PLATELET-RICH PLASMA (PRP) Treatment in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky: Pain relief, healing and avoiding surgery
Dr. Timothy Burns uses Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) to help patients with chronic tendon and joint pain improve function and delay or avoid surgery. Dr. Burns uses a patient first, evidence-based approach to help customize a plan of care to maximize function and recovery. PRP uses your own growth factors delivered with ultrasound-guidance for precision and better healing outcomes.
Dr. Burns is board-certified, fellowship trained Sports Medicine physician providing ultrasound-guided PRP treatments for patients in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky using evidence-based regenerative techniques.
Dr. Burns often sees referrals for patients who have chronic tendon pain (tennis elbow) not improving with other therapies and chronic knee pain (knee arthritis) who are hoping to maximize non-surgical treatment options.
Patients: Schedule your PRP consultation
Physicians and Providers: Refer a patient for PRP today
What is PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a product derived from a patient's blood. A sample of the blood is obtained, and centrifuged to isolate the specific growth factors within. What is left is the platelet-rich fluid, containing growth factors, which is then injected into damaged tissue. This is often done under ultrasound-guidance to improve accuracy and improve outcomes.
What is the Science?
PRP contains numerous growth factors including platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor (TGF), platelet factor interleukin (IL), platelet-derived angiogenesis factor (PDAF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin-like growth factor IGF and fibronectin (Lubkowska et al.). It is these factors that are thought to promote healing of damaged tissue.
Who Should Consider PRP?
PRP may be an appropriate option for patient who want a non-surgical approach to musculoskeletal pain and injury, including though who:
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Have chronic joint pain or arthritis
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Experience persistent tendon pain despite rest or physical therapy
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Want to avoid or delay surgery
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Have not had lasting relief from medications or steroid injections
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Want a regenerative option from their own biologic tissue.
Conditions commonly treated with PRP
Dr. Burns commonly uses PRP to treat:
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Knee osteoarthritis
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Hip and shoulder arthritis
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Rotator cuff tendon injuries
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Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
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Golfers elbow (medial epicondylitis)
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Jumpers knee (patellar tendinitis)
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Musculotendinous junction strain and/or partial tears (calf muscle and hamstring injuries)
When to Seek PRP?
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Pain that hasn't improved with other treatments such as physical therapy or medications
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Symptoms are limiting work, sports or daily activities
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Imaging shows tendon degeneration (tendinopathy) or early arthritis.
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Persistent tendon pain (tennis elbow, golfers elbow, rotator cuff pain, jumper's knee)
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You are seeking non-surgical orthopedic care
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You want a biologic treatment rather than repeated steroid injections
Why Choose Dr. Burns For PRP?
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Dr. Burns is Board Certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
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Dr. Burns is fellowship trained in Sports Medicine
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Specialized expertise in non-surgical orthopedics and regenerative medicine
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Dr. Burns has advanced training in ultrasound guided injections (Registered Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (RMSK) and x-ray guided injections (fluoroscopy) to ensure precision and accuracy.
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Licensed in Ohio and Kentucky
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Dr. Burns uses a personalized evidence-based approach focused on helping patients reduce pain, improving function and helping avoid surgery
What to expect from a PRP treatment:
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PRP injections are performed in the office but may require a separate procedure visit.
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Ultrasound guidance is used to increase accuracy
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Most patients resume normal activities shortly after treatment
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Improvement is gradual, often over 4-12 weeks, as tissue healing occurs.
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Treatment plans are individualized based on condition and goals
PRP Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is PRP covered by insurance?
PRP is considered elective and not covered by most insurance plans. Dr. Burns will attempt to maximize insurance covered treatment first to be as cost effective as possible.
How many PRP injections are needed?
Many patients improve with one injection, though, some conditions may benefit from additional treatments.
Is ultrasound used during the injection?
Yes, for most PRP injections, ultrasound-guidance will be used to increase precision and accuracy.
How long is recovery after a PRP injection?
PRP injections are inflammatory by design. For that reason, the area may be more sore/inflamed for up to 72 hours after the injection. PRP will help an affected structure heal for 4-8 weeks after the procedure.
What do I need to avoid after my PRP? The injection site needs to remain clear for 72 hours to prevent infection. Also, it is recommended to avoid NSAIDs for 8 weeks post procedure if possible. The anti-inflammatory actions of NSAIDs may counteract the benefit from the PRP if taken too soon.
Is PRP like a Steroid Injection?
No, Unlike steroid injections, PRP is designed to support healing rather than suppress inflammation. For many patients, PRP can reduce symptoms and improve function enough to delay or avoid surgery particularly in early arthritis and chronic tendon conditions.
How do you decide between conservative care and advanced treatments like PRP?
Decisions are based on your symptoms, physical exam findings, imaging, duration of pain and functional goals. Many overuse, tendon and arthritis conditions respond well to physical therapy and activity modification. PRP may be considered when symptoms are persistent despite conservative care, when enhanced healing support would be beneficial, or when patients wish to maximize non-operative options.
When to refer to Dr. Burns for Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy.
Consider PRP referral for patients with:
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Chronic tendon injuries (such as tennis elbow, patellar tendinopathy, rotator cuff tendinopathy)
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Partial ligament tear
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Mild to moderate joint arthritis
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Persistent pain despite physical therapy, corticosteroid injections or viscosupplementation injections
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Athletes or active adults seeking biologic regenerative treatment options
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Patients with a desire to reduce reliance on steroids or medications
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Video
Dr. Timothy Burns personally performs all Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections.
Schedule a PRP Consultation
If you are dealing with chronic joint or tendon pain and want to explore PRP treatment in Cincinnati or Northern Kentucky, schedule a consultation with Dr. Timothy Burns today.
Patients: Request a PRP consultation
Physicans and Providers: Refer a patient for PRP evaluation
Fitzpatrick, Jane, Max Bulsara, and Ming H. Zheng. "The effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of tendinopathy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials." The American journal of sports medicine 45.1 (2017): 226-233.
Laudy, Augustinus BM, et al. "Efficacy of platelet-rich plasma injections in osteoarthritis of the knee: a systematic review and meta-analysis." Br J Sports Med 49.10 (2015): 657-672.
Lubkowska, A., B. Dolegowska, and G. Banfi. "Growth factor content in PRP and their applicability in medicine." J Biol Regul Homeost Agents 26.2 Suppl 1 (2012): 3S-22S.
Meheux, Carlos J., et al. "Efficacy of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma injections in knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review." Arthroscopy 32.3 (2016): 495-505.