PRP Therapy and Traditional Steroid Injections: What’s the Difference?
PRP Therapy and Traditional Steroid Injections: What’s the Difference?
PRP Therapy and Traditional Steroid Injections: What’s the Difference?
When joint pain, tendon injuries, or chronic inflammation interfere with daily life, many patients begin exploring non-surgical treatment options. Two of the most commonly recommended injection therapies are Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and traditional corticosteroid injections. While both are used to relieve pain, they work in very different ways and serve different purposes in treatment plans.
Understanding how each therapy works — and who may be a better candidate for each — can help patients make informed decisions about their care.
What Is PRP Therapy?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses your body’s own blood to promote healing in damaged tissues.
- A small sample of your blood is drawn.
- The blood is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate platelets.
- The platelet-rich portion is injected into the injured area under guidance.
Platelets contain growth factors and proteins that support tissue repair. Rather than simply reducing pain, PRP aims to stimulate the body’s natural healing response.
How PRP Is Used
- Chronic tendon injuries (tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow)
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy
- Mild to moderate osteoarthritis
- Ligament sprains
- Plantar fasciitis
- Sports-related overuse injuries
What Are Traditional Steroid Injections?
Corticosteroid injections — often called “cortisone shots” — involve injecting anti-inflammatory medication directly into a joint, tendon sheath, or around irritated nerves.
Steroids work by suppressing inflammation, which typically results in rapid pain relief. However, they do not repair damaged tissue.
How Steroid Injections Are Used
- Acute arthritis flare-ups
- Bursitis
- Severe joint inflammation
- Acute tendon irritation
- Nerve-related pain such as sciatica
- Short-term relief to allow participation in physical therapy
Key Differences Between PRP and Steroid Injections
How They Work
- PRP: Stimulates tissue repair and regeneration.
- Steroids: Reduce inflammation and suppress immune response.
Speed of Relief
- Steroids: Often provide faster relief (within a few days).
- PRP: May take several weeks for noticeable improvement.
Duration of Effect
- Steroids: Temporary symptom control.
- PRP: Potential for longer-lasting improvement by promoting healing.
Who Is a Better Candidate for PRP Therapy?
- Chronic tendon injuries not responding to conservative care
- Mild to moderate osteoarthritis
- Patients wanting to avoid repeated steroid injections
- Active individuals focused on long-term joint health
Who Is a Better Candidate for Steroid Injections?
- Severe inflammatory flare-ups
- Patients needing rapid pain relief
- Significant swelling limiting movement
- Short-term symptom control before physical therapy
Final Thoughts
PRP therapy and traditional steroid injections are not competing treatments — they serve different roles. One focuses on reducing inflammation quickly, while the other aims to support long-term tissue healing.
If you are considering injection therapy for joint or tendon pain, a comprehensive evaluation can help determine which option aligns best with your diagnosis, goals, and lifestyle.