Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP Injections
How does Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy work to heal chronic injuries?
PRP Injections can jumpstart the healing of chronic ankle injuries! The worst part about many ligament or tendon injuries is their chronic nature. These tough, leathery soft tissue structures become progressively damaged by years of overuse and abuse. By the time a patient begins to feels symptoms the injury can be well established. This leads to a cycle of injury, followed by incomplete healing, followed by further injury. PRP Injections near mePlatelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is commonly referred to simply as PRP, and it can help reverse this cycle.


It uses factors found in a patient’s own blood to trigger a powerful healing response directly at the site of injury. PRP can offer relief from several common yet treatment-resistant musculoskeletal conditions. This includes plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, rotator cuff injuries, and shoulder and ankle instability. Cases of chronic low back pain which don’t involve a disc herniation can also respond favorably to PRP. Platelet Rich Plasma therapy is a natural, drug-free option. The solution used during treatment is made from a patient’s own blood, making a negative reaction virtually impossible. The risks of potential side effects that come with powerful drugs such as steroids and opiates are avoided entirely.
An overview of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
The healing of bone, muscle, ligament, or any other tissue is an enormously complicated affair. It occurs in several distinct stages, and is actually made up of many smaller processes. When everything goes right we barely notice, but unfortunately this doesn’t always happen. This is especially true in tissues with a poor blood supply, namely ligaments and tendons. These tend to heal poorly or incompletely from repeated injuries or more severe single injuries. Platelet Rich Plasma can provide a potent yet all-natural boost to the body’s own healing process in cases like these. The PRP solutions which are injected during treatment are made entirely from a small sample of the patient’s blood. The amount needed is seldom more than 2 vacutainers, the standard vials used in medical offices for blood draws. The blood is then spun at very high speeds in a laboratory centrifuge for several minute. This causes it to separate into layers as the heavier portions are pulled to the bottom by centripetal force. A shiny, pearl colored layer can be clearly observed in the upper 1/3 of the vial.
Are PRP Injections Safe For Athletes?
PRP injections are really safe for athletes and nowadays they are being used much more to treat sport-related injuries like tendonitis, ligament sprains, muscle strains than before! A PRP injection treatment uses the patient’s own blood, which minimizes the risk of allergic reactions or immune responses, and are also used to accelerate the healing by using concentrated platelets rich in grown factors.
Furthermore, PRP is indeed safe but there are some precautions that are important and shouldn’t be ignored. For example, PRP may not be suitable for athletes that have specific blood disorders or those who are on blood thinners. Also, PRP won’t provide immediate pain relief and it can take a few weeks to show full results, so if you are looking for immediate recovery, it may not be the best answer. Lastly, some side effects like soreness or swelling may appear at the injection site, but fortunately they are mild.
Will PRP Provide Immediate Pain Relief?
No, PRP injections do not provide immediate pain relief generally. They aren’t like corticosteroid injections which help with reducing pain and inflammation quickly, instead PRP injections are used to stimulate faster healing over time by releasing growth factors from concentrated platelets. After you have had a PRP treatment, it can take few days to several weeks to start noticing reduction in pain as the treatment encourages tissue repair rather than an instant relief.
Is PRP Suitable For Treating Tendon Injury?
Yes, PRP treatment is great for treating tendon injuries. PRP injections deliver a concentration of patient’s own platelets to the injured area, which will promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation through growth factors and other bioactive proteins. This will make PRP a popular choice for chronic tendon issues like tennis elbow. And Achilles tendonitis. However, remember PRP isn’t ideal for all tendon injuries and it’s effectiveness may vary. More severe cases might require additional treatments or surgical interventions for optimal recovery.
How To Prepare Yourself For PRP Injections?
Preparing properly before any kind of a surgery or a treatment is a really effective way to have a successful treatment and prevent side effects after the surgery!
And for PRP injections you should prepare yourself, here are some tips you can use:
- Avoid blood thinning supplements before the treatment
- Do not smoke or drink
- Avoid steroid at least a month before PRP injections
- Drink plenty of water and eat a healthy breakfast
- Avoid anti-inflammatory supplements before the procedure.
Are There Any Risks Of PRP Injections?
