Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy emerges as a non-surgical solution catering to a diverse range of injuries, ailments, and persistent pain. This innovative method harnesses the power of growth factors and proteins derived from an individual’s blood, expediting the healing process and alleviating discomfort. Within the realms of orthopedics and sports medicine, this rapidly advancing field employs “autologous” injections exclusively sourced from one’s own blood, avoiding synthetic or donor-derived components.

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Understanding Platelet-Rich Plasma: The human body possesses an extraordinary ability to self-heal. PRP therapy capitalizes on and supports this inherent healing mechanism by utilizing components extracted from the patient’s own blood.

Blood comprises platelets, plasma, red blood cells, and white blood cells. The platelets and plasma house essential proteins and growth factors crucial for therapeutic purposes.

The process unfolds as follows:

  • Blood is drawn from the patient’s arm.
  • Vials of blood are placed in a centrifuge, rapidly spinning to separate the blood components.
  • The centrifuge action isolates the plasma, containing a heightened concentration of platelets.
  • Platelet-rich plasma is directly injected into the targeted treatment area.
  • Growth factors from the platelets initiate the healing process, stimulating the generation of new cells, collagen, and tissue.

PRP treatment typically results in pain relief and accelerated healing of injuries. Multiple sessions, spanning weeks or months, may be required for optimal outcomes. Notably, PRP therapy offers a potential alternative to surgery, mitigating the lengthy recovery associated with surgical procedures.

PRP Candidates: Platelet-rich plasma injections find application in treating:

  • Inflammation, deterioration, or pain in tendons, muscles, ligaments, joints, or discs.
  • Injuries to tendons, muscles, ligaments, joints, or discs.
  • Spinal pain.
  • Conditions like tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, osteoarthritis, MCL injury, athletic injuries, gluteal tendinosis, and chronic pain.

PRP may allow individuals to reduce or eliminate the use of pharmaceutical medications in certain cases.

PRP for Hair Loss: PRP can also be utilized to stimulate hair growth by injecting platelet-rich plasma directly into the scalp. Although research is ongoing, the premise is that introducing blood and growth factors to hair follicles prompts hair growth. Those experiencing hair loss should explore their candidacy for this treatment.

Which soft tissue injuries can be treated with PRP?

Injuries and damage to the muscles, tendons and ligaments are often treatable with PRP. Examples include:

  • Rotator cuff tendinopathy and tendonitis
  • Patellar tendinopathy and tendonitis
  • Achilles tendinopathy and tendonitis
  • Osteoarthritis of the knee
  • Lateral epicondylitis
  • Plantar fasciitis

Does PRP really work?

Studies are currently limited, but we do know that the injection of platelet-rich plasma is low risk and we have seen the benefits it can provide to proper candidates. PRP injections improve and speed the body’s ability to heal.

What are the side effects of PRP injections?

Severe complications associated with PRP injections are not common, which may be because the injections are your own blood. Nonetheless, side effects are possible. After the injections, you may experience pain and/or soreness at the injection site. There is a risk of infection, as is the case with most injectable treatments. There are also risks of tissue damage and nerve injury. There is also the risk that the injections do not provide the relief hoped for.

During your consultation, we review all of the possible risks and side effects possible. You have the right to make an informed decision about PRP injections.

How long does it take for PRP injections to start working?

It often takes about 6 months to get the full benefits of these injections. This timeline varies based on what is being treated and the individual person.

Do PRP injections hurt?

You will likely feel a pinch as the needle is inserted. The level of discomfort depends a lot on the treatment area. Whether the joints, lower back, knees or ankles are being treated – all of those areas have different degrees of sensitivity.

You may feel nervous about the injection appointments. We know each person has his or her own tolerance for and comfort with injections. Overall, PRP injections are not described as painful by our patients.

Are PRP results permanent?

Unfortunately, no. PRP results are not permanent but can last up to a year before you may need new PRP injections.

How much do PRP injections cost?

The only way to get a definite idea of cost is to schedule a consultation. The cost varies based on the treatment area, number of appointments and other factors. In general, most PRP treatments cost anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Most health insurance policies do not provide PRP coverage, but check your own policy for details.

Schedule Your Consultation

To ascertain whether PRP injections are a suitable option for you, it is imperative to arrange a consultation. During this session, an evaluation of your existing symptoms and health conditions will be conducted, providing essential insights into the suitability of platelet-rich plasma therapy.