Considering PRP or Stem Cells for Joint Pain?
There's a More Proven, Medicare-Covered Option.
At Joint Relief Institute, we specialize in fluoroscopy-guided gel injections designed to restore cushioning inside arthritic joints — without surgery and without experimental treatments.
Or call now: (800) 238-9307
*Based on 400K+ actual patient billing records at Joint Relief Institute. Individual costs vary.
Two Very Different Approaches to Joint Pain
PRP & Stem Cells
- Often $3,000–$8,000+ per treatment
- Not covered by Medicare or most insurance
- Not FDA-approved for osteoarthritis
- Limited long-term clinical evidence
- Results vary widely
- Usually not image-guided
JRI Gel Injections
- Medicare-covered for knee osteoarthritis
- FDA-approved since 1997
- Fluoroscopy-guided precision placement
- 400,000+ procedures performed at JRI
- Consistent, documented results
- Walk out same day
Medicare Coverage Note: Medicare coverage applies specifically to knee osteoarthritis. If you have shoulder pain, gel injections may still be an option — contact us to discuss your insurance coverage.
It's a Cushioning Problem — Not a Healing Problem
In osteoarthritis, cartilage wears down and bones rub together — causing pain and stiffness. PRP and stem cells attempt to regenerate that cartilage, but current research shows inconsistent results and these treatments remain experimental.
Gel injections take a proven approach: restoring the natural lubrication and cushioning inside your joint, reducing friction where it happens.
- Restore natural joint lubrication
- Improve shock absorption between bones
- Reduce bone-on-bone friction
- Longer-lasting relief than cortisone
PRP tries to regrow the tire. Gel injections refill the shock absorber.
The Full Comparison
| Category | PRP / Stem Cells | Gel Injections |
|---|---|---|
| FDA Status | Not FDA-approved for osteoarthritis | FDA-approved since 1997 |
| Medicare Coverage | Not covered | Covered for knee osteoarthritis |
| Typical Cost | $3,000–$8,000+ per treatment | 93% of patient visits resulted in little to no out-of-pocket cost* |
| Clinical Evidence | Limited long-term studies | Decades of peer-reviewed data |
| Image Guidance | Usually not fluoroscopy-guided | Fluoroscopy-guided precision |
| Procedure Time | 30–60 minutes | ~30 minutes |
| Number of Sessions | Often 2–3+ treatments | Single series (3–5 injections) |
| Downtime | 24–48 hours restricted | None — walk out same day |
| Track Record | Varies by clinic | 400K+ procedures at JRI |
| Repeatable | Yes, at full cash cost each time | Yes, typically covered each series |
of Patient Visits Have Resulted in Little to No Out-of-Pocket Cost*
98.5%
Medicare patients paid $0
89%
Commercial insurance paid $0
<50¢/day
Cost when paying out of pocket
Compare that to PRP or stem cells at $3,000–$8,000+ per treatment — paid entirely out of pocket, every time.
These numbers are not estimates — they are from actual billing records of 400K+ appointments at Joint Relief Institute.
We verify your copay before you come in — no surprise bills
“But I Heard Stem Cells Regenerate Cartilage…”
No PRP or stem cell product is FDA-approved for treating osteoarthritis
Current large studies show no consistent cartilage regrowth in moderate-to-severe OA
Many "stem cell" products contain limited or no viable stem cells
The FDA has issued warnings about unproven stem cell treatments
"We're not against PRP or stem cells — the science may eventually catch up. But today, gel injections have a far stronger evidence base for knee osteoarthritis."
Before You Decide — Ask Any Clinic These 5 Questions
Is this treatment FDA-approved for my specific condition?
Does Medicare or my insurance cover this?
How many of these procedures has your clinic performed?
What does peer-reviewed research say about long-term results?
What happens if it doesn’t work?
At JRI, we're happy to answer all five. We verify your insurance coverage before you come in.
What Patients Say
My knees feel wonderful and brand new after my injections. I was scared of surgery but this worked beautifully.
My sister got relief with just 3 injections — no surgery needed! Anybody with knee pain, I recommend here. Now I'm ready for my cruise!
I wish that I had gone to them earlier. They told me exactly what my Medicare would cover. Courteous, concerned, and highly professional.
Convenient Chicagoland Locations
Don't Spend $6,000+ Before You Understand Your Covered Options
Get the Facts Before You Decide
Schedule a no-obligation evaluation. Our board-certified physicians will examine your joint and help you understand which treatment option is best for your specific condition.
Or call us: (800) 238-9307