Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment Frequently Asked Questions:
PRP therapy involves taking the patient’s own blood and placing it in a machine called a centrifuge which separates the blood into several components, one of which is called platelet-rich plasma. Platelets contain many growth factors which have been shown to be very important with regard to healing. The process of centrifuging concentrates these platelets so that they are present in much higher numbers than what would typically be found in the bloodstream. That platelet-rich plasma is then injected at the site of the injury to induce and potentially accelerate the body’s natural healing process.
The technology has been used for years in surgical applications and wound care. The use of PRP for musculoskeletal injuries is fairly new and evolving into a promising treatment for both acute and chronic injuries. There are a number of medical studies supporting the use of PRP for tendon and ligament injuries.
The patient’s own blood is used for the procedure so there are no transfusion risks or blood borne infection from a donor.
Generally a PRP injection requires an initial visit to see if the injury would benefit from such treatment, then a follow-up visit for the treatment itself is scheduled. The actual injection process takes about 30-45 minutes and a majority of that time involves drawing and processing the patient’s blood for the injection.
Many research studies have been performed, and many more are ongoing, which look at the effectiveness of PRP treatment. The most promising results to date have been with soft tissue injuries, including tendonitis, tendon tears, ligament sprains or tears, loose ligaments, and muscle tears. PRP has also been effective in treating cartilage degeneration such as arthritis. In some cases it can be used in conjunction with a surgical procedure.
- Shoulder: Rotator cuff tendinitis or tear, rotator cuff impingement syndrome or bursitis, bicipital tendinitis, labrum tear, arthritis
- Elbow/wrist/hand: Tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis, trigger finger, arthritis, other wrist and finger tendinitis
- Knee: Patellar tendinitis, partially torn or strained major ligaments of knee (ACL/LCL/MCL), meniscus tears, chondromalacia, arthritis
- Ankle: Achilles tendinitis, peroneal tendinitis, ankle sprain, instability, other foot or ankle tendinitis
Here are some general guidelines:
- Pain duration of 3-6 months or longer
- Persistent pain despite physical therapy, activity modification, NSAIDs
- Wishes to pursue alternative to surgical treatment.
Post procedure pain and activity progression varies among patients. Regular range of motion at the site of injection is started immediately and patients typically progress to regular activities and light aerobic activity within the first few days to 2 weeks. Rehabilitation is done under the supervision of physical therapy and specific home exercises are tailored for patient progress.
It is common for the patient to feel increased pain immediately following the injection which resolves typically in one to two weeks.
Patients typically tolerate the procedure well, although post-injection soreness is expected given the PRP-induced inflammatory response, in some cases.
One to three treatments depending on the degree of injury and how long the injury has been there. These are typically done about 4-6 weeks apart in order to achieve optimal results.
Severe anemia, low platelet count, abnormal platelet function, active systemic infection or active cancers are all contra-indications.
Most patients notice some element of improvement by 2 to 6 weeks after the treatment.
No, PRP isn’t covered by insurance or Medicare/Medicaid and is considered an out-of-pocket expense.
