If you’ve been researching non-surgical options for joint pain, you’ve likely encountered two terms repeatedly: PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) and Stem Cell Therapy. Both are forms of regenerative medicine. Both use your body’s own biological material. And both can be highly effective — but for different patients, different conditions, and different stages of joint degeneration.
Understanding the difference is crucial to making the right decision for your health.
At Medica Komórki Macierzyste, our orthopedic specialists have performed thousands of both procedures across our Wrocław clinic and international locations. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)?
PRP is derived from your own blood. A small blood sample is drawn, placed in a centrifuge, and spun at high speed to separate and concentrate the platelets — the components of blood responsible for clotting and the release of growth factors.
The resulting concentrate, rich in healing proteins called growth factors, is then injected into the affected joint or soft tissue. These growth factors signal the body to accelerate its natural repair process, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue healing.
PRP is best suited for:
- Mild to moderate osteoarthritis
- Tendon injuries (rotator cuff, Achilles, patellar tendon)
- Ligament sprains and partial tears
- Bursitis and tendinopathy
- Early cartilage degeneration
PRP is typically faster to perform, involves a lower cost, and has an excellent safety profile. It is often used as a first-line regenerative intervention — or combined with stem cell therapy for enhanced results.
What Is Stem Cell Therapy?
Stem cell therapy takes regeneration a significant step further. Rather than using growth factors alone, stem cells have the unique ability to differentiate — meaning they can potentially transform into the specific type of cell the body needs to repair damaged tissue, such as cartilage cells (chondrocytes) or bone cells.
At Medica, we use autologous stem cells — meaning they come from your own body. They are harvested from either:
- Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) — taken from the iliac crest of the pelvic bone
- Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) — derived from adipose (fat) tissue
Both procedures are performed under local anesthesia and are completed in a single outpatient session.
Stem cell therapy is best suited for:
- Moderate to severe osteoarthritis
- Significant cartilage loss
- Patients who have not responded to PRP
- Cases where structural joint support is needed alongside inflammation control
Learn more about how stem cell therapy applies to specific joints: knee treatment and shoulder treatment.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | PRP | Stem Cell Therapy |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Your blood | Your bone marrow or fat tissue |
| Mechanism | Growth factors trigger repair | Stem cells potentially regenerate tissue |
| Best for | Mild–moderate degeneration | Moderate–severe degeneration |
| Procedure time | 30–60 minutes | 1–2 hours |
| Recovery | 24–48 hours rest | 48–72 hours rest |
| Number of sessions | Often 2–3 | Often 1 (sometimes 2) |
| Combined use | Yes — often used alongside stem cells | Yes — frequently combined with PRP |
Can They Be Used Together?
Yes — and at Medica, we frequently combine both therapies in a single treatment session when clinically appropriate. PRP provides the growth factor signals that help stem cells survive and thrive in the joint environment. Stem cells provide the structural regenerative capacity that PRP alone cannot deliver.
This combination approach is particularly effective for patients with moderate-to-severe knee or hip osteoarthritis who are seeking to avoid surgical replacement.
How Does Our Team Decide Which Is Right for You?
The decision is never made based on cost or availability alone. Our orthopedic consultants assess:
- Your MRI and X-ray imaging
- The degree and location of cartilage degeneration
- Your age, BMI, and general health
- Your activity goals and lifestyle demands
- Your previous treatment history
Only then do we design a personalised treatment plan — which may include PRP, stem cell therapy, physiotherapy support, or a combination of all three.
Book Your Assessment
If you are unsure whether PRP or stem cell therapy is right for your condition, the first step is a consultation with our specialist team at Medica Komórki Macierzyste in Wrocław. We’ll review your imaging, discuss your symptoms, and give you a clear, evidence-based recommendation.
📞 +48 71 728 28 28 📍 ul. Kukuczki 5/6, Wrocław
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which treatment is more expensive — PRP or stem cell therapy? A: Stem cell therapy is generally more costly than PRP due to the additional processing steps involved. Exact pricing is discussed after your clinical assessment.
Q: How many PRP sessions are typically needed? A: Most patients undergo a course of 2–3 PRP sessions spaced several weeks apart, though this varies by condition.
Q: Is one treatment better than the other for knee pain? A: It depends on the severity of degeneration. Mild knee arthritis often responds well to PRP; moderate to severe cases typically benefit more from stem cell therapy or a combined protocol.