What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and How Does It Help?

Living With Joint Pain: A Common Story

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re dealing with pain that just won’t go away.
Maybe it’s your knee that aches after every jog. Maybe your shoulder limits your workouts. Or perhaps it’s arthritis that makes simple things like climbing stairs uncomfortable.

You’ve tried rest, ice, maybe physical therapy, and even a few cortisone shots—but nothing seems to last. You’re stuck between “I don’t want surgery” and “I can’t live like this.”

At Coastal Orthopedics in Corpus Christi, we see this story every day. And for many patients, that’s where Platelet-Rich Plasma—commonly known as PRP—enters the conversation.

Understanding PRP: Your Body’s Own Healing Power

So what exactly is PRP?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a regenerative treatment that uses your own blood to help your body heal itself. It’s not a drug or synthetic chemical—it’s 100% natural.

Here’s how it works:

1. We take a small blood sample, usually from your arm.

2. That blood is placed into a specialized centrifuge, which spins it at high speed.

3. The spinning process separates the blood into layers—one of which is rich in platelets.

4. Those platelets are packed with natural growth factors, the same substances your body uses to heal cuts, repair tissue, and reduce inflammation.

5. We then inject that concentrated plasma directly into the injured or painful area—such as a knee, shoulder, or tendon.

The goal? To stimulate healing, reduce inflammation, and restore function by using the body’s own biological repair system.

Ready to see if PRP could help your joint pain or injury?

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Robert Williams at Coastal Orthopedics today.

The Science Behind PRP

Your platelets aren’t just for clotting blood—they’re small but powerful cells that release dozens of growth factors and cytokines. These substances play key roles in tissue repair, new blood vessel formation, and collagen synthesis.

When concentrated and precisely injected into an injured or degenerating area, they help:

• Reduce chronic inflammation that contributes to pain.

• Stimulate repair of soft tissues like tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.

• Increase collagen production, improving structural integrity.

• Recruit healing cells to the area, speeding recovery.

Studies have shown that PRP can promote healing in a variety of orthopedic conditions, particularly knee arthritis, tendon injuries, and rotator cuff problems.

Unlike cortisone shots—which temporarily mask inflammation—PRP targets the root cause by triggering a repair response at the cellular level.

Why Patients in Corpus Christi Are Asking About PRP

There’s a growing interest in non-surgical orthopedic treatments. Patients want faster recovery, less downtime, and natural solutions that fit active lifestyles.

For many of Dr. Williams’ patients in Corpus Christi, Texas, PRP offers a middle ground between conservative care and surgery. It’s ideal for people who:

• Want to avoid or delay joint replacement.

• Have tried physical therapy or medications without success.

• Are active and want to maintain mobility and performance.

• Prefer a natural approach that uses their body’s own biology.

Because PRP is autologous (meaning it comes from your own body), there’s minimal risk of rejection or allergic reaction. That’s one reason it’s quickly becoming one of the most requested regenerative therapies in orthopedic medicine.

What to Expect During a PRP Procedure

The PRP process is simple, fast, and performed right in our Coastal Orthopedics clinic.

Here’s what happens during a typical visit:

1. Blood Draw:
   A small amount of your blood (usually 10–30 mL) is drawn from your arm—similar to a standard lab test.

2. Processing:
   The sample is placed into a centrifuge for about 10 minutes. This separates your blood into three layers: red cells, plasma, and the platelet-rich layer we use for treatment.

3. Preparation:
   The platelet-rich plasma is carefully extracted and prepared in a sterile syringe.

4. Injection:
   Using ultrasound guidance, Dr. Williams injects the PRP into the precise area that needs healing—such as an arthritic knee, torn tendon, or inflamed joint capsule.

5. Post-Care:
   You can typically go home right after the procedure. Most patients experience mild soreness for a day or two before noticing gradual improvement over the following weeks.

There’s no general anesthesia, no incisions, and no downtime beyond avoiding heavy activity for a short period.

What Conditions Can PRP Help Treat?

