Platelet Rich Plasma

IS PLATELET RICH PLASMA RIGHT FOR ME?

HOW DOES PLATELET RICH PLASMA (PRP) WORK?

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) works several ways. First, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) initiates wound repair by releasing specialized growth factors to activate and amplify the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Second, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) suppresses cytokine release and limits localized inflammation, which allows for improved tissue healing and regeneration. Finally, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) produces specialized signaling proteins that attract white blood cells (WBCs), enhancing the body’s ability to fight localized infections.

PREPARING FOR TREATMENT

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR PLATELET RICH PLASMA (PRP) THERAPY?

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a minor injection procedure that is typically performed in our office at Capitol Pain Institute. Patients should not use any corticosteroid medications for 2-3 weeks or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for at least 1 week prior to the procedure. It is recommended that patients drink a lot of fluids 24-48 hours prior to the procedure.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING THE PROCEDURE?

The first step in Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is to draw the blood sample. Once this is complete, the blood is put into a specialized container and placed in the centrifuge for processing. It takes about 15 minutes for the processing to be completed. During the processing time, you will be taken to the procedure room. If your have requested IV sedation for the procedure, then we will start your IV during this time. A local anesthetic will be injected into your skin to make it numb. After this, either ultrasound or fluoroscopy (live X-ray) will be used to guide the injection needle to the proper injection site. The Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) will then be injected into the site and the needle will be removed.

AFTER TREATMENT

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER THE PROCEDURE?

Most patients experience soreness after the procedure that lasts from 1-10 days. The soreness is a result of the healing cascade beginning and it is actually a good thing – it means that the Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is starting to work. Most patients start to feel relief from the procedure about 2-4 weeks after the procedure.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY TIME FOR PLATELET RICH PLASMA (PRP)?

The first 24 hours after Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is critical for allowing the Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) to begin working. Therefore, at Capitol Pain Institute, we recommend extremely limited activity for the first 24 hours after injection and then light activity for the 1st week following Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. After the 1st week, patients may slowly increase their activity back to normal levels.