Orthopedics · Autologous biologic therapy
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP).
An autologous biologic therapy derived from your own blood with, a concentrated platelet fraction, associated growth factors, signaling proteins, and delivered with image guidance to support endogenous repair of musculoskeletal tissues.
What PRP can help with
Conditions we most often consider PRP for.
PRP is most evidence-supported for tendon, ligament, and mild-to-moderate joint conditions. Fit depends on imaging, stage, and biological response.
Knee OA
Mild-to-moderate disease; post-meniscectomy & cartilage injury.
Rotator cuff
Partial-thickness tears, tendinopathy, post-surgical pain.
Tennis & golfer's elbow
Lateral and medial epicondylitis after conservative care.
Achilles tendinopathy
Insertional and midportion Achilles with persistent symptoms.
Plantar fasciitis
Chronic heel/arch pain after PT and night splinting.
Hip & SI joint
Hip OA, gluteal tendinopathy, sacroiliac dysfunction.
Hamstring strains
High-grade strains and proximal tendinopathy.
Other joint & tendon
Hand, wrist, ankle, discussed case-by-case.
Learn
What is PRP?
PRP is prepared from your own blood via a controlled, multi-step centrifugation process which increases platelet concentration along with associated growth factors and signaling proteins.
The clinical effect is mediated by local biologic signaling: recruiting endogenous repair cascades, modulating inflammation, and supporting tissue remodeling. PRP is intended to modulate the local environment, not to replace damaged tissue or guarantee regeneration.
PRP isn't a single product: it's a category. The relevant variables are platelet concentration, leukocyte content, red blood cell content, total volume, and any adjuncts. Each preparation is characterized in our lab so we know what we're delivering, and the recipe is tailored to your indication.
Regulatory Disclaimer
Platelet-rich plasma is an autologous biologic product prepared from a patient's own blood. PRP has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of specific diseases or musculoskeletal conditions. Clinical use is based on physician judgment, current scientific evidence, and individualized patient evaluation. No claims are made regarding guaranteed outcomes, tissue regeneration, or disease modification.
The procedure, step by step
How the PRP visit works.
A controlled, multi-step laboratory process designed to concentrate platelets while preserving platelet integrity and biologic activity.
Blood collection
Venous draw into anticoagulated tubes. Baseline platelet count documented before processing.
Plasma separation
First, low-force "soft spin" separates plasma from RBCs while preserving platelet integrity.
Platelet concentration
Second, higher-force "hard spin" pellets platelets. PPP removed; resuspended to target concentration.
Image-guided delivery
Dr. Glowney delivers with ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance. Non-acidic, non-platelet-toxic anesthetics for comfort.
Biologic response
Endogenous cascade unfolds over weeks. Response reassessed at 12–16 weeks.
On-site biologics lab
Two-spin centrifugation, characterized on site.
Every preparation moves through two validated centrifugation steps and is characterized for platelet concentration and viability before delivery.
Want the full equipment list, cleanroom qualification details, and sample chain of custody? See our facilities & biologics lab →
Is this you?
When PRP is the right starting point.
PRP is best understood as a supporting intervention that complements rehabilitation and activity modification, not a standalone cure.
✓ Likely a fit
- Mild-to-moderate joint OA, tendon, or ligament pathology
- Symptoms persisting through PT, NSAIDs, and activity modification
- MRI or ultrasound confirms the diagnosis you've been managing
- Willing to follow post-procedure activity guidance (no NSAIDs early)
- Realistic expectations: gradual improvement over 4–12 weeks
PRP, answered
Questions we hear most often.
How much does PRP cost in Boulder? +
PRP pricing depends on the joint, the number of sites, and whether it's combined with hyaluronic acid or other agents. We provide transparent pricing during consultation and supply documentation for HSA/FSA reimbursement where applicable.
In most cases PRP is not covered by commercial insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid: it's typically an out-of-pocket expense.
How long does PRP take to work? +
Many patients note progressive improvement over 4 to 12 weeks. We schedule functional follow-up at 6 and 12 weeks to track progress objectively, and reassess meaningful response at 12–16 weeks.
Is PRP painful? +
The procedure is performed in-clinic with local anesthesia and ultrasound guidance. Most patients report mild post-procedural soreness for 24 to 72 hours. Pain perception varies depending on the anatomic location, the underlying condition, and individual sensitivity.
What conditions does PRP treat? +
PRP is most often considered for mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis, partial tendon tears, ligament sprains, and chronic enthesopathies, including tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinopathy.
How is Boulder Biologics PRP different? +
Our PRP is prepared in an on-site biologics lab with dual-spin density-gradient processing, characterized for platelet concentration and viability, and delivered with real-time ultrasound guidance by Dr. Glowney. Recipes are tuned to indication (Lp-PRP for joints, Lr-PRP for tendons, LD-PRP for perineural) and every preparation is documented under PAW/DEPA reporting frameworks.
Selected references
What the literature says.
Some studies our PRP framing draws from. Full PDFs available at consultation.
- Bansal H, et al. Intra-articular injection in knee OA: PRP vs hyaluronic acid, meta-analysis. Bone Joint Res. 2021.
- Filardo G, et al. PRP intra-articular knee injections: long-term outcomes. Am J Sports Med. 2021;49(13):3681–3690.
- Bennell KL, et al. PRP vs saline for knee OA, RCT, 12-month outcomes. JAMA. 2021;326(20):2021–2030.
- Mishra A, et al. PRP for tennis elbow, RCT. Am J Sports Med. 2014;42(2):463–471.
- DeLong JM, et al. PAW classification system for PRP. Arthroscopy. 2012;28(7):998–1009.
- Magalon J, et al. DEPA classification for PRP preparations. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2016.
Related therapies
Where PRP fits in the broader practice.
Schedule a PRP consultation
Find out if PRP is the right next step.
Dr. Glowney reviews your imaging, history, and prior treatments. Honest recommendation, PRP, a different biologic, or another path entirely.
Or call 720-550-6175