What Is a What Is PRP Therapy?
Your Body’s Own Healing Power, Amplified
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a breakthrough regenerative treatment that harnesses the natural growth factors in your own blood to accelerate healing, reduce inflammation, and restore tissue function.
At Pain Doctors Medical in Newark, Dr. Etelzon draws a small sample of your blood, concentrates it in a centrifuge to create a powerful PRP solution, then precisely injects it — guided by advanced imaging — directly to the source of your pain. The result is faster healing with zero foreign substances and minimal downtime.
Unlike cortisone shots that merely mask pain, PRP actually repairs damaged tissue. Unlike surgery, it requires no hospital stay, no general anesthesia, and no lengthy recovery. It’s why patients from Newark, East Orange, Belleville, Kearny, and beyond choose Pain Doctors Medical for lasting relief.
The PRP Process — Step by Step
- Blood Draw — A small sample of your blood is taken, just like a routine lab test.
- Centrifuge Processing — Platelets are concentrated 5–10x their normal levels using our in-office centrifuge.
- Precision Injection — Dr. Etelzon uses real-time imaging guidance to deliver PRP precisely to the injury site.
- Heal & Recover — Growth factors activate, regenerating tissue over weeks. Most patients resume normal activity within days.
PRP Treatment Areas
From chronic joint conditions to sports injuries, Dr. Etelzon’s PRP protocols are tailored to your specific diagnosis and goals. Pain Doctors Medical treats all of the following conditions at our Newark, NJ location.
Chronic neck pain from disc degeneration, herniation, or facet joint damage responds remarkably well to PRP therapy. Dr. Etelzon uses precision imaging to deliver concentrated platelets directly to damaged cervical structures, reducing inflammation and stimulating natural repair. Patients in Newark experiencing neck stiffness, radiating arm pain, or limited range of motion have found lasting relief with PRP — often after other treatments have failed.
Conditions Treated:
- Herniated cervical disc
- Cervical arthritis
- Facet joint pain
- Neck stiffness and limited range of motion
- Cervical radiculopathy (radiating arm pain)
- Cervical stenosis
The shoulder’s complex structure — rotator cuff tendons, labrum, AC joint, and bursa — makes it vulnerable to tears, tendinitis, and arthritis. PRP injections delivered under ultrasound guidance accelerate healing in even partial-thickness rotator cuff tears that were previously only addressable by surgery. Whether you’re a Newark construction worker, weekend athlete, or simply struggling with daily tasks, shoulder PRP can restore full function without going under the knife.
Conditions Treated:
- Rotator cuff tears (partial and full thickness)
- Shoulder tendinitis
- Shoulder arthritis
- Labrum injury
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- AC joint pain
Low back pain is the leading cause of disability in New Jersey. PRP therapy targets the root cause — whether that’s a degenerated disc, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, or facet joint arthritis — delivering growth factors that rebuild damaged tissue from the inside out. Unlike epidural steroid injections that provide temporary relief, PRP promotes long-term structural healing. Many Newark-area patients report sustained improvement for 12–24 months after treatment.
Conditions Treated:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Facet joint arthritis
- Sciatica
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain
- Lumbar instability
- Herniated lumbar disc
Knee osteoarthritis, meniscus tears, and ligament injuries are among the most common reasons Newark patients seek pain relief. PRP has the strongest evidence base of any biologic treatment for knee arthritis, with clinical studies showing significant reduction in pain and improvement in function. Dr. Etelzon’s knee PRP protocols are drawn from Regenexx research — the gold standard in regenerative orthopedics — for outcomes far above the industry average.
Conditions Treated:
- Knee osteoarthritis (OA)
- Meniscus tears
- ACL and MCL injuries
- Patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee)
- Runner’s knee (patellofemoral syndrome)
- Baker’s cyst
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow are notoriously difficult to treat with conventional methods. Cortisone injections provide short-term relief but can weaken tendons over time. PRP, by contrast, activates the body’s healing cascade directly within the damaged tendon, producing results that get better over time. Pain Doctors Medical is one of the few practices in the Newark area offering image-guided elbow PRP with the precision and concentration levels proven in clinical research.
