Platelet Rich Plasma
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an advanced regenerative medicine therapy that utilizes the body’s own natural healing mechanisms to heal injured soft tissue, including tendons, muscles, and ligaments, making it effective for conditions like musculoskeletal pain.
IS PLATELET RICH PLASMA RIGHT FOR ME?
WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE PLATELET RICH PLASMA THERAPY?
Ideal candidates for PRP therapy are individuals with acute or chronic soft tissue injuries who have not responded well to standard treatments. It is also suitable for those looking for a non-surgical approach to manage their condition
HOW DOES PLATELET RICH PLASMA WORK?
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) works several ways. First, PRP initiates wound repair by releasing specialized growth factors to activate and amplify the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Second, PRP suppresses cytokine release and limits localized inflammation, which allows for improved tissue healing and regeneration. Finally, PRP produces specialized signaling proteins that attract white blood cells (WBCs), enhancing the body’s ability to fight localized infections. PRP is commonly used to treat chronic conditions such as joint pain and tendon-related injuries.
ARE THERE ANY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH PLATELET RICH PLASMA (PRP) THERAPY?
PRP therapy is generally considered safe as it uses the patient’s own blood, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or infections. However, there may be risks associated with the injection itself, including pain at the injection site, bleeding, or infection.
CAN PLATELET RICH PLASMA (PRP) THERAPY BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER TREATMENTS?
PRP therapy can be combined with other treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or other non-surgical methods to enhance healing and pain relief. This integrative approach often leads to better treatment outcomes.
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 various Capitol Pain Institute locations. 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 you 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 the treatment is critical for allowing the Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) to begin working. 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 PRP therapy. After the 1st week, patients may slowly increase their activity back to normal levels.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SEE RESULTS FROM PLATELET RICH PLASMA (PRP)
The effects of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy can vary depending on the condition being treated and the individual’s overall health. Some patients may notice improvement within a few weeks, while for others it may take several months to experience the full benefits.
COMMON CONDITIONS TREATED BY PLATELET RICH PLASMA
CHRONIC PLANTAR FASCIITIS
ROTATOR CUFF TEAR
