Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

What is PRP Treatment?:

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is otherwise known as autologous conditioned plasma. Autologous means the plasma comes from the patient's blood. PRP treatment is a concentration of platelet-rich plasma proteins that, when injected into problem areas, can help stimulate the healing process and aid in reducing inflammation. Platelets are the essential part of your blood and are responsible for prevention of bleeding and blood clotting. PRP consists of a concentrated amount of platelets that contain many growth factors. When concentrated and injected in an affected area, PRP can enhance healing at the site of the disease or injury. When blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge, the plasma and concentrated platelets are removed from the separated blood product. 

PRP Injections are Commonly Used to Treat the Following Conditions: 

PRP helps heal partially torn tendons/ligaments in joints, muscle injuries, joint pain, tendonitis, tennis elbow, patellar tendon pain, and increasing healing time with sprains in ankles, wrists, and elbows. PRP treatment can also work for arthritis-related concerns. 

PRP Side Effects:

Compared to other treatment options, PRP therapy produces minimal side effects. Depending on the type of treatment you receive, you might experience some side effects that include mild nausea, dizziness, and lightheadedness (as with any injection). In some instances, slight swelling may occur in the treatment area and dissipate after a few hours to a few days. 

PRP Recovery Time:

It’s normal to rest for a couple of days after treatment, but you shouldn’t experience much discomfort after this time. Your recovery time depends on the procedure. 

How Many PRP Injections Are Needed?:

We often offer up to three PRP injections over six months, but the recommendation is specifically customized to each individual’s condition and the severity of that condition. Typically, we prefer to space these out either weekly or for cosmetic and hair regeneration treatments, by four to six weeks. After the first or second injection, you might notice a profound relief in pain. Of course, treatment depends on what PRP therapy your providers recommend for your condition. 

How Long Do PRP Injections Last?:

The maximum effects of PRP injections occur after the first few months. Results will vary based on what PRP treatment you receive and what condition is being treated. PRP Maintenance Treatments Patients receive the first three sets of treatments over six months and will continue to receive PRP maintenance treatments as designated by the healthcare provider. PRP maintenance treatments are typically given every four to six months. 

Patient instructions before procedure: 

• Please be sure to be well hydrated. 
• Please eat a snack or meal before scheduled appointment. 
• Avoid NSAIDs use the day of procedure. If you decide to do procedure the day of the consult, do not worry, as long as you avoid NSAIDs after treatment, you will be okay. This includes a prophylactic low dose aspirin.
• Wear loose fitting clothing that allows access to the area to be injected.

After Your Treatment:

• No NSAID use for two weeks, if you are taking 325 mg aspirin for cardiac reasons, this is fine. Please ask practitioner for further instructions. 81mg of aspirin can be avoided for treatment if okay with a primary physician (if use is for prophylactic intervention). This will be assessed by practitioner. 
• No high impact activity for two weeks. The first 48 hours is key to rest. 
• You may use topical creams, TENS, bracing and ice sparingly. 
• If you need to use ice, please massage, do not keep ice stagnant. 
• If using heat for pain relief, make sure a thick towel is used between skin and heating pad. 
• The practitioner may prescribe physical therapy to start 1-2 weeks after treatment. 

Other Uses for PRP treatments outside of injury cases: 

PRP for Face:

PRP injections are used to treat wrinkles, acne scars, scars from injury, and sun damage. It is a simple procedure where patients receive a local topical anesthetic to the designated treatment area to minimize discomfort. PRP is then applied to the skin using a micro-needling technique. Within a few days, most patients notice significantly healthier-looking skin. 

PRP for Hair Loss:

You will find many of the top hair replacement experts and dermatologists are using PRP injections. PRP injections can either thicken hair or stimulate natural hair growth for men and women suffering from hair loss or thinning of hair. 

• Does PRP Thicken Hair? Platelets contain highly concentrated growth factors that stimulate new hair growth — before and after pictures of PRP treated patients show a substantial improvement for healthy regrowth. 

• Can PRP Regrow Hair? Yes, many professionals have reported they achieved success by growing new hair in balding patients using PRP injections. PRP treatment platelets activate newly implanted hair follicles creating/stimulating hair growth. 

*PRP treatments are not currently covered by health insurance with exception to wound care and Tricare covers knee and elbow injuries.