Heal Without Surgery. Move Without Pain.

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy is a regenerative treatment where Dr. David Hock at Island Orthobiologics draws your blood, concentrates the healing platelets using a centrifuge, and injects them into injured tissue using ultrasound guidance. The concentrated growth factors trigger your body's natural healing response, helping repair damaged tendons, ligaments, and joints without surgery. The procedure takes about 45 minutes in our Hilo office, and most patients notice improvement within 4-6 weeks.

PRP injections at Island Orthobiologics are uncomfortable but tolerable—most patients compare it to dental work. Dr. Hock uses local numbing when needed. Afterward, you'll have soreness for 2-4 days manageable with ice and over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol. Unlike surgery, there's minimal downtime—most people return to light activities within days and see gradual improvement over 4-12 weeks as the tissue heals naturally.

PRP therapy at Island Orthobiologics in Hilo costs between $1,200 and $3,000 per treatment, depending on the area being treated. Most insurance companies don't cover PRP because they classify it as "investigational," even though extensive research supports its effectiveness. However, cash-pay means Dr. Hock isn't restricted by insurance limitations—you get the best treatment, not just the cheapest approved option. We provide detailed receipts you can submit to your HSA, FSA, or insurance company for potential reimbursement.

The equipment and centrifuge process used at Island Orthobiologics are FDA-cleared for medical use. PRP itself doesn't require FDA "approval" because it's your own blood—not a pharmaceutical drug. PRP has been used safely in medicine for over 30 years, from orthopedics to wound healing to dentistry. Since it uses your own blood, there's virtually no risk of allergic reaction or rejection. Dr. Hock has performed hundreds of PRP treatments with excellent safety records.

Most patients at Island Orthobiologics need 1-3 PRP treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart. Mild conditions like early tendonitis often respond to a single treatment, while severe chronic issues like advanced knee arthritis may require three. During your consultation, Dr. Hock assesses your specific condition, how long you've had it, what you've already tried, and creates a personalized treatment plan. About 80-90% of appropriate candidates see significant improvement.

Island Orthobiologics, located in Hilo, Hawaii, offers PRP therapy performed by Dr. David Hock, DO, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with 25+ years of experience. We're affiliated with Hilo Medical Center and serve patients throughout the Big Island, including Hilo, Kona, Pahoa, and surrounding areas. Dr. Hock uses ultrasound-guided precision for accurate injection placement, ensuring the concentrated platelets reach exactly where they're needed for optimal healing.

PRP therapy at Island Orthobiologics effectively treats knee osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tears, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, Achilles tendonitis, meniscus tears, hip arthritis, chronic tendon injuries, and ligament sprains. It works best for tendon and ligament injuries, mild to moderate arthritis, and chronic pain that hasn't responded to physical therapy or steroid injections. During your consultation, Dr. Hock will honestly assess whether PRP is right for your specific condition—he'd rather refer you to surgery than take your money for something that won't work.

Most patients notice improvement from PRP therapy around 4-6 weeks after treatment, with continued improvement through 12 weeks. This isn't a quick fix like a steroid shot—it's real tissue healing, which takes time. Some conditions like plantar fasciitis may respond faster (3-4 weeks), while severe arthritis may take the full 12 weeks. The results typically last much longer than steroids or pain medication because PRP actually rebuilds damaged tissue rather than masking symptoms.

Dr. Hock is honest about PRP success rates at Island Orthobiologics—about 80-90% of appropriate candidates see significant improvement. If you're in the 10-20% who don't respond well after giving it adequate time (typically 12 weeks), he'll discuss other options including advanced imaging, different treatments, or surgical referral if necessary. With 25+ years performing orthopedic surgeries, Dr. Hock can tell you honestly when surgery is the right answer. He'd rather refer you to the right solution than continue ineffective treatment.

PRP therapy rebuilds damaged tissue by triggering your body's natural healing response, while steroid injections (cortisone) only mask pain temporarily without healing. Steroids weaken tissue over time and are limited to 3-4 shots per year because they can cause tissue damage. PRP strengthens tissue and has no long-term negative effects. At Island Orthobiologics, Dr. Hock explains it this way: "Steroids are like putting a band-aid on the smoke detector—it stops the alarm, but doesn't fix the fire. PRP actually puts out the fire."