Question 1

Does PRP actually rebuild cartilage in an arthritic knee?

Accepted Answer

No. The RESTORE trial, a 288-patient placebo-controlled RCT published in JAMA, found no difference in medial tibial cartilage volume on MRI between PRP and a saline injection at 12 months. PRP produced a modest pain benefit in that same trial, so it is reasonable as a symptom treatment, but it should not be presented or expected as a way to regenerate damaged cartilage.

Question 2

I've heard PRP doesn't work for rotator cuff pain. Is that true?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you mean by rotator cuff pain. For chronic tendinopathy without a structural tear, the best placebo-controlled trial available found no significant benefit of PRP over saline at any point through one year. PRP has a different and better-supported role as an adjunct used during surgical repair of an actual tear, which is a separate clinical question covered on the surgical augmentation page.

Question 3

How does PRP compare to a cortisone shot?

Accepted Answer

For knee osteoarthritis and for lateral epicondylitis, PRP has outperformed corticosteroid in randomized trials measured at 6 to 12 months and beyond, largely because the corticosteroid effect tends to fade while PRP's benefit, in patients who respond, holds up longer. Cortisone typically works faster in the first few weeks. The right choice depends on whether you need quick relief or are optimizing for durability.

Question 4

How many PRP injections will I need?

Accepted Answer

For knee osteoarthritis, the evidence favors a series of two to three injections over a single dose, though a single injection can still produce a measurable pain benefit. For tendon conditions, protocols vary, and your surgeon should set expectations for your specific diagnosis rather than apply a one-size-fits-all schedule.

Question 5

Is PRP covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Typically not. Most commercial insurers, Medicare, and Medicaid classify PRP as investigational and do not cover it, so it is generally an out-of-pocket expense. Confirm your specific plan's policy before scheduling, since coverage decisions vary by payer and can change.

Question 6

Can I get PRP if I'm on a blood thinner?

Accepted Answer

It depends on which medication and why you're taking it. Certain anticoagulants can affect platelet function and the quality of the PRP concentrate produced. Disclose all medications, including aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel, and newer anticoagulants, so your surgeon can coordinate with your prescribing physician on whether and how PRP can be done safely.

Question 7

Where in Montgomery County can I get a PRP injection with Dr. Raffo?

Accepted Answer

PRP injections are performed in the Bethesda and Germantown offices, serving patients throughout Montgomery County. A related physical therapy program, often prescribed alongside a PRP injection to load the tendon properly as it remodels, is available at the Rockville location. Your surgeon will tell you at your visit whether an injection, a course of therapy, or both together makes the most sense for your specific diagnosis.

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