A PRP injection uses a concentrate of platelets taken from your own blood and places it into an injured or worn joint, tendon or ligament. Platelets contain growth factors involved in the body’s natural repair process. PRP is a regenerative treatment option that may help some people with chronic joint and tendon pain improve pain and function.
Your blood is made of plasma (the liquid part), red and white blood cells, and platelets. Platelets are best known for helping blood clot, but they also release proteins called growth factors that signal tissues to repair.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy concentrates those platelets to a higher level than normal blood. When the concentrate is injected into a damaged area, the goal is to support the body’s healing response in tissues that tend to heal slowly, such as tendons and cartilage.
Because PRP comes from your own blood, the risk of an allergic reaction is very low.
Research on PRP is ongoing, and results vary by condition. Your provider may consider a platelet-rich plasma injection for:
mild to moderate
Learn about Knee Pain
tendinopathy
Learn about Elbow Pain
Learn about Shoulder Pain
and early hip arthritis
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PRP therapy for joint pain is often considered after more conservative options have been tried.
A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm, similar to a routine blood test.
The blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets.
Your provider injects the platelet-rich plasma into the treatment area, often with ultrasound guidance for accuracy.
You may be a candidate if:
PRP may not be appropriate if you have certain blood or platelet disorders, an active infection or cancer, or if you’re taking medications that affect platelets. You may be asked to stop anti-inflammatory medications before and after treatment. Your provider will review this with you.
Your provider confirms your diagnosis and gives you instructions about medications, especially NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, which may interfere with platelet function. Stay hydrated before your blood draw.
After the blood draw and processing, the area is cleaned and may be numbed, and the PRP is injected.
The treated area is often sore for several days, because PRP works by triggering a healing response. You’ll get instructions about activity, ice and pain relief.
PRP isn’t a quick fix. Most people who respond notice gradual improvement over several weeks to a few months as the tissue responds. Some conditions may benefit from more than one injection. A guided rehabilitation program often plays an important role in recovery.Â
Not everyone responds to PRP, and your provider will talk with you about realistic expectations for your condition.
Because PRP uses your own blood, serious reactions are uncommon. Possible side effects include pain, swelling and bruising at the injection site, a temporary increase in pain and, rarely, infection or nerve irritation.
Call our office if you notice redness, warmth, swelling or drainage at the injection site, a fever, numbness, or pain that keeps increasing after the first few days.
Seek emergency care right away if you have trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat.
Many insurance plans consider PRP injections investigational and don’t cover them. Our team can explain your options and any self-pay pricing before treatment
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The blood draw feels like a routine blood test. The injection may cause pressure and soreness, and the area can stay sore for a few days afterward.
Some people need one injection and others need a short series. It depends on your condition and how you respond.
Improvement is usually gradual over several weeks to months.
No. PRP uses concentrated platelets from your blood. Stem cell treatments use different cells and processes.
Schedule an evaluation at our Rego Park office to find out whether PRP may fit your joint or tendon condition.