conditions, as well as soft tissue and tendon injuries.
At Pain Doctors Medical, Dr. Ilana Etelzon performs all PRP procedures using Regenexx injectates and image guidance, meaning every injection is placed with precision into the exact site that needs treatment.
Schedule Your Consultation
The Process
How PRP Injections Work
The entire procedure is done in-office and typically takes less than an hour from blood draw to injection.
-
1
Blood draw
A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm, typically 30 to 60 ml depending on the treatment area.
-
2
Lab processing
The blood is processed using Regenexx's advanced lab techniques to concentrate the platelets and separate out undesirable components. This is what distinguishes Regenexx PRP from standard bedside centrifuge processing.
-
3
Image-guided injection
Using fluoroscopy or ultrasound, Dr. Etelzon delivers the concentrated PRP precisely to the target site, ensuring accurate placement into the area that needs it most.
-
4
Recovery and healing
Most patients return to light activity within a day or two. The healing response builds over several weeks as the growth factors do their work.
Watch
PRP in Action
This short video explains how platelet-rich plasma is created and how it works to repair tissue.
Video provided by Regenexx. All PRP procedures at Pain Doctors Medical use Regenexx injectates and protocols.
Why It Matters
Learn More About Regenexx
Regenexx PRP Is Not the Same as Standard PRP
Most physicians offering PRP use a simple automated machine at the bedside. Regenexx uses a different approach: advanced lab processing that allows for higher platelet concentrations, customized PRP formulations based on each patient's condition, and the removal of components that can interfere with healing.
- Higher platelet concentrations than standard bedside centrifuge processing
- Customized PRP type selected for the specific injury or condition being treated
- Undesirable cells removed to create a purer, more effective injectate
- All injections performed with fluoroscopy or ultrasound guidance for precision placement
- Protocols developed from the largest outcomes dataset in the field
163K+
Image-guided procedures performed using Regenexx injectates since 2005
44%
Of world's published research on bone marrow concentrate for orthopedics
Conditions
What Does PRP Treat?
PRP is used for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly where tissue has been damaged, degenerated, or is slow to heal on its own.
Knee Osteoarthritis
Cartilage loss and joint degeneration in the knee, including early to moderate osteoarthritis.
ACL & Meniscal Injuries
Partial ACL or PCL tears and meniscal injuries that have not responded to conservative care.
Rotator Cuff Tears
Partial rotator cuff tears and tendon degeneration in the shoulder.
Tennis & Golfer's Elbow
Lateral and medial epicondylitis, including chronic cases that have not resolved with PT or steroids.
Hip Pain & Arthritis
Hip joint degeneration, labral tears, and soft tissue injuries around the hip.
Spine Conditions
Facet joint arthritis, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and nerve-related spinal conditions.
Plantar Fasciitis
Chronic heel and foot pain from plantar fascia degeneration.
Soft Tissue & Tendon Injuries
General overuse injuries, tendinopathy, and ligament damage throughout the body.
Your Visit
What to Expect at Your PRP Appointment
PRP at Pain Doctors Medical is an in-office procedure. Most appointments take between 60 and 90 minutes from start to finish, and patients go home the same day.
- Before your appointment Dr. Etelzon reviews your imaging and clinical history to confirm PRP is the right approach and to determine which Regenexx protocol fits your condition.
- Day of procedure Blood is drawn, processed in the lab, and the finished PRP is delivered under image guidance. You may feel mild pressure or discomfort at the injection site.
- Immediately after Some soreness at the injection site is normal and typically resolves within a few days. Most patients drive themselves home.
- Recovery timeline The healing response from PRP builds over 4 to 12 weeks. Some patients notice improvement within weeks; others see gradual progress over several months.
- Follow-up Dr. Etelzon schedules follow-up visits to monitor your progress and determine whether additional treatments would support your recovery.
Is PRP covered by insurance?
PRP and most regenerative procedures are not currently covered by most insurance plans. During your consultation, Dr. Etelzon's team will walk you through pricing and financing options available.
Free Guide: What Is PRP?
What to expect, how it's made, and whether you might be a candidate.
Common Questions
PRP Injection FAQs
How many PRP injections will I need?
This depends on your diagnosis, the severity of damage, and how your body responds to treatment. Some patients see meaningful improvement after a single injection. Others benefit from a series of two to three treatments. Dr. Etelzon will discuss expectations during your consultation based on your specific condition and imaging.
Is PRP painful?
The injection itself is similar to other types of joint or soft tissue injections. Some patients feel mild pressure or a brief ache at the injection site. Local anesthetic is used to minimize discomfort. Post-procedure soreness is common for a few days as the healing response activates.
How is Regenexx PRP different from what I've heard about at other clinics?
Most clinics use a standard tabletop centrifuge that produces a basic PRP concentration. Regenexx uses advanced lab processing that achieves higher platelet concentrations, allows for customized formulations based on your condition, and removes red blood cells and other components that can slow healing. Every injection at Pain Doctors Medical is also image-guided, not landmark-guided.
How long until I see results?
Results from PRP build gradually. Some patients notice improvement within four to six weeks. Full results are typically assessed at three to six months. Because PRP works by stimulating your body's own healing process rather than masking pain, results tend to develop over time rather than immediately.
Can PRP be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Dr. Etelzon frequently pairs PRP with MLS laser therapy as part of a comprehensive program. The laser helps reduce inflammation and create a better healing environment at the cellular level, which can support and extend the effects of the PRP injection.
PRP injections available at four locations across New York and New Jersey:
Patient Stories
What Patients Are Saying
★★★★★
"Dr. Etelzon always makes sure you are comfortable and leave her office with less pain than you came in with. She gets to the root of the problem. No long waits, efficient visit. Highly satisfied with my treatment plan."
★★★★★
"Dr. Etelzon is very knowledgeable and caring and has hands of gold! She was so thorough in her examination and really sees and hears the patient and determines a customized treatment."
★★★★★
"Dear Dr. Etelzon, thank you again. I am starting to feel more like myself again. Today I decided to go do my nails, which I had not done for a long time. I also asked my daughter if we could go to the park. A big weight has been lifted."
* Like all medical procedures, procedures using Regenexx lab processes have a success and failure rate. Patient reviews and testimonials on this site should not be interpreted as a statement on the effectiveness of treatment for anyone else.
Ready to Find Out If PRP Is Right for You?
Dr. Etelzon reviews your history and imaging before recommending any procedure. Your consultation is a conversation, not a commitment.
Schedule Your ConsultationOr explore our full Regenerative Medicine Procedures page.