For many conditions, the research suggests yes. While cortisone provides faster initial relief, PRP provides more sustained improvement over time. Multiple randomized controlled trials show PRP outperforms cortisone for knee osteoarthritis and tendon conditions like tennis elbow. Repeated cortisone injections have also been associated with cartilage damage and tendon weakening, whereas PRP supports your body's natural healing process.

Many patients experience significant improvement after a single PRP injection. For some conditions, a series of two to three injections spaced several weeks apart may be recommended. Research suggests that for knee osteoarthritis, a series of three injections may produce the most sustained results. Dr. Peng will create a personalized treatment plan based on your specific diagnosis.

Yes. Knee osteoarthritis is one of the most well-researched indications for PRP. Multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses demonstrate clinically meaningful improvements in pain and function. Results typically begin around 6 to 12 weeks after injection and can last 12 months or longer. PRP has been shown to outperform both cortisone and hyaluronic acid injections.

For many patients, yes. PRP injections can provide meaningful pain relief and improved function that may help delay or avoid surgical procedures like knee replacement or tennis elbow surgery. Research shows PRP can produce outcomes comparable to surgery for certain tendon conditions. A clinical trial found a 96% success rate with PRP for high-grade partial rotator cuff tears, with functional outcomes comparable to surgery at two years — but with significantly faster recovery and no surgical complications.

PRP is considered very safe because it uses your own blood, which eliminates the risk of allergic reaction or rejection. The most common side effect is temporary soreness and swelling at the injection site, which is a normal part of the healing process. Serious complications are extremely rare. All PRP injections at our clinic are performed under sterile technique and ultrasound guidance to minimize risk.

PRP works on a cellular level, so results are not immediate. Most patients begin to notice improvement around 6 to 12 weeks after the injection, with continued improvement over 3 to 6 months. For knee arthritis, the effects can last 12 months or longer. This is different from cortisone, which works quickly but wears off within weeks.

Yes. Not all PRP is created equal. Research shows that platelet doses of at least 10 billion per injection generally produce the best clinical outcomes, with emerging data suggesting even higher concentrations may yield additional benefit. The preparation system, centrifuge protocol, and whether leukocytes are included or excluded all affect the final product. At our clinic, we use systems designed to deliver the platelet concentrations supported by current research.

Cortisone is an anti-inflammatory steroid that provides rapid short-term pain relief but its effects typically wear off within weeks to months. Repeated cortisone has been associated with accelerated cartilage breakdown and tendon weakening. PRP takes longer to work — most patients feel meaningful improvement by 6 to 12 weeks — but the results are more sustained, often lasting a year or more. PRP supports your body's natural healing process rather than suppressing it.

Dr. Jeffrey Peng offers ultrasound-guided PRP injections at his sports medicine clinic in Campbell, California, serving patients from San Jose, Santa Clara, Los Gatos, Cupertino, Sunnyvale, Saratoga, Mountain View, and the greater Silicon Valley area. Patients also regularly fly in from other states and even other countries specifically for PRP treatment at our clinic.