Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection

What is a Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection?

A Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injection is a regenerative treatment that uses components of a patient’s own blood to promote healing of injured tissues.

What are the benefits of a Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection?

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections uses your body’s own concentrated platelets, which are rich in growth factors and proteins that help repair tissue, as well as encouraging cell regeneration and collagen production.

Common Indications:
– Joint pain (knee, shoulder, hip)
– Tendon and ligament injuries
– Muscle strains
– Certain spinal conditions

How does a Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection work?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) consists of concentrated platelets and growth factors that promote healing and regeneration of injured tissues. PRP is derived from your own body and is 100% natural. PRP injections are an alternative to surgery and medications.

To harvest PRP, a small sample of blood is drawn into a specialized collection system and then centrifuged at high speeds to isolate the growth factors and platelets. Because the blood drawn is used for a therapy treatment on the same patient, there is no risk of a transmissible infection or allergic reaction. These therapies are a safe, nonsurgical treatment option for most chronic pain conditions, wound care, and aesthetic abnormalities.

How to prepare for a Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection?

The first step to determine your eligibility to receive a Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection is to perform a thorough physical examination and carefully consider your medical and family history.

– Medical Clearance (if needed)
If you have heart conditions, bleeding disorders, or infections, your provider may require clearance from your primary doctor or specialist.

What to expect after the procedure?

After a Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injection, most patients can expect a recovery experience that’s a bit different from a steroid injection because PRP stimulates healing rather than just reducing inflammation.

Immediately After the Injection
– Mild soreness or aching at the injection site is common and can last from a few hours to a couple of days.
– Some patients feel a heaviness or fullness in the joint or area treated.
– Minimal bleeding or bruising at the injection site may occur.

First Few Days
– Pain may temporarily increase before improvement starts. This is part of the body’s natural inflammatory and healing process.
Swelling, warmth, or redness can occur for 1–3 days.
– You should avoid NSAIDs for at least 7–14 days, as they may interfere with the healing process.
Tylenol (acetaminophen) or ice packs can help with discomfort.

Activity Guidelines
– Light activity is generally allowed after 24 hours, but avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or high-impact activity for at least 1–2 weeks.