PRP for joint, tendon, and muscle pain.
For knee arthritis and stubborn tendon pain that hasn't settled with rest and rehab. PRP is paired with physiotherapy to help you get moving again.
What we treat
PRP is most useful for long-standing pain that hasn't improved with first-line care.
Knee osteoarthritis
Aching, stiffness, and swelling from wear in the knee joint, especially in mild to moderate arthritis.
Tennis or golfer's elbow
Pain on the outside or inside of the elbow from overloaded tendons, often after months of symptoms.
Shoulder & hip tendons
Rotator cuff tendinopathy, partial tears, and pain on the outside of the hip (gluteal tendinopathy).
Knee, heel & ankle tendons
Patellar (jumper's knee), Achilles, and plantar fascia pain that keeps coming back.
How PRP is used here
Tendons and cartilage have a limited blood supply, which is part of why they heal slowly.
PRP delivers a concentrated dose of your own growth factors right to the injured area. In tendons, the aim is to restart a healing response that has stalled. In arthritic knees, PRP appears to calm inflammation in the joint and ease pain.
PRP is not a quick fix, and it doesn't regrow lost cartilage. It works best as part of a plan that includes guided exercise. Loading a tendon properly after PRP is what helps it rebuild.
Our team includes physiotherapy, so your injection and your rehab program can be planned together from the start.
Assess
We examine the area and review any X-rays or scans to confirm the source of your pain.
Prepare
A small blood sample is drawn and spun to concentrate the platelet-rich plasma.
Place
After numbing the skin, PRP is injected into the joint or along the affected tendon. It takes a few minutes.
Who tends to do well
Your consultation confirms whether PRP makes sense for you, or whether another option would serve you better.
Often a good fit
- Mild to moderate knee arthritis
- Tendon pain lasting three months or more despite rest, physio, or bracing
- Want to avoid or limit repeated cortisone injections
- Want to delay or avoid surgery
- Ready to follow a rehab program after the injection
Needs a closer look first
- Severe, bone-on-bone arthritis (we'll discuss whether PRP still makes sense)
- A full-thickness tendon tear, which may need a surgical opinion
- A recent cortisone injection in the same area
- Taking blood thinners, a platelet disorder, or an active infection
- Inflammatory arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis) or gout flare
What the research shows
We'll be straight with you about where PRP stands for this use today.
Knee osteoarthritis
Many randomized trials and reviews show better pain and function for mild to moderate arthritis, often lasting 6–12 months. Not every trial agrees.
Tennis elbow & plantar fasciitis
Several trials suggest longer-lasting relief than cortisone, which can work faster but tends to wear off.
Rotator cuff, Achilles & other tendons
Results vary between studies. PRP may help some people, especially alongside structured rehab.
Results vary from person to person.
We'll match the treatment to your diagnosis. For some problems, physiotherapy alone or a different injection is the better first step, and we'll tell you if that's the case.
From first visit to follow-up
Diagnosis & plan
We confirm the source of your pain, review imaging, and build a combined injection and rehab plan.
Draw, spin, inject
Plan for about an hour. Bring someone to drive if a lower-limb injection makes driving uncomfortable.
Relative rest
Expect soreness for a few days; this is the healing response. Use acetaminophen if needed and avoid anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen.
Guided rehab
You'll gradually return to activity with a physiotherapy program designed to load and strengthen the area.
Review
Improvement usually builds over 6–12 weeks. We'll decide together whether a second injection would help.
PRP works best as part of a plan
Combining PRP with the right rehab gives tissue the best chance to heal.
Physiotherapy
A progressive strengthening program is essential, especially for tendons. Our team includes physiotherapy.
Activity changes
Short-term adjustments to training, work, or sport give the area time to recover.
Weight & metabolic health
For knee arthritis, even modest weight loss reduces joint load. Our weight management team can help.
Surgical opinion
If imaging shows a tear or damage that needs repair, we'll help arrange a referral.
Frequently asked questions
How is PRP different from a cortisone shot?
Cortisone calms inflammation quickly but tends to wear off, and repeated shots can weaken tendons. PRP takes longer to work but aims to support healing, and benefits often last longer.
Does it hurt?
We numb the skin first. You may feel pressure during the injection, and soreness for a few days afterward is normal.
Can I exercise afterward?
Rest the area for a day or two, then follow your rehab program. Avoid running, heavy lifting, or sport with the treated area until we clear you, usually two to six weeks.
Why should I avoid ibuprofen?
Anti-inflammatories can blunt the platelet response. We usually ask you to avoid them for about a week before and two weeks after your injection. Acetaminophen is fine.
Will I need more than one injection?
Some people do well with one. Others benefit from a series of two or three. We'll decide based on your diagnosis and how you respond.
Is it covered by Alberta Health?
No. PRP is considered elective and isn't covered by Alberta Health, though some extended health plans may reimburse part of the cost. We'll go over pricing before anything is booked.
Other PRP treatments
Related services
Tired of working around the pain?
Fill in the short form below and our team will be in touch to book your consultation.