Overview
Hip pain can come from several places. Pain on the outside of the hip is often from the gluteal tendons, sometimes called greater trochanteric pain syndrome. Pain in the groin or deep in the hip is often from arthritis in the hip joint. Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is an injection made from your own blood. It may help some people with gluteal tendinopathy or hip osteoarthritis. The research is still growing, and results vary. For hip arthritis in particular, the evidence is limited. PRP is usually self-pay.
Watch: how PRP treatment works
Video: “Platelet-rich Plasma Treatment for Injured Tendons, Muscles and Joints” from Hospital for Special Surgery on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
What it is
PRP is made from a small sample of your own blood. The blood is spun in a machine called a centrifuge, which separates out a layer with a high number of platelets. Platelets contain growth factors that play a role in the body's normal healing process. That platelet-rich layer is then injected into the area that hurts, often with ultrasound guidance.
PRP is not FDA-approved to treat any specific condition. The devices used to prepare it are FDA-cleared. Preparation methods differ, which is one reason study results vary.
For the hip, PRP may be injected near the gluteal tendons on the outside of the hip or into the hip joint, depending on the cause of your pain.
Who it's for
PRP for the hip may be considered for people who have:
- Gluteal tendinopathy or greater trochanteric pain syndrome (pain on the outside of the hip, often worse lying on that side or climbing stairs)
- Mild to moderate hip osteoarthritis
- Pain that has not improved enough with exercise, physical therapy, activity changes or medicines
- A clear understanding of the evidence and cost
What the procedure involves, step by step
- Before: we review your exam and imaging. You may be asked to stop anti-inflammatory medicines (such as ibuprofen or naproxen) for a period before and after the injection, because they may affect platelets. Ask before stopping any prescribed medicine.
- Blood draw: a small amount of blood is drawn from your arm, much like a routine blood test.
- Processing: the blood is spun in a centrifuge for several minutes to concentrate the platelets.
- Injection: the skin is cleaned and numbed. Using ultrasound guidance, your physician injects the PRP into the gluteal tendon area or the hip joint. Hip joint injections may use ultrasound or X-ray guidance.
- After: you rest briefly and go home the same day. The whole visit often takes about an hour.
Recovery and what to expect
- Soreness in the hip for several days is common.
- You may be asked to limit hard activity for a short time, then follow a strengthening program. Physical therapy is an important part of recovery for tendon pain.
- Avoid anti-inflammatory medicines for the period you are told.
- Any benefit, if it happens, usually builds over several weeks to a few months. Some people notice little or no change.
Candidacy: who may or may not be a good fit
May be a good fit: people with gluteal tendon pain or mild to moderate hip arthritis that has not improved enough with other care, who understand the evidence is still growing and that it is usually self-pay.
May not be a good fit: people with a low platelet count or another blood disorder, an active infection, active cancer, anemia, blood thinners that cannot be safely paused, or recent steroid injections in the same area. It is also not a good fit for anyone expecting a certain result or who would have trouble with the cost. Severe hip arthritis, a hip fracture or loss of blood flow to the hip bone (avascular necrosis) need a different plan. Hip pain can also come from the low back, so we check for that too.
Risks in brief
Because PRP comes from your own blood, allergic reactions are unlikely. Risks include pain, swelling or stiffness for several days, bruising, and, rarely, infection or nerve injury. The pain may not improve. We will review your specific risks.
Alternatives
Other options may include physical therapy and strengthening, weight management, activity changes, medicines, steroid injections, shock wave therapy for tendon pain, or a referral to discuss hip replacement.
Frequently asked questions
What is greater trochanteric pain syndrome?
It is pain on the outside of the hip, usually from irritation or wear of the gluteal tendons. It is often worse when lying on that side.
Is PRP better for tendon pain or hip arthritis?
Research on gluteal tendon pain has been somewhat more encouraging, while evidence for hip arthritis is limited. Results vary for both.
Do I still need physical therapy?
Yes, especially for tendon pain. Strengthening is an important part of recovery.
How soon might I feel a change?
If PRP helps, the change usually builds over several weeks to a few months. Some people notice little or no change.
Is PRP FDA-approved?
The devices used to prepare PRP are FDA-cleared, but PRP is not FDA-approved to treat any specific condition.
Does insurance pay for PRP?
PRP is often not covered by insurance, including many Aetna plans, and is usually self-pay. Our team can explain costs and check your plan before treatment.
Insurance and cost
PRP is often not covered by insurance, including many Aetna plans, and is usually self-pay. Our team can explain costs and check your plan before treatment. We cannot promise coverage for any plan.
Book an appointment
One phone number for all 7 GSMC offices in Ocean and Monmouth County.
Our offices
- Whiting
- Toms River (1314 Hooper Ave)
- Brick
- Barnegat
- Manahawkin
- Freehold (322 Professional View Dr)
- West Long Branch
Telehealth visits are available for second opinions and imaging reviews only, by phone. Please call 732-202-3000 to book one.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary, and no outcome can be promised.