All About Orthobiologics & Injections
Biologic Injection Treatments in Texas
At the Texas Institute of Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine (TiOS), we see many people who are dealing with joint pain, tendon issues, or sports injuries and want to avoid surgery. In many cases, injections can help—not just by masking pain but by actually promoting healing or reducing inflammation.
Our Biologic Injections
We specialize in regenerative medicine and injections that use your body’s natural healing abilities. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy are two of the most advanced treatments available for orthopedic injuries. This plasma therapy uses your blood to isolate growth factors that help heal tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues. Many patients turn to PRP therapy for joint pain when they want to avoid surgery.
Stem cell therapy goes a step further. We use stem cells taken from your bone marrow or fat tissue and inject them directly into damaged joints or tissues. These cells can help repair cartilage and reduce inflammation. Stem cell therapy is commonly used for arthritis, cartilage damage, and more difficult tendon injuries. We also use stem cell therapy for sports injuries, helping athletes recover faster without surgery.
These biologic injections use your body’s healing components to repair damaged tissue and reduce pain. Conditions they help treat:
- Chronic tendon injuries (like tennis elbow or Achilles tendonitis)
- Knee pain and early arthritis
- Shoulder injuries, including rotator cuff strains
- Cartilage damage
- Ligament injuries
- Plantar fasciitis
- Overuse injuries that haven’t responded to rest or physical therapy
Procedure for PRP Injections
Your doctor will first draw about 10 cc’s of blood from the large vein in your elbow. This sample is placed in a centrifuge and spun for 10 to 15 minutes to separate the platelet-rich plasma from other blood components.
Once the PRP is ready, the targeted area is anesthetized with a local numbing agent to minimize discomfort. Then, using either palpation or ultrasound guidance for precise placement, your doctor will inject the concentrated PRP into the injured or painful area.
You may feel mild pressure or fullness during the injection. The entire process typically takes under an hour, and most patients are able to resume light activities the same day.
Procedure for Stem Cell Injections
Through a minor extraction procedure, your doctor will begin by collecting stem cells, typically from either your bone marrow (usually from the back of your hip) or adipose (fat) tissue. The sample is then centrifuged to concentrate the stem cells and remove unwanted components.
Once the stem cells are prepared, the affected joint or tissue area is cleaned and anesthetized with a local numbing agent. Your doctor will inject the concentrated stem cells into the targeted area using ultrasound or X-ray guidance for precise placement.
You may feel slight pressure or fullness during the injection. The entire procedure generally takes about one to two hours, and most patients can return home the same day.
Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Hyaluronic acid injections can help lubricate the joint and reduce stiffness if you have osteoarthritis, especially in the knees. This treatment isn’t permanent, but it can provide relief for several months and help improve mobility. These injections act like a lubricant for stiff, achy joints and help reduce that grinding, bone-on-bone feeling. Conditions they help treat:
- Mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis
- Shoulder arthritis
- Hip osteoarthritis (for select cases)
- Joint stiffness and swelling
- Chronic “creaky” joints that haven’t responded to oral medications
- Joint discomfort after overuse or high-impact activity
Procedure for Hyaluronic Acid Injections
Your doctor will first clean the skin around the affected joint and apply a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. In some cases, any excess joint fluid may be aspirated (removed) before the injection.
Once the area is prepped, your doctor will inject the hyaluronic acid directly into the joint space, often using ultrasound guidance for accuracy and optimal placement.
You may experience mild pressure or warmth during the injection. The procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes, and most patients can return to normal, non-strenuous activities immediately after.
Corticosteroid Injections
Steroid injections are often used to relieve inflamed joints, tendonitis, or bursitis quickly. They can help reduce swelling and pain so you can move better and focus on physical therapy or daily activities. While they’re not a long-term solution, they’re a helpful option when inflammation is limiting what you can do. Steroid injections are great when you need quick, short-term pain relief to reduce inflammation and return to daily activities. Conditions they help treat:
- Knee arthritis flares
- Shoulder bursitis or rotator cuff inflammation
- Tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow
- Hip bursitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Painful swelling in small joints of the hands or feet
- Back pain caused by joint or nerve inflammation
Procedure for Steroid Injections
The procedure begins with cleaning and sterilizing the area around the painful or inflamed joint. A local anesthetic is applied to reduce any discomfort during the injection.
Your doctor will inject corticosteroid medication and anesthetic directly into the joint or soft tissue using ultrasound guidance or palpation to identify the precise location.
You may feel slight pressure or a brief burning sensation as the medication is delivered. The procedure usually takes just a few minutes, and you can typically resume light activities the same day, with some advised caution for 24–48 hours.
How to Know Which Injection Is Right for You
With multiple injection options available, knowing which treatment makes the most sense for your situation can be challenging. Here’s a quick guide to help you get a feel for where to start:
- Biologic Injections (PRP or Stem Cell Therapy)
- Best if you’re looking for long-term healing, not just symptom relief
- Ideal for tendon, ligament, or cartilage injuries
- Great if you want to avoid surgery and prefer regenerative options
- Recommended for active individuals with chronic overuse injuries or mild-to-moderate arthritis
- Hyaluronic Acid Injections
- Perfect for those dealing with knee or joint stiffness due to arthritis
- Helpful if your joints feel “dry” or grind with movement
- A good option if you’ve tried oral anti-inflammatories and physical therapy with limited success
- Steroid Injections
- Best for fast, short-term pain relief, especially during a flare-up
- A smart choice if you need to get through an upcoming event, travel, or athletic season
- Often recommended if swelling or inflammation is making it hard to function day-to-day
The Benefits of orthobiologic and Other Injections
Injections can be a powerful tool for treating joint pain and soft tissue injuries — not just temporarily relieving pain but actively helping the body heal or reducing inflammation so you can move more easily. Depending on your condition and goals, these treatments offer several advantages:
- Minimally Invasive — No surgery, no long recovery times. Most patients are in and out of the office in under an hour.
- Natural Healing Support — PRP and stem cell injections use your body’s own resources to stimulate repair and regeneration.
- Targeted Treatment — Ultrasound-guided injections ensure the treatment goes precisely where needed for maximum effectiveness.
- Quick Relief—Steroid injections can rapidly reduce inflammation and pain, making it easier to stay active or complete rehab with our expert physical therapists.
- Improved Joint Function — Hyaluronic acid injections can restore lubrication in stiff, arthritic joints, improving movement and comfort.
- Delays or Avoids Surgery — For many patients, injections can delay the need for surgery or help avoid it altogether.
- Personalized Approach – Treatments are customized based on injury, activity level, and overall health goals.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
You’ll meet with one of our Orthobiologics specialists in DFW, who will review your history and imaging (if needed) and explain which injection makes the most sense. Most injections are done in the office with ultrasound guidance to ensure accuracy. The appointment is quick, and you’ll leave with clear instructions for aftercare. Why choose TiOS?
- Fast scheduling, usually within 24 to 48 hours.
- Our team is filled with experienced orthopedic physicians who take the time to explain your options.
- We’re proud to offer non-surgical orthopedic treatments in Grapevine for joint pain, tendon injuries, and more.
- We focus on treatments that help you avoid surgery and get back to doing what you love.
Ready to Feel Better? We’re Here to Help.
If joint pain or injuries slow you down, you don’t have to wait weeks for answers or relief. At TiOS, we make it simple to get the care you need. We’ll help you determine which biologic injection is right for you and explain every step along the way.
Give us a call or request an appointment online, and we’ll get you on the schedule within 24 to 48 hours. No long waits, no jumping through hoops. We proudly serve patients in Grapevine and the entire DFW area, helping you get back to moving better and doing what you love.