Knee · Comparing treatments
PRP vs stem cell therapy for the knee.
Both are non-surgical, in-office injections delivered under ultrasound guidance. They differ in what they are made from and in how they support repair.
Side by side
The two treatments
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Made by concentrating the platelets from a small sample of your own blood. The platelets are rich in the growth factors involved in healing, and PRP is prepared and delivered the same visit. One of the most established regenerative treatments.
Learn moreStem Cell Therapy
Uses regenerative cells — often drawn from your own body — to support the repair of damaged cartilage, tendons and ligaments. The cells are prepared and concentrated for delivery to the treatment site.
Learn moreWhat they have in common.
Neither is surgery. Both are delivered in-office, to the exact site of injury, under ultrasound guidance, and both are followed by a personalized recovery and rehabilitation plan. Common uses for both include knee osteoarthritis and tendon injury.
Neither is a guarantee. How well either works varies from person to person and with how advanced the condition is.
How your surgeon chooses.
There is no single answer for every knee. Your surgeon looks at what is causing the pain, how much the joint has changed on imaging, your age and activity, and what you have already tried. Sometimes the answer is one treatment, sometimes a combination protocol — and sometimes neither, in which case we will say so.
Other options exist too: exosome therapy uses the signaling vesicles that direct tissue repair, and bone marrow concentrate (BMAC) concentrates regenerative cells and growth factors from your own bone marrow. Cost differs between treatments; our prices are published.
PRP vs stem cell therapy — common questions
Is PRP made from my own blood?
Yes. PRP is prepared from a small sample of your own blood, then delivered to the treatment site the same visit.
Is one better than the other?
Not in general. They work differently, and which fits depends on your knee. Your surgeon will explain which they recommend for your condition and why.
Can they be combined?
Yes. Different modalities support healing in different ways, and combining them lets your surgeon tailor care to your exact condition.
How much does it cost, and does insurance pay?
Regenerative therapies are self-pay; we do not bill insurance for them, which is why we publish our prices. HSA and FSA funds can usually be applied, and at checkout you can use CareCredit or split the cost with Affirm Pay-in-4. The consultation is free.
How do I know if I’m a candidate?
Book a free consultation. Our surgeons evaluate your condition and imaging before recommending any treatment, and they will tell you if regenerative treatment is not the right fit.
Request an evaluation
Request your free consultation
Tell us what's going on and we'll call you back to arrange a time. Most consultations begin as a telehealth call, so you can start without travelling to a clinic. No referral needed.
Talk it through with a surgeon.
Book a free consultation. Most consultations begin as a telehealth call, and you get a plan and a price in writing before you commit to anything.