Knee pain affects people of all ages, and in New York City, where walking is a way of life, discomfort in the joint can quickly interrupt daily routines. My name is Dr. Sonali Lal, and as a board-certified physiatrist with more than 20 years of experience in non-surgical orthopedics and regenerative medicine, I have seen how profoundly knee injuries and degeneration affect mobility, confidence, and long-term joint health. For many patients, Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy offers a natural, non-operative path to relief and healing. In my Upper West Side practice, I use PRP to help restore stability, reduce inflammation, and stimulate tissue repair in the knee without relying on steroids or unnecessary surgery.
What is PRP for Knee Pain
I begin every PRP treatment by drawing a small amount of your own blood. This blood is then processed in a sterile, FDA-cleared centrifuge to concentrate your platelets. These platelets contain powerful growth factors that naturally support healing in bone, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. When I inject this concentrated plasma directly into the injured or degenerative areas of your knee, I am delivering targeted biological signals that help your body repair tissue from the inside out.
I perform all injections under real-time ultrasound guidance to ensure absolute precision. This allows me to place PRP exactly where your knee needs it, whether that is inside the joint, around a weakened tendon, or near damaged cartilage. This level of accuracy is essential, especially for complex structures like the meniscus, patellar tendon, and MCL.
Conditions I Treat with PRP for Knee Pain
Throughout my years of practice, I have treated thousands of knee cases, ranging from early joint discomfort to severe arthritis. PRP is most beneficial for patients seeking to avoid surgery or reduce reliance on steroid injections. Conditions that respond particularly well to PRP include:
Knee Osteoarthritis
I frequently use PRP for mild to moderate knee arthritis. PRP improves lubrication inside the joint, reduces inflammation, and supports cartilage health. Many of my patients experience smoother movement and longer-lasting relief than they do with hyaluronic acid or cortisone.
Meniscus Tears
For stable, non-surgical meniscus tears, PRP can significantly reduce pain and help support natural healing. I target the specific tear pattern under ultrasound to maximize effectiveness.
Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee)
Active individuals and athletes often come to me with chronic patellar tendon pain. PRP is extremely effective because it stimulates tendon repair rather than simply masking symptoms.
MCL and LCL Sprains
Ligament sprains around the knee respond well to PRP because these tissues have a limited blood supply. PRP boosts biological activity and accelerates healing.
Runner’s Knee
For patients with chronic overload, PRP helps calm inflammation and strengthen the surrounding soft tissues.
Post-Traumatic Knee Pain
Whether related to sports, falls, or sudden twisting injuries, PRP can support recovery and reduce long-term scar tissue formation.
My PRP Process: What You Can Expect
Every step of your PRP journey is designed with precision, safety, and healing in mind. I follow a structured process that allows me to understand your knee thoroughly before choosing any treatment plan.
Step 1: Comprehensive Evaluation
Your appointment begins with a complete review of your medical history, symptoms, and activity levels. Using a combination of physical examination and diagnostic imaging, I identify the exact structures causing your knee pain. This step is essential because no two knees are alike, and effective treatment requires a clear picture of what is happening inside the joint.
Step 2: Diagnostic Ultrasound
I personally perform an ultrasound evaluation during your visit. This gives me immediate insight into cartilage health, fluid levels, ligament stability, tendon integrity, and meniscal involvement. It also allows me to plan the most exact injection route for your PRP treatment.
Step 3: Customized PRP Preparation
Not all PRP is the same. I tailor the concentration and formulation based on your specific injury. Some knee conditions require leukocyte-poor PRP, while others respond better to leukocyte-rich formulas. I create each sample individually rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
Step 4: Ultrasound-Guided PRP Injection
Using sterile technique, I inject the PRP directly into the targeted tissues. I rely on continuous ultrasound guidance to ensure the PRP is delivered precisely where it is needed. Precision makes a tremendous difference in long-term outcomes.
Step 5: Recovery and Activity Guidelines
Most patients return to light activity within 24 to 48 hours. I provide a clear, personalized recovery plan that includes activity modifications, gentle mobility work, and long-term strengthening recommendations.
Step 6: Follow-Up and Progress Evaluation
I closely monitor your progress. Most patients begin to feel improvement within several weeks, with continued gains over the next several months as the biological repair process continues.
Benefits of PRP for Knee Pain
- A Natural, Non-Surgical Treatment — Because PRP uses your own blood, the treatment is biologically compatible, safe, and free of synthetic chemicals.
- Addresses the Cause, Not Just the Symptoms — PRP does more than reduce temporary inflammation. It encourages real tissue healing, which can lead to longer-lasting results.
- Reduced Need for Steroids or Pain Medications — Many of my patients use PRP to break the cycle of repeated cortisone shots that weaken cartilage over time.
- Precision and Safety — Ultrasound guidance ensures exact placement. This is critical for complex knee structures and maximizes each injection’s effectiveness.
- Helps Preserve Joint Health — For early to mid-stage arthritis, PRP can slow progression and protect remaining cartilage.
Who Is a Good Candidate for PRP for Knee Pain
You may be a strong candidate for PRP if:
- You have ongoing knee pain that has not responded to rest, physical therapy, or medication
- You are trying to avoid knee surgery
- You have arthritis, but still maintain some joint space
- You prefer a natural, regenerative approach to healing
- You want to improve stability, reduce swelling, and enhance mobility
I evaluate every patient carefully to ensure PRP is the right option. If I believe another treatment, such as BMAC, hyaluronic acid, or a different non-surgical therapy, may serve you better, I will guide you accordingly.
My Commitment to Regenerative Knee Care on the Upper West Side
As an attending physician at NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital and an Assistant Clinical Professor at Columbia University, my commitment to non-surgical knee care is grounded in evidence-based medicine, precision, and compassion. My practice follows all Mayo Clinic regulations for cell-based therapies. I am deeply dedicated to providing safe, effective, and ethical regenerative treatments that help my patients remain active, strong, and mobile.
If knee pain is limiting your ability to walk, exercise, or enjoy daily life, PRP may offer a powerful, biologically driven path to healing.
