PRP Education

What Is PRP Therapy for Knee Pain?

Harness Your Body’s Natural Healing at Dr. Burke Orthopedics

When knee pain lingers, even the simplest movements—climbing stairs, walking the dog, standing too long—can feel overwhelming. For those seeking natural, minimally invasive alternatives, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy may offer a powerful solution.

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide patients with education-first guidance. Our goal is simple: help you understand how PRP works, where it fits in your recovery plan, and whether it’s worth exploring for your knee condition.

  • Revolutionary Cartilage Restoration
  • Long-Lasting Results
  • Minimally Invasive Procedure

What Is PRP Therapy?

PRP is derived directly from your own blood. A small sample is processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets—which are rich in growth factors responsible for tissue repair, inflammation control, and healing support.

This concentrated solution is injected into the affected area to stimulate the body’s natural healing process, potentially offering relief when other treatments have failed or lost their effectiveness.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA Approved

How PRP Works for the Knee

The knee is one of the most researched and responsive joints for PRP therapy. This joint bears your body weight, absorbs daily strain, and is vulnerable to age-related degeneration and injury.

PRP is commonly explored for:

  • Mild to moderate osteoarthritis
  • Meniscal degeneration or irritation
  • Patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee)
  • Cartilage thinning
  • Post-operative recovery enhancement

By stimulating localized healing, PRP may help reduce inflammation, improve joint fluid quality, and support structural tissue repair over time.

"PRP doesn’t replace surgery, but it may delay or avoid it for the right patient." — Dr. Robert Burke

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA Approved

What the Research Shows

PRP has been studied extensively in orthopedics—especially for knees—with many studies showing measurable pain reduction and mobility improvements.

  • A 2022 study published in The American Journal of Sports Medicine showed PRP to be more effective than corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid in managing knee osteoarthritis over 6–12 months.
  • Research supports improved synovial fluid thickness, reduced inflammation markers, and even cartilage thickness improvements in select patients.
  • Athletes and active adults have reported faster return-to-activity timelines compared to traditional anti-inflammatory injections.

Note: Results vary by individual. PRP is still considered investigational for orthopedic use, and is not yet FDA-approved as a definitive treatment.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA Approved

The PRP Experience at Dr. Burke Orthopedics

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Consultation & Diagnostic Review

    Dr. Burke and his team evaluate your knee condition through exam and imaging to determine your eligibility.

  • PRP Education Session

    You’ll learn how PRP is prepared, injected, and what kind of outcomes are typical for your knee type and condition severity

  • Customized Plan

    PRP is often one part of a wider care strategy that may include physical therapy, bracing, or activity modifications.

  • Safe, Sterile Injection

    If PRP is appropriate and selected, we process it in-office using FDA-cleared centrifuge equipment and sterile technique.

Who Might Benefit Most?

PRP may be worth considering if:

  • You’ve tried NSAIDs, PT, or cortisone injections with limited relief
  • Imaging shows early to moderate degenerative changes
  • You’re active and want to avoid or delay surgery
  • You’re recovering from an orthopedic procedure and want to support healing

It’s especially effective in knees, where PRP helps restore fluid balance and slow cartilage breakdown.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA Approved

Free Guide: “Is PRP Right for Your Knee?”

Download the Patient PDF Guide Includes:

  • How PRP compares to cortisone and HA injections
  • What studies show and what they don’t
  • Post-injection expectations and outcomes
  • Who it may help and who it may not

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA Approved

What Our Patients Say

“I was considering a knee replacement, but PRP gave me a year of pain-free walking I didn’t think was possible.”
– Sam R., Houston

“The clarity I got from Dr. Burke’s consult was everything. No gimmicks—just facts.” – Karen L., Pearland

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA Approved

Same day PRP Education & Consultation?

We offer same-day or next-day appointments to discuss your options. Even if PRP isn’t the best fit, we’ll help you find what is.

About Dr. Robert Burke

Dr. Burke is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with 20+ years of experience in joint care. He combines medical precision with transparent communication, helping you understand all options—not just the newest ones.

He emphasizes:

  • Conservative and evidence-based care
  • Minimally invasive solutions when appropriate
  • Informed patient decisions—without pressure

“Regenerative therapies like PRP show promise—but the right education must come before the right decision.” — Dr. Burke

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA Approved

Outcomes & Results

  • Up to 12 months of symptom relief from 1–3 injections in mild to moderate cases
  • Improved mobility reported within 4–6 weeks in many patients
  • Low risk of complications—no surgery, no general anesthesia
  • Works best when combined with weight management and rehab

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA Approved

PRP Features at Dr. Burke Orthopedics

  • FDA-cleared in-office centrifuge
  • Orthopedic-trained administration
  • Realistic expectations and post-care plans
  • Education-first approach (not promotional)

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA Approved

Why It’s More Than Just a Knee Treatment

While this page focuses on knee care, PRP is also being studied for other orthopedic applications. Our clinic considers each patient's needs on a case-by-case basis.

By understanding how PRP behaves in soft tissue, tendon, and joint environments, we tailor recommendations that go beyond one-size-fits-all claims.

  • Innovative Regenerative Therapy
  • Personalized Care
  • FDA Approved

Ready to Learn More?

No pressure. Just knowledge, personalized answers, and orthopedic guidance from experts you can trust.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • How many injections do I need?
    Most plans include 1–3 injections spaced 2–4 weeks apart. Follow-up care varies.
  • Is it painful?
    Expect mild soreness for 24–72 hours. We use local anesthetic and careful technique to minimize discomfort.
  • Will it grow new cartilage?
    PRP may support tissue quality and reduce inflammation, but cartilage regrowth is not guaranteed.
  • Can it help if I’ve already had surgery?
    Yes, PRP is sometimes used post-operatively to enhance healing and manage residual pain.
  • Is it covered by insurance?
    Currently, most insurance plans do not cover PRP injections. However, your consult and imaging may be.