Regenerative Medicine
PRP & Stem Cell Injection FAQ
If you are researching PRP injections or PRP + Stem Cell injections, you probably have a lot of questions. That is completely normal.
This page gives clear, patient-friendly answers about what these treatments are, how candidacy is determined, what conditions may be evaluated, and why a doctor recommendation is required before scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PRP?
PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma. It is prepared from a sample of your own blood. The blood is processed so the platelet-rich portion can be concentrated and used as part of a doctor-directed treatment plan.
How is PRP made?
A sample of blood is drawn and then processed in a centrifuge. This separates the blood into different layers so the platelet-rich portion can be prepared for treatment when recommended by the doctor.
Is PRP made from my own blood?
Yes. PRP is made from the patient’s own blood. It is not donor blood.
What are PRP + Stem Cell Injections?
PRP + Stem Cell injections combine the patient’s own PRP with a donor-derived cellular product when the doctor determines that a combined regenerative approach may be appropriate.
Where does stem cell product come from?
The cellular product used for PRP + Stem Cell injections is donor-derived and sourced through an appropriate regulated pharmacy channel. The doctor can discuss product details, availability, candidacy, and whether this option may be appropriate for your case.
May I directly schedule PRP or PRP + Stem Cell Injections?
No. These are not direct-book appointments. A doctor evaluation is required first, and treatment must be recommended before the office staff can schedule an injection appointment.
Candidacy & Conditions
How do I know if I am a candidate?
The best way to know is through a proper evaluation. The doctor may consider your diagnosis, symptoms, exam findings, prior treatment history, severity, activity limitations, health history, and treatment goals.
What conditions may be evaluated?
Regenerative injections may be discussed for select joint, tendon, ligament, meniscus, labral, and soft tissue concerns. Common examples include osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, chronic tendon irritation, partial-thickness tears, ligament injuries, meniscus injury, labral tears, and plantar fasciitis.
Does every listed condition qualify for treatment?
No. A condition appearing on the website does not mean PRP or PRP + Stem Cell injections will be recommended. Candidacy depends on the individual patient and the doctor’s clinical judgment.
Is PRP only for joints?
No. PRP may be discussed for select joint, tendon, ligament, and soft tissue problems. The exact recommendation depends on the condition being evaluated.
When would PRP be considered by itself?
PRP may be considered on its own for select joint, tendon, ligament, or soft tissue concerns when the doctor feels it is the appropriate regenerative option.
When would PRP + Stem Cell be discussed?
PRP + Stem Cell may be discussed when the doctor believes a combined approach may be appropriate based on the patient’s condition, goals, exam findings, and treatment history.
Scheduling, Treatment & Recovery
What happens before an injection is scheduled?
First, the doctor evaluates your condition. If PRP or PRP + Stem Cell treatment is recommended, the office staff can then help schedule the injection appointment and review the next steps.
Does the injection happen the same day as the first visit?
Not necessarily. The evaluation and the injection appointment are often separate. The first step is determining whether regenerative injection therapy is appropriate.
Will the injection hurt?
Some discomfort is possible and should be expected during and after the injection. The amount of soreness can vary based on the area treated, the condition, and the individual patient.
Is there downtime after treatment?
Recovery varies. Some patients may have temporary soreness, stiffness, or irritation after treatment. The doctor will provide aftercare instructions based on the specific area treated and your individual plan.
How long does it take to notice improvement?
Improvement is typically gradual. Some patients may notice changes over several weeks, while others may continue to evaluate progress over several months. The timeline can vary depending on the condition and the patient.
How many injections will I need?
That depends on the diagnosis, treatment recommendation, and how your body responds. There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Can I keep doing normal activities after treatment?
Activity recommendations vary depending on the treatment area and your plan. Follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by the doctor.
Safety, Expectations & Next Steps
Are regenerative injections guaranteed to work?
No treatment can be guaranteed. Regenerative medicine is evaluated case by case, and results vary by patient, condition, severity, and other individual factors.
Are PRP and PRP + Stem Cell injections a replacement for every other treatment?
No. Sometimes regenerative injections may be worth discussing. In other cases, the better recommendation may be chiropractic care, rehab-based treatment, exercise guidance, soft tissue work, activity modification, or another more conservative option.
Are there risks?
Any injection-based treatment has potential risks, including soreness, irritation, bleeding, infection, or lack of desired response. The doctor can review risks, benefits, and alternatives before treatment is scheduled.
Is PRP the same thing as PRP + Stem Cell therapy?
No. PRP uses the patient’s own platelet-rich plasma. PRP + Stem Cell therapy pairs the patient’s PRP with a donor-derived cellular product when recommended.
What should I do next if I am interested?
Start with the correct first step. New patients should schedule a New Patient Exam. Current established patients should ask the doctor during their visit whether PRP or PRP + Stem Cell injections may be appropriate.
Still have questions?
If you are interested in PRP or PRP + Stem Cell injections but are not sure whether your condition belongs in this conversation, that is okay. You do not need to figure everything out before reaching out. A proper evaluation is the best way to know whether regenerative medicine may be appropriate and what next step makes the most sense.
Call Davis Family Chiropractic & Express Clinic at (440) 624-4214 to get started.