PRP vs. Viscosupplementation: Which Is Better for Knee Osteoarthritis?

November 17, 2025admin Uncategorized

Table of Contents

TLDR

If you’re experiencing knee osteoarthritis, there are two leading non-surgical options to help address the issue: PRP therapy and viscosupplementation (knee gel injections).

PRP therapy makes use of your body’s platelets to repair damaged tissues and reduce inflammation. Viscosupplementation involves the injection of hyaluronic acid into the joint to lubricate and relieve pain.

With PRP therapy, patients obtain longer-term healing, but this procedure is not covered by insurance. Viscosupplementation, on the other hand, provides effective, insurance-covered relief for mild to moderate arthritis. Dr. Ahmad, our board-certified physiatrist in Charlotte, NC, who also serves surrounding areas like Huntersville, NC, and Fort Mill, SC, will help you select the most suitable option based on the nature of your condition.

Understanding Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a degenerative condition where the protective cartilage in your knee joint weakens over time, causing pain, reduced mobility, stiffness, and swelling. Knee osteoarthritis can become so uncomfortable that it makes it challenging to proceed with your day-to-day activities.

If you’ve tried treating this condition using medications or steroid injections and experience limited relief, non-surgical regenerative treatments like PRP or viscosupplementation can help restore mobility and improve joint comfort.

What Is PRP Therapy?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is an advanced regenerative treatment that makes use of your body’s own platelets to heal damaged tissues. Whenever Dr. Ahmad performs PRP therapy in Charlotte, NC, he’ll collect a small sample of your blood, spin it in a centrifuge to concentrate platelets, and then re-inject it into the affected knee.

PRP is best for active adults or patients with arthritis who want to avoid surgery. It contains powerful growth materials that stimulate cell repair, reduce inflammation, and support the regeneration of cartilage.

Patients who receive PRP therapy often experience pain relief and improved function within 4-6 weeks, with benefits lasting up to a year or longer.

Learn more about our PRP therapy services at our Charlotte, Huntersville, and Fort Mill locations.

What is Viscosupplementation?

Viscosupplementation, commonly referred to as a “knee gel injection,” is an advanced pain management treatment that involves injecting hyaluronic acid into the joint to mimic the natural joint fluid. Hyaluronic acid is designed to act as a lubricant and shock absorber, allowing for smoother joint movement and reducing pain.

Viscosupplementation is a safe and FDA-approved treatment for knee osteoarthritis, and can provide relief for up to six months. Patients who have mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis who aren’t responding to steroid injections and need an insurance-covered treatment can opt for this option.

Learn more about viscosupplementation for knee osteoarthritis here.

PRP vs. Viscosupplementation: How They Compare

Feature	PRP Therapy	Viscosupplementation
Materials	Platelets from your own blood	Hyaluronic acid gel
Essence	Regenerates tissues of damaged cells and reduces inflammation	Lubricates and cushions the joint
Results	4-6 weeks to see improvement, and it can last up to a year	2-4 weeks to see improvement, and it can last up to 6 months
Ideal for	Active adults with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis who want longer-term healing	Mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis and insurance-covered treatment
Insurance coverage	Typically self-pay	Usually covered

PRP therapy typically promotes biological healing, while viscosupplementation focuses on providing mechanical relief. At Advanced Sports & Spine, we help patients in Charlotte, NC, and surrounding areas to choose the proper treatment or even combine both to achieve the best outcome.

Risks and Side Effects

PRP therapy and viscosupplementation are both minimally invasive treatments with little to no complications. However, you may experience minor side effects, such as temporary soreness, mild swelling, or redness at the injection site, which should resolve quickly.

At Advanced Sports & Spine, both PRP therapy and knee gel injections are performed by Dr. Ahmad, our board-certified physiatrist using image guidance to ensure precision and minimize discomfort.

Choosing the Right Pain Management Treatment in Charlotte, NC

Choosing between PRP and our viscosupplementation therapy treatment that we offer in Huntersville near Charlotte and Fort Mill, SC, will depend on the severity of your arthritis, your lifestyle, and your budget. PRP is the right option if you want a regenerative, long-term solution, while viscosupplementation is recommended if you’re seeking short-term relief from knee pain.

Dr. Ahmad provides both options with a personalized, non-surgical approach to helping you move better and live pain-free without becoming bedridden. Schedule a consultation with us today to gain a better understanding of your options.

Disclaimer: The benefits of regenerative medicine have not been reviewed or approved by the FDA.

Key Takeaways

PRP therapy and viscosupplementation both relieve knee osteoarthritis pain without surgery.
PRP heals tissues naturally, while viscosupplementation provides cushioning and lubrication to the joint.
PRP lasts longer but is often a self-pay option. Viscosupplementation, on the other hand, is typically covered by insurance.
Advanced Sports & Spine in Charlotte, NC, Huntersville, NC, and Fort Mill, SC, offers both treatments under the care of a board-certified physiatrist, utilizing image-guided precision.
Schedule a consultation with Dr.Ahmad today to determine the best approach for your specific knee condition.