PRP Therapy in Colorado Springs
Medically reviewed by John C. Redfern, MD, Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon.
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy uses a concentrated preparation of platelets from your own blood, injected into an injured tendon or arthritic joint to support the body’s healing response. Dr. John Redfern offers PRP in Colorado Springs for select shoulder conditions.
What PRP Is, in Plain Terms
Platelets are tiny cell fragments in your blood that trigger clotting and initiate healing, and they carry growth factors that signal tissue repair. In a PRP treatment, a small amount of your blood is drawn, spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and the concentrated portion is injected precisely into the injured area. The entire visit typically takes under an hour, and because the injection comes from your own blood, allergic reaction risk is low.
What Dr. Redfern Uses PRP For
- Partial rotator cuff tears and chronic rotator cuff tendinopathy that haven’t responded to therapy alone.
- Tennis elbow and other chronic tendon conditions.
- Select acute muscle and ligament injuries in athletes, as part of a broader treatment plan.
PRP is not the right tool for every problem. It doesn’t reverse advanced arthritis or heal a full-thickness cuff tear, and a shoulder with bone-on-bone arthritis needs a conversation about replacement, not an injection. Part of the value of getting PRP from a surgeon is that you’ll hear honestly which category your problem falls into.
What the Evidence Says (Honestly)
Research on PRP is active and, for some conditions, encouraging: studies in certain chronic tendon problems have shown meaningful improvement for many patients. For other uses, the evidence is mixed, and results vary from person to person. PRP is not a cure, and no reputable physician should promise one. Dr. Redfern will tell you what the current evidence supports for your specific condition, and when a different treatment is more likely to help.
Cost and Insurance
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, consider PRP investigational for orthopedic conditions and do not cover it, so PRP is typically an out-of-pocket treatment nationwide.
What to Expect at Your Visit
A PRP visit is straightforward: blood draw, a short wait while it’s prepared, and a guided injection into the target tissue. Soreness at the injection site for a few days is normal and expected; strenuous activity is limited briefly afterward. Some patients notice improvement over several weeks as the tissue responds; a series of injections is sometimes recommended depending on the condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does PRP work for rotator cuff tears?
PRP may help partial rotator cuff tears and chronic cuff tendinopathy, and research in this area is ongoing. It does not repair full-thickness tears, which typically require surgical treatment. An exam and imaging determine which situation you’re in.
How much do PRP injections cost?
Because PRP is typically a self-pay treatment, the cost depends on the condition being treated and whether a single injection or a short series is recommended. Our office will give you a clear, all-inclusive quote before you schedule, so there are no surprises.
Is PRP covered by insurance?
Usually not. Most insurers, including Medicare, classify PRP as investigational for orthopedic conditions, so it is generally paid out of pocket. Our office will confirm your costs before any treatment.
How is PRP different from a cortisone shot?
Cortisone reduces inflammation and can relieve pain quickly, but it doesn’t promote tissue healing and repeated use can weaken tissue. PRP is intended to support the body’s repair response. They’re different tools, and Dr. Redfern can explain which fits your situation.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Redfern
Call the office or request an appointment online and our team will help you take the next step.