Platelet rich plasma injections for selected knee arthritis and selected shoulder tendon pain by Dr Sumesh Subramanian at OrthoCure Bone and Joint Speciality Clinic, Thirumullaivoyal, serving Ambattur and Avadi.
Conservative first. PRP is discussed only when it fits your condition and your goals.
PRP is not a miracle cure. It may reduce pain and improve function in selected cases, but it does not regrow lost cartilage and it does not replace surgery in advanced arthritis.
When do we consider PRP?
PRP is considered after clinical examination and after we have discussed the full treatment ladder. Many patients improve with exercise based care, activity modification, and physiotherapy.
Early to moderate knee arthritis with persistent symptoms.
Selected shoulder tendon pain that has not improved with a guided rehabilitation plan.
People aiming to delay surgery responsibly, when the joint stage allows it.
Patients who are willing to follow rehabilitation guidance after the injection.
PRP stands for platelet rich plasma. A small blood sample is taken and processed. The platelet rich portion is used for injection when clinically appropriate.
What PRP may do
May reduce pain and inflammation, and may improve walking comfort and activity tolerance in selected cases.
What PRP does not do
Does not regrow lost cartilage, and does not reverse severe joint deformity or advanced arthritis.
Why rehab still matters
Strength and movement control are the foundation. PRP works best when the overall plan is followed.
Who decides suitability?
Decision is made after examination by Dr Sumesh Subramanian, based on your stage, goals, and realistic benefit.
Procedure and recovery
We review your symptoms, activity limits, and previous treatments.
If appropriate, blood is collected and processed with sterile precautions.
Injection is performed with sterile technique.
Mild soreness for one to two days can happen. This is usually manageable.
Rehabilitation guidance and load management are planned based on your joint and your routine.
Medication advice after injection varies by patient. If we advise avoiding certain pain medicines for a short period, it will be based on your safety profile.
When PRP is not the right choice
PRP is not offered as a routine injection for every knee or shoulder problem. It may not help, or may not be appropriate, in the following situations:
Advanced knee arthritis with severe deformity or severe daily limitation.
Complete tendon or ligament tears that require stability restoration.
Expectation of cartilage regrowth or guaranteed cure.
Active infection, uncontrolled medical issues, or unsafe injection conditions.
Unwillingness to follow rehabilitation guidance.
In selected cases, we discuss other options such as knee replacement after full evaluation.
Common questions?
Is PRP right for every knee or shoulder problem?
No. PRP is usually considered for selected early to moderate knee arthritis and selected shoulder tendon problems. Major tears, severe deformity, and advanced arthritis often need other treatments. Clinical assessment comes first.
Will PRP regrow cartilage?
PRP is mainly aimed at reducing inflammation and improving symptoms in selected patients. It is not proven to regrow lost cartilage.
How many PRP injections are needed?
Some patients may be advised a single injection, while others may be advised a short series depending on the joint and response. The plan is decided after examination and a discussion of realistic benefit.
Can PRP help me avoid knee replacement?
In some patients, PRP may improve pain and function and may delay the need for surgery. It does not replace knee replacement when arthritis is advanced and daily life is significantly limited.
Is PRP safe?
PRP uses your own blood, but an injection still has risks. Temporary soreness is common. Infection and bleeding are uncommon but possible. We discuss suitability and safety before proceeding.