Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy in Michigan
At Native Stem Cell, we use Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy to help patients reduce pain, support tissue repair, and restore joint function — without surgery. PRP is a safe, minimally invasive treatment that uses the healing components of your own blood to target damaged joints, tendons, and ligaments.
With locations in Bloomfield Hills, Grand Rapids, and Houghton Lake, we provide advanced PRP therapy for patients across Michigan looking for a natural, regenerative option for musculoskeletal pain.
What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?
Platelet-Rich Plasma is a concentrated portion of your own blood that is rich in platelets and growth factors. These growth factors play a key role in:
Reducing inflammation
Supporting collagen and tissue repair
Improving blood flow to injured areas
Stimulating the body’s natural healing response
During PRP therapy, a small amount of your blood is drawn, processed in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets, and then injected into the area of injury using image guidance.
Because PRP is made from your own blood (autologous), the risk of allergic reaction or rejection is extremely low.
How PRP Therapy Works
PRP therapy works by delivering a high concentration of platelets directly to the tissues that need healing.
Blood Draw
We draw a small amount of your blood, typically from your arm.Processing in a Centrifuge
The blood is placed in a specialized centrifuge to separate the platelets and plasma from red and white blood cells.Creating the PRP Concentrate
The platelet-rich portion is collected and prepared as a concentrated PRP solution.Healing Response
Once injected, the growth factors released by platelets help stimulate repair mechanisms, support new tissue formation, and decrease inflammation over time.
While PRP is not an instant “quick fix,” many patients experience gradual and meaningful improvement in pain and function over several weeks to months.
Conditions Treated With PRP at Native Stem Cell
We commonly use PRP therapy to treat:
Knee arthritis (including early to moderate osteoarthritis)
Knee pain from meniscus damage
Hip arthritis and labral issues
Shoulder pain from rotator cuff tendinopathy or partial tears
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
Chronic tendonitis (patellar tendon, Achilles tendon, etc.)
Plantar fasciitis
Ligament sprains and sports injuries
Mild to moderate joint degeneration when surgery is not yet desired
PRP can be used alone or combined with other regenerative therapies, depending on the severity of the condition and your overall treatment plan.
PRP vs. Stem Cell Therapy – What’s the Difference?
Both PRP and stem cell therapy are regenerative treatments, but they work in slightly different ways and are used for different levels of damage.
PRP Therapy
Uses platelets and growth factors from your own blood
Best suited for mild to moderate arthritis, tendonitis, and many sports injuries
Often recommended as a first-line biologic treatment
Stem Cell Therapy
Uses stem cells (usually from your own bone marrow) with a higher capacity to support tissue regeneration
Often used for more advanced arthritis or complex joint damage
Provides a more potent regenerative effect for some patients
During your consultation, our physician will review your imaging, symptoms, and goals to determine whether PRP, stem cell therapy, or a combination of treatments is the best choice for you.
Is PRP Therapy Right for You?
You may be a good candidate for PRP therapy if:
You have joint pain, tendon pain, or sports injuries that have not improved with rest, physical therapy, or standard injections.
You want to delay or avoid surgery, such as joint replacement.
You are interested in a natural, biologic treatment that uses your own blood to encourage healing.
You understand that regenerative medicine works over time and are ready to commit to a healing plan.
Our physician will perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether PRP is appropriate for your specific condition and health profile.
PRP Therapy at Native Stem Cell – Why Patients Choose Us
Expertise in Regenerative Orthopedics
Our practice focuses specifically on stem cell therapy, PRP, and orthobiologic injections for joint, tendon, and ligament issues.Advanced Processing and High-Quality PRP
We use specialized systems to produce high-concentration PRP, which is a key factor in effective treatment.Personalized Plans
We look at the whole picture — imaging, activity level, goals, and health status — to design a plan that fits you, not just your diagnosis.Three Michigan Locations
Convenient access to PRP therapy in Bloomfield Hills, Grand Rapids, and Houghton Lake.
What to Expect Before, During, and After PRP Treatment
Before Your PRP Procedure
We will review your medical history, current medications, and imaging (X-ray, MRI if available).
You may be asked to avoid certain medications (such as NSAIDs) for a period before and after treatment to avoid interfering with the healing response.
Our team will answer your questions and explain what to expect step by step.
During the Procedure
You’ll be comfortably positioned in our procedure room.
A small blood sample is drawn and processed on-site.
Once the PRP is ready, the target area is cleaned and numbed.
Most procedures take about 30–60 minutes from start to finish.
After the Procedure
You may feel soreness or a “full” sensation in the treated area for several days.
We often recommend relative rest for a short period, followed by a gradual return to activity.
Improvement is typically gradual, developing over 4–12 weeks as the healing process unfolds.
Some patients benefit from a series of PRP treatments depending on the severity and chronicity of their condition.
Frequently Asked Questions About PRP
How long does it take to feel better after PRP?
Most patients begin to notice improvement in pain and function within 4–8 weeks, with continued gains over several months as tissue repair progresses.
Is PRP therapy painful?
You may feel some brief discomfort during the injection and soreness afterward, similar to a deep bruise. This usually improves over a few days. We use local anesthetic and gentle technique to keep you as comfortable as possible.
How many PRP treatments will I need?
Many patients experience good results after one treatment, while others with more advanced or chronic issues may benefit from a series of injections. This is discussed and customized during your visit.
Is PRP covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans do not currently cover PRP therapy. Our staff can review costs with you and explain all available options before scheduling treatment.
Can PRP be combined with other treatments?
Yes. PRP can be combined with physical therapy, bracing, activity modification, and in some cases, stem cell therapy as part of a comprehensive regenerative plan.