Conditions Treated:
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) injuries
- Bicep tendinitis
- Elbow arthritis
- Tricep tendinitis
Meet Dr. Ilana Etelzon, MD
As a double board-certified interventional pain physician, Dr. Etelzon specializes in helping patients find real relief without relying on narcotics or major surgery. She takes the time to listen, diagnose accurately, and create a plan built specifically for you.
Her Newark patients — many of whom travel from East Orange, Belleville, Kearny, Harrison, and Bloomfield — consistently rate her 5 stars for her thorough approach, genuine compassion, and life-changing outcomes. She takes time to truly understand your pain history before recommending a customized PRP protocol designed specifically for your anatomy and lifestyle.
Credentials & Distinctions
- (NPI #1730471814)
- Regenexx-Certified PRP Provider — One of a select group of NJ physicians certified in Regenexx advanced PRP protocols
- Trained at NYU Langone & Rutgers University — Clinical training at world-renowned academic medical institutions
- Image-Guided Injection Specialist — Every PRP injection performed under real-time ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance
- Member of ASIPP — American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians
- Affiliated with the Institute of Functional Medicine (IOF)
How It Works — Your Path to Relief
Getting started with PRP at Pain Doctors Medical is simple. From your first call to your first treatment, every step is clear, comfortable, and focused entirely on your recovery.
Step 1: Free Consultation
Call or book online. Tell us about your pain, how long you’ve had it, and what you’ve already tried. We’ll confirm same-week availability at our Newark office.
Step 2: Precise Diagnosis
Dr. Etelzon reviews your imaging, examines the injury site, and maps out exactly where and how PRP will be most effective for you. Using advanced imaging, we pinpoint the true source of your pain.
Step 3: PRP Treatment
Your PRP is prepared and injected in a single 45-minute visit. The procedure is performed under real-time image guidance for maximum accuracy. Most patients resume light activity the same day or next.
Step 4: Heal & Thrive
Over 4–12 weeks, your body rebuilds damaged tissue as the growth factors go to work. Follow-up visits track your progress and help optimize your outcome. Most patients experience continued improvement for months after treatment.
Patient Testimonials
Service Area — Serving Newark & Surrounding Communities
Our Newark office at 73-75 Ferry Street serves patients from across Essex, Hudson, and Bergen Counties. We are conveniently located to serve patients within a 10-mile radius, including:
- Newark (Primary Location)
- East Orange
- Belleville
- Kearny
- Harrison
- Bloomfield
- Irvington
- Nutley
- Lyndhurst
- Montclair
- Orange
- South Orange
- Glen Ridge
- Maplewood
- Jersey City
- Secaucus
Frequently Asked Questions
Most conditions require 1–3 PRP injections, spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Simple tendon injuries like tennis elbow often respond to a single session. More complex conditions like knee osteoarthritis or disc degeneration may benefit from a series. Dr. Etelzon will give you a personalized estimate after your diagnostic evaluation.
PRP is considered a regenerative treatment and coverage varies by plan. Some plans cover certain musculoskeletal PRP applications. Our Newark team will verify your benefits before your appointment and discuss all financial options, including flexible payment plans.
Most patients notice initial improvement within 2–4 weeks as growth factors activate. Peak results typically occur at 8–12 weeks as tissue regeneration progresses. Unlike cortisone, which peaks quickly and fades, PRP results continue to improve over time and can last 12–24 months or longer.
The injection is well-tolerated — similar to a standard cortisone shot. Some patients experience mild soreness at the injection site for 2–5 days as the healing response begins. This is normal and expected. Most patients return to light daily activities the same day. Dr. Etelzon will provide specific guidance based on your treatment area.
Yes — this is one of PRP’s most compelling applications. Many patients who were told surgery was their only option have successfully avoided the operating room with PRP therapy. Dr. Etelzon has helped hundreds of Newark-area patients delay or eliminate surgery for conditions including rotator cuff tears, knee arthritis, and disc degeneration.
Three things: precision, purity, and expertise. Dr. Etelzon uses real-time image guidance (ultrasound or fluoroscopy) for every injection — many clinics do not. She is one of the few Regenexx-certified providers in NJ, meaning her PRP protocols meet the highest clinical standards. And as a double board-certified physician, her diagnostic accuracy ensures PRP is applied exactly where it will work.
We offer same-week appointments for new patients at our Newark location. Call (844) 959-7246 or submit a request through paindoctorsmedical.com to confirm your availability. Walk-ins are welcome based on scheduling.