PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is prepared from a small sample of your own blood. Processing concentrates platelets and related growth factors; whether an injection is appropriate depends on the condition and the available evidence.

How is a PRP injection performed?

A clinician draws a small blood sample, processes it to prepare the platelet-rich plasma, then injects it into the selected area. Ultrasound guidance may be used when appropriate.

How many injections are needed?

There is no fixed number. Some care plans involve one injection, while others may include more than one. The recommendation depends on the diagnosis, response, and treatment goals.

What is recovery like, and when can I resume activity?

Temporary soreness or swelling can occur. Activity guidance depends on the injection site and diagnosis; follow the instructions provided by your clinician and ask before resuming strenuous activity.

What side effects or risks should I know about?

Soreness, bruising, or temporary swelling may occur after an injection. As with other injections, bleeding or infection is possible. Your clinician can discuss risks related to your health and the treatment site.

Who may be a candidate for PRP?

A candidate is determined after a review of symptoms, examination, diagnosis, medical history, and previous care. PRP is not suitable for every condition, and results vary.

PRP Injection with Andrew Yang, MD

Andrew Yang, MD evaluates whether platelet-rich plasma (PRP), prepared from your own blood, may be considered for selected hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder conditions. Results vary.

English and Korean; Spanish interpreter available

Understanding PRP with Dr. Andrew Yang

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. It is a preparation made from a small sample of your own blood. Your blood is processed in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets — blood cells that contain growth factors involved in tissue repair and healing.

The resulting platelet-rich plasma contains a higher concentration of growth factors than normal blood. When injected into an injured or painful area — such as a damaged tendon, inflamed joint, or strained ligament — PRP may help stimulate and support the body's natural healing response.

Because PRP uses your own blood components, it is considered an autologous orthobiologic treatment. It is performed in the office setting and does not require surgery, general anesthesia, or a hospital stay.

What PRP May Help Treat

PRP may be discussed for the conditions below after an individual evaluation. It is not appropriate for everyone, and evidence and response vary by condition.

Candidacy for PRP depends on your specific diagnosis, severity, anatomic location, and prior treatment history. A thorough evaluation is needed before recommending PRP.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

May benefit from PRP

Patients with chronic tendon pain (tendinosis) that has not improved with rest and therapy

Patients seeking a non-surgical treatment option for appropriate conditions

Patients with mild to moderate degenerative or overuse conditions

Patients who have not improved sufficiently with bracing, physical therapy, or medications

Active patients looking to support recovery from sports-related soft tissue injuries

May not be ideal candidates

Patients with active infections at the treatment site

Patients with certain blood disorders or clotting conditions

Patients on anticoagulation therapy (depending on circumstances)

Conditions that are better addressed with surgery or other interventions

An orthopedic evaluation helps determine whether PRP is appropriate for your condition. Request an evaluation to discuss your options.

How PRP Injection Is Performed

Blood Draw

A small sample of blood is drawn from your arm — similar to a routine blood test.

Processing & Concentration

Your blood is placed in a centrifuge, which separates and concentrates the platelets and growth factors into a platelet-rich plasma preparation.

Preparation of Treatment Area

The injection site is cleaned and may be numbed with a local anesthetic for comfort.

Precise Injection

The concentrated PRP is injected directly into the injured or painful area. Image guidance (ultrasound) may be used when appropriate for accuracy.

Observation & Discharge

You are observed briefly after the injection and discharged with specific aftercare instructions. Many patients resume light daily activities the same day, as directed.

The entire appointment — including blood draw, processing, and injection — typically takes 45–60 minutes.

Potential Benefits of PRP

Uses your own blood

PRP is prepared from a sample of your own blood — an autologous treatment with no synthetic materials.

Non-surgical option

PRP is performed in the office without surgery, general anesthesia, or a hospital stay.

May reduce pain

PRP may help reduce pain in select tendon and joint conditions by supporting the body's repair process.

May improve function

For appropriate conditions, PRP may help improve strength, mobility, and daily function over time.

Minimal downtime

Many patients resume light daily activities the same day, as directed.

One option in a care plan

PRP may be discussed alongside other options; whether it changes future treatment needs varies by diagnosis and response.

Results vary by condition and individual. PRP is not appropriate for every patient or musculoskeletal problem.

What to Expect After the Injection

Mild soreness or swelling at the injection site is common and typically resolves within a few days

Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) should generally be avoided for a period after the injection, as they may interfere with the healing response

Activity modification may be recommended — Andrew Yang, MD will provide guidance based on the treatment site

Some patients notice changes within several weeks; response varies

Some patients may benefit from a series of injections spaced several weeks apart

A structured rehabilitation plan — including physical therapy — is often an important part of the overall treatment strategy

Follow the aftercare plan provided by Andrew Yang, MD, including activity, exercises and follow-up guidance.

PRP vs. Cortisone Injection

PRP Injection

Intended to support tissue healing over weeks to months

Uses your own blood components

Evidence and response vary by condition

Improvement is gradual, not immediate

Cortisone Injection

Focused on reducing inflammation and providing pain relief

Often provides faster symptomatic relief

Well-suited for acute inflammation

Repeated use is approached with caution for tendon health

The right choice depends on your specific diagnosis, anatomy, treatment goals, and timing. Andrew Yang, MD will discuss which option — or combination of approaches — may be appropriate for your situation.

PRP Evaluation with Andrew Yang, MD

Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship Training

Andrew Yang, MD is a hand surgeon with fellowship training in hand and upper extremity surgery at Rothman/Jefferson. Learn more on the providers page.

Evaluation Before Treatment

The evaluation reviews symptoms, examination findings and prior care before PRP or another option is discussed.

Personalized Treatment Planning

We develop individualized treatment plans that may include PRP as part of a broader strategy — alongside therapy, bracing, activity modification, or other approaches as needed.

Treatment Options

PRP may be considered with other treatment options when appropriate. Results vary, and other treatment may still be recommended.

Clear Expectations

Results vary. Andrew Yang, MD can review potential benefits, limitations and follow-up with you.

Two Convenient Locations

Appointments are available at OrthoMD in Fort Lee, NJ and Bayside, NY.

Cost and insurance

PRP is usually not covered by insurance. Call the office at (917) 242-4585 for current pricing. No dollar amount is listed because pricing may change.