PRP has shown benefits for a range of orthopedic and sports injuries, including:

• Knee osteoarthritis

• Shoulder pain or rotator cuff tears

• Tennis or golfer’s elbow

• Patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee)

• Achilles tendon injuries

• Ligament sprains or partial tears (MCL, ACL)

• Hip labral injuries or bursitis

• Plantar fasciitis

In many cases, PRP helps patients reduce pain, improve function, and extend the lifespan of their joints, all without the risks of surgery.

How PRP Compares to Other Injections

Patients often ask how PRP stacks up against cortisone or gel shots. Each option works differently and serves a specific purpose.

Cortisone injections are designed to reduce inflammation quickly. They’re synthetic steroids that block inflammatory signals in the body, which can provide fast relief. However, the effect is temporary—usually lasting only a few weeks or months—and cortisone doesn’t promote true healing.

Hyaluronic acid injections, often called “gel shots,” work more like a lubricant for your joints. They replace or supplement the joint fluid that naturally cushions your movement. These injections can help with stiffness and friction, especially in the knees, but their benefits also tend to fade after three to six months.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections focus on long-term healing rather than short-term relief. PRP uses your own blood’s growth factors to stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation at the source. Because it’s a biologic treatment that encourages regeneration, results may continue to improve for months—and the effects often last much longer than other injection options, depending on the condition being treated.

In summary:

• Cortisone injections calm inflammation quickly but temporarily.

• Gel shots improve joint lubrication for moderate relief.

• PRP helps your body heal naturally and offers longer-lasting benefits.

What Results Can You Expect?

Everyone heals differently, but most patients notice improvement within 3–6 weeks after a PRP injection. Pain levels continue to improve over several months as tissue remodeling takes place.

For chronic injuries or advanced arthritis, Dr. Williams may recommend a series of PRP injections spaced a few weeks apart to achieve the best outcome.

Many patients experience:

• Reduced pain and swelling

• Improved joint mobility

• Better strength and function

• A return to normal activity without the need for surgery

Long-term benefits: depend on the severity of the condition and the patient’s overall health and activity level.

Is PRP Right for You?

PRP is best suited for patients who:

• Have mild to moderate arthritis rather than bone-on-bone damage.

• Have tendon or ligament injuries that haven’t fully healed.

• Are active and want to remain mobile and independent.

• Want to avoid long-term medication or surgery when possible.

It may not be ideal for:

• Patients with bleeding disorders or platelet abnormalities.

• Those on certain blood-thinning medications.

• Severe arthritis where joint surfaces are completely worn down.

At Coastal Orthopedics, Dr. Williams evaluates every case individually to make sure PRP is both safe and likely to be effective.

Safety, Risks, and Recovery

Because PRP comes from your own body, it’s extremely safe. Complications are rare, but mild soreness or swelling for a few days is normal.

To ensure the best results:

• Avoid anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen for a few days before and after treatment (these can interfere with the platelet response).

• Stay hydrated and follow your aftercare instructions carefully.

• Give your body time to heal—results build gradually.

Most patients resume normal activity within 24–48 hours and can return to sports or heavy exercise within a few weeks as guided by Dr. Williams.

Why Choose Coastal Orthopedics for PRP in Corpus Christi

At Coastal Orthopedics, PRP is more than just a procedure—it’s part of a complete treatment strategy designed around your goals.

Dr. Robert Williams is an experienced orthopedic surgeon who blends advanced regenerative medicine with evidence-based orthopedic care. Whether you’re an athlete trying to get back in the game or someone looking to stay active without surgery, he’ll help you find the safest, most effective path to healing.

Patients appreciate that PRP is:

• Minimally invasive 

• Drug-free and natural

• Performed in-office

• Tailored to their individual condition

Take the Next Step Toward Healing Naturally

If joint pain or an old injury is holding you back, PRP could be the solution that helps you move forward—literally.

At Coastal Orthopedics, we’ll take the time to understand your condition, review your imaging, and walk you through all your options. PRP isn’t right for everyone, but for the right patient, it can be a game-changing way to reduce pain, promote healing, and delay surgery. Let’s help your body heal itself—so you can get back to doing what you love.

Schedule Your PRP Consultation Today

Coastal Orthopedics – Corpus Christi, TX
📍 5020 Saratoga Blvd, Corpus Christi, TX 78414  Suite: 600A
📞 (361) 317-7587
🌐 https://www.coastalorthoteam.com/