Platelet-Rich Plasma

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment? Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is produced from your own blood. Platelets are cells in our body that contain growth factors. These growth factors stimulate the normal wound healing process, such as when your skin heals after a scrape. For PRP treatments, we concentrate your platelets (to over 5x more platelets than your normal blood) and deliver them to the area of interest, to help heal injured tissue. Some PRP treatments are done under ultrasound guidance to confirm placement of the PRP in the correct tissue. 

Is PRP indicated for me? PRP is indicated for injuries that have failed to heal despite traditional treatments. PRP treatments can be performed in any musculoskeletal structure, including muscles, tendons, joints and ligaments. Some examples include: plantar fasciitis, partial tendon tears, ligament sprains/partial tears, and chronic tendon injuries. 

How is PRP made? To prepare PRP, blood is taken from your arm with a special kit. This is similar to a normal blood draw. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge that separates the platelets from the blood, creating the PRP. The entire PRP treatment process takes about 45 minutes

How many treatments are necessary? Many patients achieve successful outcomes with only one treatment, especially for soft-tissue problems. In some cases, a series of three treatments is required to achieve significant results. This is particularly true for joint treatments. Each treatment is spaced several weeks apart. There is no limit to the number of treatments you can have; however, if you’re not seeing significant improvement after three treatments, you should consider other forms of treatment.

Are there any side effects? Since your own blood is used, there is no risk for transmitted blood-infections. PRP has a strong antibacterial effect so the risk of local infection is minimal. It is possible to have increased soreness or pain for several days after the treatment. This can be treated with acetaminophen (Tylenol) in most cases.

Will my insurance pay for this treatment? PRP treatment is not generally covered by health insurance companies. PRP treatment fees include the PRP kit, blood draw, use of a centrifuge machine, disposable equipment, ultrasound guidance (if needed), and the actual procedure. A splint for support may be indicated in some cases (additional fee, likely with some insurance coverage).  The cost for a PRP injection is $675.

What are the potential benefits of PRP? PRP stimulates healing of the injured tissue by activating your body’s natural healing potential. On average, patients report more than 50% improvement at 6 weeks and up to 100% improvement at 12 weeks after treatment. PRP treatment may eliminate the need for other treatments such as long-term medication or surgery.

PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS

PRE-TREATMENT

  • No NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen, etc.) for 10 days before injection

  • No corticosteroids for 2-3 weeks before injection

  • Anticoagulation medications (Blood thinners) must be stopped at least 5 days before injection.  Please coordinate with the prescribing physician before stopping these medications.

  • Hydrate well 1 week before and for 2 weeks after injection

POST-TREATMENT

  • There may be pain/soreness for several days after the treatment.

  • Symptoms may wax and wane after the treatment. 

  • Icing the area may help discomfort after the treatment. Do so at most 4 times per day for 20 minutes each, for the first 2 weeks if desired. 

  • Tylenol or prescribed pain medication may be helpful after the treatment 

  • No NSAIDS for 1-2 weeks after the treatment 

  • No anticoagulation 24 hours after the treatment 

  • When possible, limit movement of the area for 3 days after the treatment 

  • Avoid lifting or strenuous activity for 7 days after the treatment 

  • Walking is ok.  Running/Jogging should be avoided for 1-2 weeks after injection.

  • An orthotic or cam walker boot is recommended to protect the injected area.

  • Physical Therapy will be started after treatment

  • On average, sports-related drills begin at 8 weeks from the treatment, and return to play or sports without restrictions usually occurs at 12 weeks from the treatment. This will vary from patient to patient. 

  • Full recovery may take up to 6 months 

  • When multiple treatments are indicated, they are administered every 1-6 weeks. If this is the case, NSAIDS should be avoided throughout the course of treatment, and 12 weeks after the last treatment.