Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
If you’re experiencing chronic pain from osteoarthritis, bursitis, knee ligament injuries, plantar fascitis & more – PRP could be an option for pain relief.
What is Platelet Rich Plasma?
A platelet is one of the solid elements located in blood. Platelets are best known for their function of blood clotting, however, platelets also contain hundreds of growth factors, which are involved in healing and tissue repair. In the treatment of chronic pain, PRP is used to flood an area of injury with these growth factors, thus working to improve the ability of the tissue to repair and heal itself.
To create PRP, blood is first drawn. The blood is then separated by a process called centrifugation, and the platelets and plasma portion removed. The platelet rich plasma is then injected to the site of injury.
Book My Consult!What Conditions May Benefit from PRP Therapy?
PRP has been shown to be helpful in the treatment of chronic pain related to osteoarthritis, bursitis, knee ligament injuries, plantar fascitis, and wound healing. Clinical studies continue to accumulate data on the potential benefits of PRP therapy.
What Can I Expect from this Procedure?
This procedure will be performed at an outpatient surgery center. You will first meet with a nurse in the pre-operative area. They will review your medical history, including all current medications and allergies. If you choose to receive light sedation for the procedure, an IV will be started. You will then be taken into the procedure room and positioned on the procedure table. The procedure typically only takes several minutes to complete. Following the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery area and allowed to rest for 20 to 60 minutes before being discharged home.
What is the Anticipated Recovery from this Procedure?
Because PRP effectively induces an inflammatory response, patients will most likely experience some post-procedural pain at the injection site for up to 48 hours. Higher volumes of PRP may cause more post-injection pain. Post-procedural pain can typically be managed with ice and over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDS) such as aspirin, or ibuprofen should be avoided as they exhibit anti-platelet and anti-coagulant effects, which may diminish the effectiveness of the PRP treatment.
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