What is a PRP injection?
PRP stands
for “platelet-rich plasma” – a concentrated portion of the blood that is rich
with healing and growth factors. PRP can be used for “regenerative”
injections, in which a patient’s own blood is used to deliver those healing growth
factors directly to injured tissue, in order to decrease pain and increase
healing.
PRP is most commonly used for chronic muscle or tendon injuries that have not healed with initial treatments (activity modification, physical therapy, etc.).
Common
conditions: tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, Achilles tendinosis, plantar
fasciitis, patellar tendinosis, rotator cuff injuries, UCL tears (“Tommy John”
injuries), and knee osteoarthritis.
What happens during a PRP injection?
Blood is
drawn from the patient and put into a centrifuge to separate the red blood
cells from the platelet-rich plasma.
The
platelet-rich plasma is then transferred into a syringe to be injected into the
injured area. Often times an ultrasound machine is used to guide the needle
directly to the injured tissue.
Platelets’
main function is clotting blood, but platelets also contain numerous molecules
that act as “growth factors” – these molecules are essential for healing.
What to expect with a PRP injection?
The procedure typically takes 30-40 minutes to complete.
The procedure typically takes 30-40 minutes to complete.
During the
treatment there may be some discomfort with the injection of the platelets, and
after the treatment there may be a temporary increase in pain, swelling and
bruising.
For one
month after the injection, patients need to avoid non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS); however, acetaminophen may still be used.
Following
the injection, activities often need to be modified for 2 weeks. After that,
formal physical is commonly resumed to help maximize healing.
Common Risks/Complications
With any type of injection there is a minimal risk of infection at the injection site, even though the procedure is performed with sterile precautions.
With any type of injection there is a minimal risk of infection at the injection site, even though the procedure is performed with sterile precautions.
It is common
for patients to feel an initial worsening of symptoms, but those typically
improve with time as the injury heals.
Goals of treatment
Though temporary discomfort can be expected, the goal of PRP is to help the body heal itself, and to get over injuries for which recovery has been difficult. Read More.
Though temporary discomfort can be expected, the goal of PRP is to help the body heal itself, and to get over injuries for which recovery has been difficult. Read More.


