PRP Joint Injections & Knee Gel Injections in Dania Beach, near Fort Lauderdale
Injection Lab offers PRP joint injections and knee gel injections for arthritis, painful joints, tendon injuries and soft tissue recovery. They are performed by Kendally Guardia, PA-C, whose background includes over 10 years of surgical and procedural experience, including orthopaedics, and advanced training in ultrasound-guided injection techniques.
PRP Joint and Soft Tissue Injections
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is prepared from a small sample of the patient’s own blood, which is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. The PRP is then injected into the joint, tendon or soft tissue being treated.
Knee Gel Injections (Viscosupplementation)
Viscosupplementation is a gel injection into the knee joint. The gel is made of hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally present in joint fluid, and it adds lubrication and cushioning to the knee.
Ultrasound-Guided Joint Injections
When it is appropriate, the injection is ultrasound-guided. The ultrasound shows the joint and the needle on a screen during the injection. It is a guide for the procedure. See aesthetic ultrasound for its other uses.
Who These Injections Are For
- PRP joint or soft tissue injection: adults with arthritis, a painful joint, a tendon injury or a soft tissue injury who are looking for a non-surgical option. It can be used in the knee and in other joints, as well as in tendons.
- Knee gel injection: adults with knee arthritis.
Who These Injections Are Not For
A joint injection may not be appropriate for patients who:
- Have an infection in the joint or in the skin over it.
- Have a fever or are ill at the time of the visit.
- Have a blood or platelet disorder or take blood thinners (for PRP).
- Have a known allergy to an ingredient of the gel (for viscosupplementation).
What to Expect at the Visit
- Medical history, symptoms and treatment consent are reviewed.
- The joint or tendon is examined.
- For PRP, a small blood sample is drawn and prepared during the visit.
- The injection is given, with ultrasound guidance when appropriate.
- Activity instructions and the follow-up plan are reviewed.
PRP or Knee Gel Injection?
PRP is prepared from the patient’s own blood and can be used in joints, tendons and soft tissue. A knee gel injection adds lubrication and is used only in the knee. The recommendation is made after the evaluation.
Related Treatments
PRP is also used in aesthetics: see facial PRP and PRP hair restoration. For recovery after exercise, see IV therapy and peptide therapy.
Conditions Evaluated
- Arthritis of the knee and other joints.
- Tendon problems, such as the rotator cuff of the shoulder, the patellar tendon of the knee, and tennis or golfer’s elbow.
- Joint pain from sports or repeated overload in the knees, shoulders or ankles.
What These Injections Can and Cannot Do
PRP does not rebuild cartilage that is already gone. The goal is to help with pain and function, and expectations are reviewed with each patient in the evaluation. A knee gel injection is not cortisone: cortisone is a steroid medication, while the gel is hyaluronic acid that adds lubrication to the joint.
Downtime and Aftercare
- After a PRP injection: the area can feel sore, and the soreness can increase during the first few days before it improves. Keep to light daily activities for the first 2 to 3 days and hold off on strenuous use of the joint for about a week, or as instructed. Ice can be used for comfort. Ask before taking anti-inflammatory medication, because it can interfere with how PRP works.
- After a knee gel injection: for 48 hours, avoid strenuous or prolonged weight-bearing activity, such as jogging, tennis or heavy lifting, and avoid standing for more than about an hour at a time.
Written aftercare instructions are given at the visit. Contact the practice about fever, or about warmth, redness or swelling in the joint that increases instead of improving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PRP made from?
PRP is prepared from a small sample of the patient’s own blood.
Is ultrasound used for joint injections?
Yes, when it is appropriate. Ultrasound shows the joint and guides the needle during the injection.
Can PRP be used in the knee?
Yes. The knee is one of the joints treated with PRP, and knee gel injections are also available.
Is viscosupplementation the same as PRP?
No. Viscosupplementation is a hyaluronic acid gel injection for the knee. PRP is prepared from the patient’s own blood.
How many injections are needed?
It depends on the joint and the condition. A plan is recommended after the evaluation.
How much does it cost?
See the Treatments & Fee Schedule page.
Where is Injection Lab?
At Dania Pointe: 161 S Compass Way, Suite 33, Dania Beach, FL 33004. It is a short drive from Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood. Call (954) 405-2477.
Results vary from patient to patient. This information is educational and is not medical advice.