Last updated: October 19, 2026

Biologic and joint injection therapies offer nonsurgical treatment options for certain orthopedic conditions. At Southern California Orthopedic Surgeons in Torrance, patients may be evaluated for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or joint fluid therapy, also known as viscosupplementation. These treatments work differently, and the appropriate option depends on the condition being treated, previous treatment, and the patient’s individual needs.

What Are Orthopedic Biologics?

Biologic and joint injection therapies are nonsurgical options that may be considered for certain orthopedic conditions when symptoms continue to interfere with activity and function. At Southern California Orthopedic Surgeons in Torrance, treatment options include platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and joint fluid therapy, also known as viscosupplementation. Which approach, if either, is appropriate depends on the condition being treated, the severity of symptoms, previous treatment, and the patient’s individual goals.

Orthobiologic treatments such as PRP use substances derived from the patient’s own body with the goal of supporting the body’s healing response. These treatments are being used and studied for a range of musculoskeletal conditions, but results vary depending on the injury, joint, and individual patient. Joint fluid therapy works differently and uses hyaluronic acid to address symptoms associated with osteoarthritis.

What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy?

Blood is primarily composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets carried by a liquid called plasma. The primary responsibility of platelets is to help blood to clot. Platelets also contain several important proteins, including growth factors, which can help to promote tissue healing, and cytokines, which signal different cellular functions.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is made by taking a sample of the patient’s blood and spinning it in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate platelets within the plasma. The resulting preparation can then be injected into the targeted area. PRP contains concentrated platelets and associated growth factors that may influence the local healing response. How much benefit a patient experiences depends on the condition being treated and other individual factors.

Benefits of PRP Therapy

• Nonsurgical Treatment: PRP is delivered by injection and may be considered as part of a conservative treatment plan for selected musculoskeletal conditions.
• Uses the Patient’s Own Blood: PRP is prepared from a sample of the patient’s blood rather than a donor-derived product.
• Potential Symptom Improvement: Some patients may experience improvement in pain or function, although response varies by condition and individual.
• May Support the Healing Response: Concentrated platelets contain growth factors and other signaling proteins involved in the body’s normal response to tissue injury.

Conditions Treated with PRP Therapy

• Osteoarthritis (knee, hip, shoulder, etc.)
• Tendon Injuries (tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis)
• Ligament Sprains
• Rotator Cuff Injuries
• Muscle Strains
• Sports Injuries

Joint Fluid Therapy (Viscosupplementation)

Joint Fluid Therapy, also known as viscosupplementation, is a treatment used to relieve joint pain, particularly in patients with osteoarthritis. This therapy involves injecting hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in joint fluid, directly into the affected joint. Hyaluronic acid contributes to the lubricating and shock-absorbing properties of joint fluid. Viscosupplementation is used with the goal of reducing osteoarthritis-related pain and stiffness, although response varies from patient to patient.

Benefits of Joint Fluid Therapy:

Nonsurgical: Viscosupplementation is performed by injection and does not require joint replacement surgery.

May Reduce Osteoarthritis Symptoms: Some patients experience improvement in pain or stiffness, although response varies and not everyone benefits.

Office-Based Treatment: Injections can generally be performed during an office visit.

Another Conservative Option: For appropriately selected patients, viscosupplementation may be considered alongside other nonsurgical approaches to osteoarthritis management.

Conditions Treated with Joint Fluid Therapy:

• Osteoarthritis in joints appropriate for viscosupplementation
• Joint pain and stiffness associated with degenerative changes
• Selected cases of post-traumatic arthritis

Is Biologic Therapy Right for You?

PRP or joint fluid therapy may be considered for some patients who are looking for nonsurgical options for persistent joint or soft-tissue symptoms. Whether either treatment is appropriate depends on the diagnosis, severity of the condition, previous treatment, overall health, and treatment goals.

For some patients, injection therapy may be one part of a broader conservative treatment plan. For others, physical therapy, medication, activity modification, another type of injection, or surgery may be more appropriate. An orthopedic evaluation can help determine which options make sense for your specific condition.