Harnessing your body’s own growth factors to support healing.

What is it?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a biologic treatment made from your own blood. A small sample is drawn and processed to concentrate the platelets — the cells that release the growth factors your body naturally uses to repair tissue. That concentrate is then injected at the site of injury or wear, delivering a high dose of these healing signals exactly where they’re needed.

Because PRP comes entirely from your own body, there is no risk of allergic reaction or rejection.

The system we use: Endoret® (PRGF®) by BTI

Not all PRP is the same — preparation methods vary widely, and that variability is one reason PRP studies have been inconsistent. Dr. Wolff uses the Endoret® (PRGF®) system by BTI Biotechnology Institute, one of the most standardized and well-studied platelet technologies available. Two features set it apart:

  • Leukocyte-free. Endoret deliberately excludes white blood cells, which can drive inflammation. The result is a “pure” platelet preparation designed to favor healing over an inflammatory flare.
  • Controlled activation. The growth factors are released in a consistent, controlled way rather than all at once, for a more predictable biologic effect.

This standardization means each treatment is reproducible — you get a consistent, well-characterized product every time.

Why PRP?

  • Concentrates the growth factors and proteins your body uses to repair tissue
  • Stimulates new blood-vessel formation, cell migration, and tissue regeneration
  • Can reduce inflammation and pain in the treated area
  • Uses your own biology — autologous, with no donor material

How PRP is used in Dr. Wolff’s practice

Dr. Wolff offers PRP as a non-surgical, in-office option for select patients, and in some cases as an adjunct around the time of surgery. Common indications include:

  • Hip osteoarthritis and early cartilage wear (intra-articular injection)
  • Gluteal (gluteus medius/minimus) tendinopathy and greater trochanteric pain
  • Proximal hamstring and other tendon injuries
  • As a biologic adjunct in select surgical or post-surgical settings

All of our injections are performed under ultrasound guidance to ensure the PRP is delivered precisely to the target.

What is the evidence?

PRP is an evolving area, and the research is still maturing — but for several conditions the literature is encouraging, especially with standardized, leukocyte-poor preparations like Endoret:

  • In a randomized clinical trial, PRGF-Endoret produced superior short-term results compared with hyaluronic acid for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, with a comparable safety profile.
  • Studies report meaningful reductions in pain and improvements in function for several tendon and joint conditions treated with PRP.
  • Because it is autologous (i.e. comes from your own body), PRP has a strong safety profile, with side effects generally limited to temporary soreness at the injection site.

What is the process?

The entire treatment is done in the office and typically takes approximately 30 minutes:

  1. A small amount of blood is drawn, similar to a routine lab draw.
  2. The sample is processed with the Endoret (PRGF) system to concentrate the platelets and growth factors — no donor material is used.
  3. The prepared PRP is injected into the target area under ultrasound guidance.

After your injection: medications & recovery

Anti-inflammatory medications. Stop all NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, Advil, Aleve, and Motrin) for 1 week before and 2 weeks after your injection — these blunt the very healing response PRP is designed to stimulate. The one exception is celecoxib (Celebrex), which is permitted during this window if you need something for pain. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is also safe to use.

Activity, week by week. Some soreness in the treated area for a few days is normal and expected as the healing response begins. Ease back in gradually:

  • Week 1 — Rest. Go about your daily life, but hold off on exercise. Use crutches for longer distances if you need them.
  • Week 2 — Light exercise. Begin gentle, low-intensity activity.
  • Week 3 — Moderate exercise. Add in more moderate activity.
  • Week 4 and beyond — Return to normal. Transition back to your usual exercise as tolerated. Don’t push through pain.

What is the cost?

PRP is currently not covered by insurance and is an out-of-pocket expense. Please message us if you are interested in PRP.

PRP is an evolving area of orthobiologics. The early and mid-term evidence is encouraging for several conditions, but results can vary by patient and by indication, and long-term data is still being gathered. We believe in being transparent with our patients. Dr. Wolff uses a standardized, well-studied system (Endoret/PRGF) and will give you an honest assessment of whether PRP is likely to help in your specific case.

Call our office at 202-838-8837 to learn whether PRP is a good option for you, or to schedule a consultation.

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