A platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection is an orthopedic therapy that uses a patient’s platelets to accelerate the healing of damaged joints, ligaments, tendons, or muscles. Your plasma contains proteins that help your blood clot as well as support cell growth. By isolating the plasma and concentrating it, it can promote healing when injected into injured tissue. When injected, the body will begin creating new, healthy cells that help the body’s tissues heal faster.
Platelet-rich plasma is simply a collection of a patient’s own plasma that contains more platelets than normal. To create platelet-rich plasma, clinicians take a blood sample from the patient and place it into a device called a centrifuge that rapidly spins the sample, separating out the other components of the blood from the platelets and concentrating them within the plasma.
After creating platelet-rich plasma from a patient’s blood sample, that solution is injected into the target area, such as an injured knee or a tendon, to promote healing. In many cases, the clinician will use ultrasound to guide the injection. PRP facilitates healing for up to one year after treatment. Results may not be immediate; however, some patients do see results within a few weeks of treatment.
Your physician can provide a detailed list of what you should and should not do before and after your PRP injections. This will include not taking anti-inflammatory or anticoagulation drugs leading up to the procedure and being sure to stay hydrated.
PRP injections are on average a relatively painless treatment option. However, patients may experience varying degrees of discomfort during the procedure due to the extent, type, and location of the injection, which is determined based on the injury as well as possible pain after the procedure that can last from 1 day to 1 week.
A PRP injection appointment takes approximately one hour. While most people can continue their daily activities after a PRP injection, your doctor will instruct you to rest the affected area for a specified period. You may not experience immediate symptom relief, but you will likely notice the affected area is healing faster in the weeks following the injection. Continue to avoid using NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Naproxen, Aleve, Motrin, Advil) for four to eight weeks after your PRP procedure.
Light exercise or a rehabilitation program (preferred) will be advised by your physician.
Hydrate daily and eat nutritious, anti-inflammatory foods that will support the healing process.
PRP injections are used to treat:
Chronic tendon injuries
- Acute ligament and muscle injuries
- Post-surgical scar tissue
- Arthritic joints such as shoulder, hip, elbow, knee, wrist (except spine)
- Partial tendon tears
The precise number of treatment sessions varies with the area that was injured, the type of injury, and your ability to heal. Generally, you can expect between 1 and 4 sessions. You may, however, gain considerable to complete relief after the first or second injection.
Platelet-rich plasma comes from the patient’s body, so it is natural, and the injections carry few risks.
A PRP injection is a minimally invasive, low-pain and natural method of accelerating healing in soft-tissue conditions and injuries.
The precise number of treatment sessions varies with the area that was injured, the type of injury, and your ability to heal. Generally, you can expect between 1 and 4 sessions. You may, however, gain considerable to complete relief after the first or second injection.
The total appointment time for a PRP procedure takes about 60 minutes. Even though some soreness after the procedure is expected, many patients return to work or their regular activities on the day of the procedure.
What is the Cost? Treatment starts at $900 per session, and you may need several sessions to see results. Price varies by injection site and complexity.
How Many Treatments/How Often? The precise number of treatment sessions varies with the area that was injured, the type of injury, and your ability to heal. Generally, you can expect between 1 and 4 sessions.
Is This Covered by Insurance? PRP is not covered by insurance. Price varies by injection site and complexity.
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