Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrate of platelets made from a small sample of your own blood. Platelets contain growth factors involved in the body’s natural healing response. When injected into an injured tendon or joint, PRP is intended to support healing and reduce pain. Dr. Dold has studied and lectured on PRP and uses it for selected hip problems.
- PRP is made from your own blood during a single office visit
- It is most often used for hip tendon problems and early arthritis
- Results vary, and research is still evolving
- PRP is usually not covered by insurance
Hip conditions PRP may be used for
- Gluteal tendinopathy and partial gluteus medius tears (outer hip pain)
- Proximal hamstring tendinopathy (pain at the “sit bone”)
- Mild to moderate hip arthritis
- As part of treatment during some hip surgeries
PRP is not the right choice for every hip problem. For example, it will not repair a complete tendon tear or reverse advanced arthritis. Dr. Dold will tell you whether PRP is reasonable for your condition and how it compares with other options, such as physical therapy, cortisone injections or surgery.
What the research shows
Studies of PRP for tendon problems around the hip, especially gluteal tendinopathy, have shown encouraging results, and some suggest longer-lasting relief than cortisone. For hip arthritis, the evidence is more limited and mixed. The devices used to prepare PRP are cleared by the FDA, but using PRP injections for these conditions is considered off-label, and no one can guarantee a result.
What to expect
- Blood draw: a small amount of blood is taken from your arm.
- Preparation: the blood is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets.
- Injection: the PRP is injected into the tendon or joint using live X-ray (fluoroscopic) guidance for accuracy.
The visit takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Soreness for a few days afterward is common. You may be asked to avoid anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen for 1 week before and 2 weeks after the injection, because they can interfere with the platelets. Most patients follow a guided rehab program afterward, and improvement usually develops gradually over several weeks.
Cost and insurance
Most insurance plans do not cover PRP injections. Our team will explain the cost before your treatment.
Learn more about PRP therapy and other biologic treatments.
Why see Dr. Dold
- Author of a systematic review on platelet-rich plasma (Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 2014) and co-author of a review of injectable biologic treatments (JBJS Reviews, 2017); faculty, TOBI Orthobiologics Institute conference (2018)
- Board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, with subspecialty certification in Sports Medicine
- Fellow of the American Orthopaedic Association (FAOA), the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (FAAOS), the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada (FRCSC)
- Sports medicine and arthroscopy fellowship at NYU Langone / Hospital for Joint Diseases; orthopedic residency at the University of Toronto
- Member of the International Society for Hip Arthroscopy (ISHA)
- D Magazine Best Doctors (Collin County), 2019–2026 · Rated 4.9 on Google
Frequently asked questions
Does PRP work for hip pain?
PRP has shown encouraging results for some hip tendon problems, such as gluteal tendinopathy. Evidence for hip arthritis is more limited. Results vary from person to person.
Is a PRP injection painful?
The injection causes some discomfort, and soreness for a few days afterward is common. Image guidance helps place the injection accurately.
How long does it take for PRP to work?
Improvement is gradual and usually develops over several weeks as part of a rehab program.
Is PRP better than a cortisone shot?
For some tendon conditions, studies suggest PRP may give longer-lasting relief than cortisone. Cortisone often works faster. Dr. Dold will help you weigh the options.
Does insurance cover PRP for the hip?
Usually not. Our team will explain the cost before treatment.
Medically reviewed by Andrew P. Dold, MD, FAOA, FAAOS, FACS, FRCSC. This page is general information, not medical advice.
