Key Takeaways
- PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and stem cell injections are regenerative orthobiologic treatments that use components from the patient's own body to support healing in damaged joints, tendons, muscles, and ligaments.
- These injections are commonly used for osteoarthritis, tendons, ligaments, and muscles, and often help patients delay or even totally avoid surgery.
- Cortisone shots reduce inflammation and temporarily relieve pain, while orthobiologics aim to support tissue repair for longer-lasting results.
- Good candidates typically have chronic joint or soft tissue pain that has not improved with rest, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatory medication.
- Buffalo Orthopedics, led by Dr. Parentis with 25 years of orthopedic expertise, offers personalized PRP and stem cell injection therapy for patients across Western New York, including Williamsville and Orchard Park. Request an appointment today to find out if orthobiologics are right for you.
What Are PRP and Stem Cell Injections?
For Buffalo patients living with chronic joint pain or stubborn soft tissue injuries, surgery is not always the only path forward. Orthobiologics, a category of regenerative treatments that includes platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell injections, are increasingly being used to help the body heal itself. At Buffalo Orthopedics, these therapies are offered as part of a personalized, non-surgical approach to orthopedic care.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP is created from the patient's own blood. A small amount of blood is drawen then spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, which contain growth factors that play a key role in tissue repair. The resulting plasma is then injected directly into the injured area, where the growth factors help signal the body to begin healing damaged tissue.
According to the Cleveland Clinic's overview of PRP injections, the goal of treatment is to encourage natural healing in injured tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints rather than simply masking symptoms.
Stem Cell Injections
Stem cell therapy uses cells, typically harvested from the patient's own bone marrow or fat tissue, that have the ability to develop into different types of tissue. When injected into a damaged joint or tendon, these cells may support the repair of cartilage, ligaments, and other structures. Like PRP, stem cell injections are part of a broader category called orthobiologics, which the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) describes as biologic substances used to promote healing of musculoskeletal injuries.
Conditions Treated with Orthobiologics at Buffalo Orthopedics
PRP and stem cell injections can be considered for a wide range of orthopedic conditions, including:
- Mild to severe osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, shoulder, or ankle
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy and partial rotator cuff tears
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Achilles tendon injuries and chronic tendinopathy
- Plantar fasciitis that has not responded to conservative care
- Ligament sprains, including mild MCL and ankle ligament injuries
- Patellar tendinitis ('jumper's knee')
- Hamstring and other soft tissue injuries
Dr. Parentis evaluates each patient individually to determine whether orthobiologics, physical therapy, bracing, surgery, or a combination of options is the best path forward.
Orthobiologics vs. Cortisone Shots: Healing vs. Masking Pain
Cortisone injections have been a staple of orthopedic care for decades, but they work very differently from PRP and stem cell therapy. The table below compares the two approaches:
| Feature | Cortisone Injections | PRP / Stem Cell Injections |
|---|---|---|
| Primary goal | Reduce inflammation and pain | Support natural tissue healing |
| Source | Synthetic corticosteroid | Patient's own blood or cells |
| Onset of relief | Days | Several weeks |
| Duration of effect | Weeks to a few months | Often months to permanent |
| Repeat use | Limited due to potential tissue effects | May be repeated as part of a treatment plan |
| Best suited for | Acute flare-ups, short-term relief | Chronic injuries, mild to moderate arthritis |
Cortisone can be highly effective for short-term inflammation, but repeated use in the same joint may weaken surrounding tissues over time. Orthobiologics are designed to do the opposite: support the body's own repair processes. For many Buffalo patients with chronic joint or tendon issues, that distinction makes a meaningful difference.
Who Is a Good Candidate for PRP Therapy for Joint Pain?
PRP therapy and stem cell injections are not right for every patient or every condition. At Buffalo Orthopedics, candidates are typically people who:
- Have chronic joint pain, tendinopathy, or mild to moderate arthritis
- Have not had lasting relief from rest, physical therapy, bracing, or anti-inflammatory medication
- Want to delay or avoid surgery when possible
- Are otherwise in generally good health
- Understand that results develop gradually over weeks, not immediately
Patients with advanced, 'bone-on-bone' arthritis or large structural tears may be better served by surgical options. Dr. Parentis reviews imaging, medical history, and activity goals before recommending a treatment path.
Why Choose Buffalo Orthopedics for Non-Surgical Orthopedic Treatment in Buffalo
Choosing where to receive orthobiologic care matters. PRP and stem cell injections depend on careful patient selection, accurate diagnosis, and precise injection technique, often using ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance for joints and tendons that are difficult to target.
Buffalo Orthopedics offers:
- 25 years of orthopedic expertise under Dr. Parentis, with a focused interest in regenerative and non-surgical care
- One-on-one care, so patients see the same physician through evaluation, injection, and follow-up
- Convenient locations in Williamsville and Orchard Park serving the greater Buffalo, NY area
- An individualized approach that considers surgical and non-surgical options together, rather than defaulting to one or the other
Schedule Your Orthobiologics Consultation in Buffalo
For many patients with chronic joint pain, PRP and stem cell injections offer a non-surgical option that targets healing rather than just masking discomfort. With careful evaluation and the right candidate, orthobiologics can be a meaningful part of an orthopedic treatment plan.
To find out if PRP or stem cell injections are right for you, request an appointment with Buffalo Orthopedics at the Williamsville or Orchard Park location. Dr. Parentis will review your history, examine the affected joint, and walk you through every option available, from orthobiologics to surgical care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are PRP injections near me available in Buffalo, NY?
Yes. Buffalo Orthopedics offers PRP injections at its Williamsville and Orchard Park offices, serving patients throughout the Buffalo, NY region. A consultation with Dr. Parentis is the first step to determine whether PRP is appropriate for your condition.
How are stem cell injections in Buffalo NY, different from PRP?
Both are orthobiologic treatments, but they use different components. PRP concentrates growth-factor-rich platelets from your own blood, while stem cell injections use cells (typically from bone marrow or fat) that have the ability to develop into different tissue types. Your treatment plan depends on your diagnosis and goals.
How long does it take to feel results from PRP therapy for joint pain?
Most patients begin to notice gradual improvement over several weeks rather than days, as the healing process takes time. Some conditions respond within a few weeks, while others may take a few months and may require more than one injection.
Is PRP therapy painful?
Most patients describe the injection itself as similar to other in-office injections. Some soreness in the treated area is common for a few days afterward, as the body responds to the treatment.
Is orthobiologics treatment covered by insurance?
PRP and stem cell injections are often considered elective and are not typically covered by insurance. The Buffalo Orthopedics team can review costs and payment options with you during your consultation.
