Rita Altman, PA-C
Founder & CEO | Rita Medical Elite
NATURAL JOINT PAIN RELIEF IN SARASOTA
Move freely again and get back to the activities you love.
Avoiding handshakes because of pain? Knees stiff going up the stairs or finishing a round of golf? Dealing with stubborn tennis elbow? You do not have to live with joint and tendon pain. At RegenCen, we use PRF and PRP injections to support natural healing and provide lasting relief from common pain sources.
What is PRF? How does it work?
PRF is the second generation of PRP—both derived from your own blood. After drawing a small sample, we separate the platelets and fibrin in a centrifuge.
Platelets contain growth factors that heal tissue, and fibrin helps hold those growth factors at the injection site, allowing them to slowly release and promote healing.
Cortisone shots or steroid shots give almost immediate pain relief for many but repeated cortisone injections have negative side effects.
PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) is a product of your own blood – we simply draw your blood and separate the platelets and fibrin in a centrifuge. The platelets are full of growth factors and other cell-stimulating proteins; the fibrin holds the platelets in the area injected while they slowly release those growth factors.
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The growth factors released by PRF attract stem cells (which grow into brand new cartilage and connective tissue) and fibroblasts (which produce more collagen for cushioning and elastin for flexibility). There is also an anti-inflammatory effect that works quickly, and a slower increase in blood supply to the area.
Why PRF instead of steroids or Cortisone shots?
Steroid injections can relieve pain, but they don’t fix the problem—and over time, they can weaken joints and soft tissue.
PRF offers:
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Similar pain relief to cortisone
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Longer-lasting results
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No harmful side effects
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Actual tissue regeneration, not just symptom relief
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Unlike cortisone shots, PRF reactivates dormant cells in joints and tendons, recruiting stem cells to the injured area. Research shows PRF works as well as steroids for pain, and lasts longer. But HOW it works is just as important. “PRF actually builds new cartilage in joints and repairs tendinitis with new tissue, which pills and steroids can’t do. It’s true tissue regeneration.”
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– Dr. Gustav Lo, RegenCen Founder & Chief Medical Officer
Aging or injury – we can help range of motion and pain.
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Joints or tendons
nearly anywhere on the body
Natural healing treatment for osteoarthritis
Longer-lasting than steroid shots
with no side effects
You don't have to live with pain.
PRF and PRP injections are used for a wide range of orthopedic concerns, including:
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Arthritis (knees, hips, wrists, shoulders, feet)
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Tendinitis and bursitis
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Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
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Plantar fasciitis
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Rotator cuff strain
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"Texting thumb" and hand pain from overuse
PRF: A regenerative solution for active adults
Dr. Gustav Lo, founder of RegenCen and a leader in regenerative medicine, has helped thousands of patients find relief from arthritis and chronic tendon pain with platelet-based treatments.
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“PRF actually builds new cartilage in joints and repairs tendinitis with new tissue, which pills and steroids can’t do. It’s true tissue regeneration.” – Dr. Gustav Lo
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If stiffness is slowing you down or gripping everyday objects causes pain, PRF can support better mobility and help you stay active on the golf course, pickleball court, and in daily life.
What to expect with PRF
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Quick, in-office procedure
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Minimal downtime
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Results that last up to a year or more
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Complimentary consultation to determine if PRF or PRP is right for you
Dr. Gustav Lo
Founder & CEO | RegenCen
PRF and PRP for joints and mobility.
A Step-by-Step Guide
Before treatment
PRF and PRP require minimal preparation. We begin with a complimentary consultation to confirm that regenerative platelet therapy is a good fit for your condition. These injections are not recommended for joints that have been fully replaced, but we can often treat joints described as “bone on bone.” We will review your medical history, so please bring a list of current medications and any recent imaging such as X-rays or MRIs.
Day of treatment
Most patients can be treated the same day as their consultation. PRF injections are similar to a cortisone shot but use your own healing platelets instead of steroids. After a quick blood draw, we prepare the PRF and inject it into the painful joint or tendon using ultrasound for accuracy. The visit takes about 30 to 60 minutes, and you can resume normal activities with light rest for a few days. PRF provides regenerative relief at a fraction of the cost of stem cell therapy.
After treatment
We will review simple aftercare instructions and any short-term activity changes if needed. Since PRF and PRP are noninvasive, most daily activities can continue right away. Many patients notice less pain and better mobility within a few weeks, and results improve further with a series of three treatments. On average, relief can last a year or longer, supported by medical research and our own patient outcomes.
Frequently asked questions.
What is PRF
PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) is made from your own blood. After a simple blood draw, we process it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and fibrin. Platelets contain powerful growth factors and healing proteins, while the fibrin matrix keeps them in place so they can release those growth factors gradually where they are needed.
How long does it take for PRF to improve my mobility?
Most patients start noticing easier movement within a few weeks, with steady improvement over time. Stiff knees, shoulders, and hips feel more flexible, range of motion increases, and daily activities become more comfortable, often with far less pain.
Is PRF or PRP safe? Will the injections hurt?
PRF and PRP are made from your own blood, so they are completely natural with virtually no risk of allergic reaction. As with any injection, there is a small chance of minor side effects, but complications are rare.
