PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy uses a concentration of platelets from your own blood, injected into an injured joint, tendon, or ligament to stimulate healing. UPC offers PRP for chronic back pain, knee osteoarthritis, rotator cuff injury, tennis elbow, and other musculoskeletal conditions.

How many PRP injections will I need?

Most patients receive 1 to 3 PRP injections spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. The exact number depends on the condition treated and your response to the first injection.

Is PRP injection painful?

PRP injections involve a brief blood draw followed by a targeted injection. Local anesthetic is used at the injection site. Most patients tolerate the procedure well; mild soreness for 24 to 72 hours afterward is normal.

When will I notice results from PRP?

PRP works gradually as tissue regenerates. Initial improvement is often noticeable in 2 to 6 weeks, with continued benefit over 3 to 6 months. PRP is not a quick anti-inflammatory like a steroid injection.

Does insurance cover PRP?

PRP for musculoskeletal pain is typically considered investigational and is not covered by most insurers. University Pain Consultants offers transparent self-pay pricing.

PRP Injections for Joint & Back Pain in Riverside CA

Natural Healing for Pain

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) harness the healing power of your own blood to reduce inflammation, repair damaged tissues, and provide long-lasting pain relief for spinal, joint, and soft tissue conditions.

Performed by Dr. Rainier Guiang, MD – a double board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management physician who leads regenerative medicine at University Pain Consultants. Dr. Guiang personally performs PRP and PRF injections using ultrasound or fluoroscopy guidance for precise, natural pain relief. Learn more about Dr. Guiang.

PRP vs PRF – Key Differences

Feature	PRP	PRF
Processing	Uses anticoagulant	100% natural
Growth Factor Release	Rapid	Sustained & longer-lasting
Best For	Acute inflammation	Chronic pain & tissue repair

Common Indications

Category	Specific Conditions
Spinal Pain	Facet joint pain, discogenic pain, radicular pain, sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Joint Pain	Osteoarthritis (knee, hip, shoulder), cartilage damage
Soft Tissue & Ligaments	Ligament sprains, tendon injuries, rotator cuff tears
Muscles & Tendons	Myofascial pain, tendinopathies (tennis elbow, Achilles, plantar fasciitis)

The Procedure – Simple Steps

A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm (like a routine lab test).
The blood is processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and growth factors.
The PRP or PRF is injected precisely into the painful area using ultrasound or fluoroscopy guidance for accuracy.
The entire process usually takes 30–60 minutes.

Benefits

Natural healing with your own cells
Long-lasting pain relief
Reduced need for steroids or opioids
Minimal downtime
Can help avoid surgery

Risks & Contraindications

Temporary soreness or swelling (1–3 days)
Minor bruising
Very low risk of infection
Not recommended for active infection, certain blood disorders, or pregnancy

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