What these treatments actually are
Platelet-rich plasma is your own blood, spun to concentrate platelets — cells that carry growth factors involved in healing — and injected precisely where tissue is struggling. Cell-based preparations concentrate cells from bone marrow or fat. The honest mechanism: creating a better biological environment for healing — not installing new cartilage.
Where the evidence is real — and where it isn't
The strongest evidence sits with PRP for knee osteoarthritis symptoms and certain stubborn tendinopathies, where multiple trials show meaningful improvement for many patients. Evidence is thinner for other applications, and no orthobiologic has been shown to regrow cartilage or reverse arthritis. Any clinic promising that is marketing, not medicine.
Questions to ask anyone offering biologics
What's my actual diagnosis, and what does evidence show for this treatment in this diagnosis? Is delivery image-guided? What preparation and concentration are used? What's the complete plan around the injection — because a biologic without a rehabilitation program is an expensive way to change nothing. A trustworthy answer to these is specific; a sales pitch is vague.
Key takeaways
- 01Biologics improve the healing environment — they don't regrow cartilage
- 02Best evidence: PRP for knee arthritis symptoms and select tendinopathies
- 03Image guidance and an integrated plan separate medicine from marketing
The information on this site is for education only and is not a medical diagnosis or a substitute for professional medical advice. Every patient is different — please consult Dr. Johnson or a qualified provider about your specific condition.