Conditions

PRP Therapy for Joint Pain: Knee, Shoulder, Hip & Back

How platelet-rich plasma injections are used for joint and soft-tissue pain — what the evidence honestly shows, how PRP compares to cortisone, surgery, and stem cells, and the questions worth asking.

PRP Therapy  ·  By the Regenerative Treatment Guide Editorial Team  ·  Medical review by our Medical Advisory Board (forming)  ·  Updated June 11, 2026  ·  7 min read

If you're weighing options for ongoing knee, shoulder, hip, or back pain and want to avoid surgery, you've probably come across PRP — platelet-rich plasma. It's one of the most common regenerative injections offered for joints and soft-tissue injuries. This guide explains how PRP is used for joint pain, what the research actually supports (and where it's still uncertain), how it stacks up against cortisone, surgery, and stem cell therapy, and what it costs — so you can have an informed conversation with a provider.

What PRP is, in brief

PRP is made from a small sample of your own blood, spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and the growth factors they carry, then injected — often with ultrasound guidance — into the painful joint, tendon, or ligament. The aim is to deliver a concentrated dose of healing signals to the area. For a full explanation of how PRP is prepared and used across the body, see our overview of PRP therapy.

Which joint problems it's used for

PRP is most commonly injected for:

  • Knee osteoarthritis and related cartilage and meniscus issues — the most studied use.
  • Shoulder problems such as rotator cuff tendon injuries.
  • Hip osteoarthritis and certain soft-tissue pain around the joint.
  • Back and other tendon/ligament injuries, where PRP is sometimes tried after conservative care hasn't helped.

What the evidence shows

The honest summary is mixed, and strongest for the knee. Some studies of PRP for knee osteoarthritis report meaningful improvements in pain and function; others find little difference from placebo. A big reason for the inconsistency is that protocols vary widely — how the PRP is prepared, how concentrated it is, and how many injections are given all differ between clinics, which makes studies hard to compare. You can browse the research on PubMed and trials on ClinicalTrials.gov. Bottom line: PRP is a reasonable option some people explore for joint pain, but results are not guaranteed, and you should ask what the evidence shows for your specific joint.

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PRP vs. other joint treatments

vs. cortisone (corticosteroid) injections

Cortisone reduces inflammation and can relieve pain quickly, but relief is often temporary, and repeated steroid injections may have downsides for the joint over time. PRP works differently — it aims to support the healing environment rather than just suppress inflammation — and any benefit tends to build more gradually. Neither is guaranteed.

vs. stem cell therapy

PRP uses platelets from your blood; stem cell therapy uses cells from bone marrow, fat, or donated cord tissue. PRP is generally simpler and less expensive; stem cell therapy is more involved and costlier. Neither is FDA-approved for joint pain. For the cell-based side, see our stem cell therapy for knee pain guide and the MSC research for orthopedic pain review.

vs. surgery

Surgery (such as joint replacement) is a definitive structural fix for advanced damage, but it's invasive with a longer recovery. PRP is a minimally invasive injection that some people try to delay or avoid surgery — though it is not a substitute for surgery when a joint is severely damaged. A surgeon's and a regenerative provider's input together can help you weigh the timing.

Is it FDA approved, and is it safe?

PRP is not FDA-approved as a treatment for joint pain — this use is investigational, even though some preparation devices are FDA-cleared. On safety, because PRP uses your own blood, allergic reaction is unlikely and it's generally low-risk with a qualified provider; reported risks include temporary pain, swelling, bleeding, or infection at the injection site. For the broader regulatory picture, see our guide to whether stem cell therapy is FDA approved and safe.

What does it cost?

PRP for joints is typically paid out of pocket and not standardized. As a general reference, single sessions commonly range from roughly $500 to $1,500 per joint, and some clinics recommend more than one. It's usually less expensive than stem cell therapy. For the full picture, see our guide to PRP therapy cost.

Questions to ask a provider

  • Is PRP investigational for my specific joint, and what does the evidence show?
  • How will you prepare the PRP, and how many sessions do you recommend?
  • How does PRP compare to cortisone, stem cell therapy, or surgery for me?
  • What are the realistic expected outcomes and the risks?
  • What is the total cost, including any follow-up injections?

Frequently asked questions

No. The FDA has not approved PRP as a treatment for orthopedic or joint conditions, so this use is considered investigational. Some PRP preparation devices are FDA-cleared, but that is not the same as the treatment being approved for knee, shoulder, hip, or back pain. Discuss the investigational status with your provider.
The evidence is mixed and strongest for the knee. Some studies of PRP for knee osteoarthritis report improvements in pain and function, while others show little difference from placebo, and protocols vary widely between clinics. Results are not guaranteed, and a physician should advise whether it is reasonable for your specific joint.
Cortisone (a corticosteroid) reduces inflammation and can relieve pain quickly, but the effect is often temporary and repeated steroid injections may have downsides over time. PRP uses your own concentrated platelets and aims to support the healing environment rather than simply suppress inflammation; any benefit tends to develop more gradually. Neither is guaranteed, and which is appropriate depends on your situation.
There is no universal answer. PRP is simpler and less expensive and uses platelets from your own blood; stem cell therapy uses cells from sources like bone marrow, fat, or donated cord tissue and costs more. Neither is FDA-approved for joint pain, and the evidence for both is still developing. A qualified provider can help weigh them for your specific condition.
PRP for joints is typically paid out of pocket and is not standardized. As a general reference, single sessions commonly range from roughly $500 to $1,500 per joint, and some clinics recommend more than one session. It is usually less expensive than stem cell therapy. Request a written cost breakdown that includes any recommended follow-up.

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Related reading

This article is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. PRP for joint pain is investigational and not FDA-approved, the evidence is mixed, and individual results vary and are not guaranteed. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation.