Exploring the Science Behind Platelet-Rich Plasma and Why More South Carolinians Are Turning to Regenerative Care
At Novo Wellness, with convenient locations in Aiken and Hilton Head Island, patients are discovering a more natural way to recover from injuries through Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. Whether it’s joint pain from an old sports injury, a tendon strain that won’t go away, or early arthritis, PRP is gaining recognition for its ability to stimulate healing—without surgery or long-term medication.
South Carolina is home to a population that values movement. From golf courses on Hilton Head to equestrian sports in Aiken, activity is part of daily life—and so is the risk of injury. At Novo Wellness, our focus on regenerative medicine gives patients new options for healing with less downtime and a greater emphasis on long-term health.
“PRP therapy represents a shift in how we treat injuries—by supporting the body’s innate ability to repair itself,” notes the medical team at Novo Wellness.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy involves using a small sample of your own blood to promote healing. The blood is processed in a centrifuge, concentrating the platelets—the part of the blood responsible for releasing growth factors that repair damaged tissues. This PRP solution is then precisely injected into the area of injury or degeneration.
While steroid injections may temporarily reduce inflammation, PRP therapy aims for longer-term results by helping tissues rebuild and repair. The entire process is done in-office and typically takes less than an hour.
According to the American Journal of Sports Medicine, PRP “demonstrated significant improvement in pain and function” in patients with chronic soft tissue injuries and early arthritis (Dhurat et al., 2019).
PRP is used in both acute and chronic conditions, particularly those involving tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. At Novo Wellness in Hilton Head Island and Aiken, PRP therapy is commonly used to treat:
Knee osteoarthritis
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
Rotator cuff injuries
Achilles tendonitis
Plantar fasciitis
Patellar tendon issues
Muscle or ligament strains
Mild joint instability
“I had been living with shoulder pain for nearly two years. After PRP treatments at Novo Wellness, I noticed real improvement. I’m back on the pickleball court with confidence.”
—Patient, Hilton Head Island
Patients often come to Novo Wellness seeking alternatives to surgery. PRP provides that middle ground—it offers an opportunity for healing without the cost, downtime, or risks of an operation. For active adults and older patients alike, that’s a major benefit.
PRP also works well alongside other services offered at Novo Wellness, including physical therapy, nutritional IV support, and extracellular vesicle therapy. Because it uses your own cells, PRP has a low risk of adverse reaction and can be customized to fit your overall recovery plan.
“The idea of using your body’s own repair system is more appealing to many of our patients than relying solely on medications or procedures,” says the care team at Novo Wellness.
1. Consultation
We begin with a thorough evaluation at either our Aiken or Hilton Head office. Your provider will review your medical history and imaging to determine whether PRP is appropriate.
2. Blood Draw
A small amount of your blood is drawn and placed in a centrifuge, which separates out the concentrated platelet-rich plasma.
3. Guided Injection
Using advanced imaging when necessary, the PRP is carefully injected into the injured area. This could be within a joint, tendon, or soft tissue.
4. Recovery & Results
There may be mild soreness for a day or two, but most patients return to daily activity quickly. Improvement typically continues over several weeks as the tissue regenerates.
PRP therapy has moved from experimental to mainstream, backed by a growing body of evidence:
A 2021 study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found PRP effective in improving pain and joint function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis.
Research published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research (2020) demonstrated superior outcomes with PRP compared to corticosteroid injections for tennis elbow.
A 2018 meta-analysis showed that PRP injections contributed to faster return-to-activity timelines for patients recovering from tendon and ligament injuries.
Because PRP is considered a biologic therapy, it is generally not covered by insurance at this time. However, many patients view PRP as an investment in their long-term mobility and quality of life—especially when it can help delay or avoid surgery.
Novo Wellness offers clear, up-front pricing, and our staff can help guide you through payment options if needed.
At Novo Wellness, we believe recovery should never be one-size-fits-all. Our team in Aiken and Hilton Head Island works closely with each patient to develop a personalized regenerative medicine plan that considers your lifestyle, goals, and condition. Whether you’re a retiree enjoying Hilton Head’s active community or an equestrian competitor in Aiken, we’re here to support your healing journey.
If you’ve been dealing with pain that hasn’t resolved through traditional therapies, PRP might be a meaningful next step. Call us today to learn more or schedule your consultation.
Novo Wellness – Aiken, SC