After a quick blood draw, we spin your sample in a centrifuge to create the platelet concentrate. The injections feel similar to a cortisone shot, and topical numbing is available if you prefer. Total appointment time depends on the number of injections and the area being treated.
Can I continue taking pain medication or get a steroid shot after PRF or PRP injections?
Yes. PRF can be used alongside other treatments. Because it supports gradual tissue repair, some patients continue using oral medications, topical creams, or occasional steroid injections for comfort while PRF works over time. Many people find they can reduce or even stop pain and anti-inflammatory medications a few weeks after treatment. the area being treated.
How do PRP and PRF injections work?
PRF and PRP release growth factors that attract stem cells to help regenerate new cartilage and connective tissue, while fibroblasts boost collagen and elastin for better cushioning and mobility. They also reduce inflammation quickly and gradually improve blood flow for long-term healing. PRF remains in the joint longer than PRP, leading to longer lasting results. For this reason, all platelet injections at our regenerative clinics are now performed with PRF.
How long does it take for PRF to improve my pain?
Most patients feel noticeable pain relief a few weeks after their first PRF injection, while others see improvement after a second treatment. About 25% of patients do not respond to PRF, meaning they do not experience significant relief even over time.
Does ultrasound improve the effectiveness of PRP, PRF, or stem cell therapy?
Ultrasound imaging lets your provider see the needle and the injured joint or tissue in real time for precise placement of the PRF, PRP, or cortisone injection, without any radiation. Ultrasound guidance is available in our office.
How long does the PRF Mobility Shot last?
PRF typically provides longer-lasting relief than PRP or cortisone, but duration depends on the condition. Tendonitis is often caused by overuse or injury, and once PRF stops the inflammation and the tendon heals, symptoms may not return unless the injury repeats.
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Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition, so symptoms can come back over time. Research shows PRF can provide relief for a year or more before arthritis discomfort returns, and our experience in Sarasota reflects those results.
What is the difference between the PRP and PRF injections?​
PRP is platelet-rich plasma, while PRF is platelet-rich fibrin. Dr. Lo originally used PRP, but advances in regenerative medicine and our own results show PRF provides stronger, longer-lasting outcomes. That is why we now use PRF for all injections, including joint, tissue, sexual health, and hair restoration treatments.
What other conditions is PRF used for and what about tendonitis and fasciitis?
PRF is not limited to joints. It has been used successfully for soft tissue injuries like tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, and rotator cuff problems, with strong evidence for both pain relief and true healing.
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We can review your specific concerns during your consultation.
What's the difference between stem cell treatments and PRF injections?
PRF comes from a simple blood draw, while stem cell therapy requires invasive harvesting procedures like liposuction or bone marrow aspiration. Early regenerative studies focused on stem cells, but research has since shown that platelet treatments like PRP and PRF can deliver similar benefits with far less cost and risk. Some debate remains about which is most effective, but PRF is consistently easier on patients and more affordable.
What are the most common joints injected with PRF?
Knees and hips are common treatment areas, and we are also seeing more patients with hand and wrist pain from repetitive device use, including “texting thumb.” PRF can provide powerful relief from this daily discomfort.
Where can I get the PRF Mobility Shot for joints or arthritis?
We offer the PRF Mobility Shot at our office in Sarasota Schedule your complimentary consultation here.
Is it easy to get PRF or PRP injections for arthritis?
We perform PRF injections daily in our Petoskey, Traverse City, and Naples offices, and the procedure takes about 30 minutes. We transitioned from PRP to PRF because studies and patient outcomes show stronger, longer-lasting relief.
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PRF is drawn the same day from your own blood and contains platelets, fibrin, and white blood cells. The platelets release powerful growth factors while the fibrin scaffold holds them in place, helping repair connective tissue and support true tissue regeneration.
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PRF reduces inflammation quickly and stimulates new collagen, elastin, and blood supply over time. This helps improve joint cartilage health and reduces or eliminates arthritis pain for most patients. It also supports long-term healing for chronic tendon issues like tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, and rotator cuff tendinitis.
Consultations for arthritic pain treatment are complimentary at Rita Medial Elite in Sarasota.
Will I need multiple PRF treatments?
Treatment needs vary. Some patients with milder conditions improve after one session, while others benefit more from a series of injections spaced over several weeks.
Is the PRF Mobility Shot an alternative to surgery or joint replacement?
Sometimes. Many patients are able to delay or even avoid knee or hip replacement after PRF treatments, and we have seen similar success in Sarasota. However, when osteoarthritis is very advanced, about 25% of patients do not see enough improvement. Research shows there is little risk in trying PRF, PRP, or stem cell therapy before moving to joint replacement. And even when surgery is not an option, PRF can often provide meaningful pain relief in wrists, hands, shoulders, ankles, and feet.
Have there been any studies on the effectiveness of PRF injections for mobility?
Yes, several. Here is further research and reading on PRF for joints, tennis elbow, and plantar fasciitis:
Are PRF injections covered by insurance?
No but personal health savings accounts or HSAs can be used for platelet-rich fibrin injections.
How does PRF compare with other treatments?
Recent research shows PRF injections relieve arthritis pain as effectively as steroids, but with the added benefit of regenerating cartilage and joint tissue instead of contributing to breakdown. Results typically last much longer, often a year or more.