Non-surgical options for joint, tendon and soft-tissue pain, matched to your diagnosis and goals.
Not every painful knee, shoulder, or tendon needs surgery. Dr. Thompson offers a range of injection-based and regenerative treatments, from time-tested cortisone and Gel-One® to PRP and newer biologic options. Each one works differently, and the right choice depends on your diagnosis, imaging, medical history, goals, and insurance.
Finding the Right Fit for You
There is no one-size-fits-all injection. Before recommending any treatment, Dr. Thompson reviews:
Your diagnosis — what is causing the pain, and which tissue is involved
Your imaging — X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI findings
Your medical history — past treatments, medications, and health conditions
Your goals — whether you want quick relief or longer-term healing support
Your coverage — what your insurance is likely to pay for and what would be self-pay
From there, we will talk through the options together, including benefits, risks, alternatives, and expected recovery, so we can choose the plan that makes sense for you.
Our Treatment Options
Cortisone Injection
Often used for: arthritis flares, bursitis, tendon irritation, and acute inflammation
Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory placed into or around the painful area to calm swelling, stiffness, and pain. Many patients feel relief within days. Relief is often temporary and varies by condition, and repeated injections in the same area can weaken tissue over time, so Dr. Thompson uses them thoughtfully.
Gel-One® (Hyaluronate Injection)
Often used for: knee osteoarthritis pain
Gel-One® is a single-injection hyaluronate treatment that adds lubrication and cushioning to the knee joint. It is designed for patients who have not gotten enough relief from exercise, physical therapy, acetaminophen, or anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs).
PRP — Platelet-Rich Plasma
Often used for: selected tendon, ligament, soft-tissue, and joint conditions
PRP uses your own blood. We draw a small sample, process it to concentrate the platelets and growth factors, and inject it into the target area to support your body’s natural healing response. Because it’s your plasma, no donor tissue is involved.
Peptide Therapy
Often used for: selected orthopedic soft-tissue and joint conditions
Peptides are short chains of amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Specific peptides support tissue healing, collagen production, and recovery. Dr. Thompson will review which peptide, if any, is appropriate for your condition.
Advanced Biologic Options
The following treatments are newer biologic options. We discuss these on a case-by-case basis, and some are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for orthopedic use. We encourage you to ask about the evidence, safety, product source, and follow-up care before deciding.
RPA Genesis — Regenerative Protein Array
A biologic made from donated allograft tissue with the DNA removed. It contains proteins, growth factors, and cytokines intended to influence the healing environment in the treated area.
Exosomes
Exosomes are tiny cell-signaling particles. Exosome products are marketed as biologics that help cells communicate. Before proceeding, Dr. Thompson will review the product’s regulatory status, safety, expected benefits, and your alternatives with you.
Stem Cell Therapy
Stem-cell-based products vary widely in source, processing, and regulatory status. Dr. Thompson will explain where the product comes from, what the current evidence shows, the risks involved, and what follow-up care to expect.
Required notice — Florida law
THIS NOTICE MUST BE PROVIDED TO YOU UNDER FLORIDA LAW. This health care practitioner performs one or more stem cell therapies that have not yet been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. You are encouraged to consult with your primary care provider before undergoing any stem cell therapy.
Pricing and Insurance
We believe you should know costs up front. Prices below are self-pay estimates unless noted and may change.
| Treatment | Pricing / Coverage |
|---|---|
| Cortisone injection | Covered by most insurance plans |
| Gel-One® | $800 self-pay, or may be covered under Medicare Part B when medically appropriate |
| PRP | $1,000 for one joint or tendon area; $1,200 for two areas |
| Peptide therapy | Varies by peptide selected |
| RPA Genesis | $4,000 per joint or tendon area |
| Exosomes | $4,500 per joint or tendon area |
| Stem cell therapy | $5,000 per joint or tendon area |
Insurance coverage depends on your plan, diagnosis, medical necessity and payer policy. Many insurers consider regenerative and biologic treatments investigational and do not cover them. Our team is happy to help you check your benefits before treatment.
What to Expect and Safety
Most injections are done in the office and take less than an hour, including prep (expect PRP visits to run a little longer).
Like any procedure, injections carry potential risks, including soreness, swelling, bruising, bleeding, infection, allergic reaction, or a temporary increase in pain. Dr. Thompson will review your specific risks and recovery plan before treatment.
When to call
Call our office promptly if you notice increasing redness, warmth, fever, severe pain, drainage, or any other concerning symptoms after treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between cortisone and regenerative treatments?
Cortisone calms inflammation to relieve pain, usually for a limited time. Regenerative and biologic treatments like PRP are intended to support the body’s own healing response. Which is better depends on your condition and goals.
Is PRP the same as stem cell therapy?
No. PRP is made from your own blood and concentrates platelets and growth factors. Stem cell products contain cells from various sources and differ widely in how they are processed and regulated.
Will my insurance cover these treatments?
Most plans cover cortisone, and Medicare Part B may cover Gel-One® when medically appropriate. Most regenerative and biologic treatments are self-pay. Our team can help verify your benefits.
How many treatments will I need?
It depends on the treatment and your condition. At your consultation, Dr. Thompson will recommend a plan and follow-up schedule.
Can these treatments help me avoid surgery?
For some patients, injection options can relieve pain and delay or avoid surgery. For others, surgery remains the best path. Dr. Thompson will give you an honest assessment of all your options.
Ready to Talk About Your Options?
Whether you’re dealing with an arthritis flare, a nagging tendon injury, or long-term joint pain, Dr. Thompson can help you understand your choices and build a plan that fits your life.
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Individual results vary, and no specific outcome is guaranteed. Prices are self-pay estimates and subject to change. Your clinician will review your condition, alternatives, benefits, risks, and expected recovery before any treatment.