You’ve read the basics. PRP uses your blood, and stem cell therapy uses bone marrow or fat. But when you’re running a business, the real questions are practical ones. How much will it cost? How many visits? How long until you’re back at work?
Here’s a straight look at the practical side of PRP vs stem cell treatment.
Cost, Sessions, and Downtime Compared
| Factor | PRP | Stem Cell Therapy |
|---|---|---|
| Typical cost | Lower per session | Considerably higher per treatment |
| Insurance | Usually not covered | Usually not covered |
| Number of sessions | Often 1 to 3, spaced weeks apart | Often a single treatment |
| Time in clinic | Usually under an hour | Longer, due to harvesting and processing |
| Extra procedure | Simple blood draw | Bone marrow or fat harvest |
| Typical downtime | A few days of soreness | A few days to a week, including the harvest site |
| When results may show | Gradually, over weeks to months | Gradually, over weeks to months |
Prices vary widely between clinics, so always ask for a written quote that includes imaging guidance and follow-up visits.
What Recovery Really Looks Like
- The first few days: Soreness and swelling at the injection site are common. That’s part of the healing response.
- The first couple of weeks: You’ll likely be asked to avoid heavy exercise and some anti-inflammatory medicines, which can interfere with the healing process.
- The following weeks: Gradual return to activity, often with physical therapy.
- Later on: Many people notice changes slowly rather than all at once.
For desk-based professionals, many are back at work within a day or two. Jobs that involve heavy lifting may need more time.
Marketing Claims to Be Careful With
Regenerative medicine attracts a lot of hype. Watch out for:
- “Regrows cartilage” or “cures arthritis”: These claims aren’t supported by solid evidence.
- “FDA-approved stem cells”: The FDA has not approved stem cell products for most orthopedic conditions.
- Donor “stem cell” products: Some amniotic or umbilical products are marketed as stem cells but may contain few or no living stem cells.
- Treating everything: One injection sold as the answer for every condition.
- No imaging: Injections done without ultrasound or X-ray guidance may miss the target.
How to Decide: PRP vs Stem Cell
Think of it like any business investment: start with the facts, not the pitch.
- Get a clear diagnosis. Imaging and a proper exam come first.
- Ask what the evidence says for your specific condition.
- Compare total costs, including all sessions and follow-ups.
- Plan around your schedule, including downtime and activity limits.
- Choose a physician-led clinic that uses image guidance and sets realistic expectations.
Many patients find PRP is a practical first step. Dynasty Health, which serves the Phoenix and Scottsdale area, offers PRP and other regenerative options and can help you weigh PRP vs stem cell treatment for your specific situation.
Final Takeaways
- PRP is usually quicker and less expensive, and may take a few sessions.
- Stem cell therapy costs more and involves a harvest procedure.
- Neither is usually covered by insurance.
- Be wary of cure-all claims and “FDA-approved stem cell” marketing.
- A proper diagnosis should always come first.
Still weighing PRP vs stem cell? Book a consultation with Dynasty Health for honest advice based on your diagnosis, goals, and schedule.
This article is for general information only and isn’t medical advice. Talk to a qualified doctor about your specific condition.
