PRP (platelet rich plasma) injection?

Getting ready to see an ortho about the same thing. Gluteal tendonopathy that just ruins my life. That seems to be the last resort. PT exercises seeem to exacerbate but will continue to work on all areas. It is expensive and I have been told insurance doesn’t cover. I have spent so much money on dry needling, acupuncture, stretch labs, red light therapy, myofascial trigger massage, what is one more thing.

I had 2 sessions of PRP for Achilles tendinitis, bursitis and heel spur's all in my right foot it was nothing short of a miracle. The pain is about 80% gone. I could barely walk or stand for very long and for about 3 years I had tried OT, PT, cortisone shots. Nothing helped except the PRP. Unfortunately It did not really help my knee arthritis very much though

Thanks for letting me know. I have a consult this week.

Glad it was so successful for you.

Helen

@loyd1957

Been there! But just asking. Have you had an MRI of hip to ascertain if you might have a gl tear? If not, it would be good idea. Joanne

Thanks Bart. I do believe the FDA has approved PRP injections for the knee. As you point out, insurance coverage is another thing.

I'm on Medicare and that covers some things outside the "normal" (for example, acupuncture or dry needling for only the lower back is approved).

I don't know if you are on Medicare. Medicare might cover PRP injections. May be worth a check.

Otherwise, if you're bone-on-bone, are you considering a TKR? Both of my knees have been replaced and it has been a huge relief to be out of pain. I'm 71 now (knees replaced in 2023) and in the gym everyday - 5x/week spinning for cardio health and 2 days for resistance work with a trainer.

All the best to you Bart!

Joe

@mrsluckycat sorry to hear PRP did not help your knee arthritis. Stem cells have been shown to be helpful in general for both the knee and arthritis, though they are more expensive.

I am trying to get PRP injections for the FCR tendon in the wrist. From my research PRP is the most helpful thing for tendon issues. I would give it a shot if you can afford it.

@heyjoe415
I do have Medicare; they do not cover PRP and from what my hospital(s) in both Hudson Valley and Central NY have told me, no PRP are approved.... Just telling you what I have been told.
No bone-on-bone; PRP for knee has brought 100% relief! It will not last forever but now I have time to work on my SI joint! 🙂

@jackbartlett123

Thanks. Helpful. I have the consult tomorrow.

Thanks Bart. I'm surprised that Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan wouldn't cover an FDA approved treatment (PRP injections for the knee). Then again, that's up to the insurer, not the FDA.

As long as there is cartilage left in your knee a replacement is most likely not needed. And if the PRP injections provide relief, allowing you to do other things, well that's the right path.

Joe