Just like every other treatment or surgery PRP injections also have some side effects but don’t worry since they are minor, here are some if the most common side effects of PRP injections:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Nerve pain
- Irritation or discomfort during recovery
- Damaged blood vessels
- Tissue damaged
- Discomfort in the injection area
- Swelling and redness
- Mild bruising
Recovery For PRP Injections?
In PRP injection recovery you don’t have to put too much effort from yourself but just make sure you give enough rest to the injections area.
You are allowed to continue your daily activities from the day of treatment but you must wait until you can continue more strenuous activities, you can ask your doctor about it.
After the treatment don’t worry if you don’t see any chances immediately since they may take time, they may take few months to show results.
Once your body starts healing faster and your hairs start growing again then understand that PRP injections and working.
If you had PRP injection treatment for arthritis then you can expect soreness in the treated area for at least 3-7 days then the injections will start showing their effects.
Lastly, tendons take the longest time after the treatment, they may take at least 3-4 months!
Call 878-313-3338 for the location nearest you!
A PRP treatment involves a series of injections directly into damaged tissue. As mentioned, platelets are covered in naturally occurring chemicals vital to this healing response. It is this characteristic that Regenerative Medicine relies upon when using PRP to treat chronic musculoskeletal conditions. The injections trigger a powerful healing response which can last for weeks or months. Often this is enough to force the body to finish incomplete or poor-quality healing. Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a great example. It’s a very common condition which can persist for years through varying cycles of flare-ups and die-downs. The underlying problem is the accumulation of small amounts of damage in the ligaments of the elbow. After some time, the ligaments are in a constant state of inflammation and the patient begins to experience pain. Using a series of PRP injections this process can be reversed. Once the ligaments in question heal properly they can resume their normal, pain-free function. This solves the problem without invasive surgery or pharmaceutical drugs like cortisone (steroid) injections. While these ligaments can certainly be damaged again, the healing caused by PRP injections is permanent.
The role of platelets in Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP).
Many people believe that platelets are a type of blood cell, such as red or white cells. Instead, these cell-like particles are largely responsible for clotting, one of blood’s most amazing abilities. They also play a key role in the healing process. Platelets contain multiple healing factors and naturally occurring chemicals which act as signals for the healing response to begin. When injected into an injured ligament or tendon it can trigger aggressive healing response right where it’s needed most.
How does Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy work to heal chronic injuries?
The worst part about many ligament or tendon injuries is their chronic nature. These tough, leathery soft tissue structures become progressively damaged by years of overuse and abuse. By the time a patient begins to feels symptoms the injury can be well established. This leads to a cycle of injury, followed by incomplete healing, followed by further injury. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is commonly referred to simply as PRP, and it can help reverse this cycle. It uses factors found in a patient’s own blood to trigger a powerful healing response directly at the site of injury. PRP can offer relief from several common yet treatment-resistant musculoskeletal conditions. This includes plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff injuries, and shoulder and ankle instability. Cases of chronic low back pain which don’t involve a disc herniation can also respond favorably to PRP. Platelet Rich Plasma therapy is a natural, drug-free option. The solution used during treatment is made from a patient’s own blood, making a negative reaction virtually impossible. The risks of potential side effects that come with powerful drugs such as steroids and opiates are avoided entirely.
What is the scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of PRP therapy?
The scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy varies depending on the specific medical condition being treated. While some studies suggest positive outcomes, it’s important to note that research is ongoing, and results may vary. Here are areas where PRP therapy has shown promise:
- Orthopedic Injuries: PRP has been studied for conditions like chronic tendon injuries, osteoarthritis, and ligament injuries. Some studies indicate potential benefits in terms of pain reduction and improved function.
- Musculoskeletal Conditions: Research has explored the use of PRP in musculoskeletal conditions such as tendinopathy, muscle injuries, and joint disorders.
- Dermatology and Aesthetics: PRP is used in dermatology for skin rejuvenation and hair loss treatment. Studies suggest improvements in skin texture, collagen production, and hair growth.
- Dental and Maxillofacial Applications: PRP has been investigated for its potential in promoting healing after oral surgeries and dental procedures.
- Chronic Wounds: Some studies have explored the use of PRP in the treatment of chronic non-healing wounds, indicating potential benefits in wound healing.
Can PRP therapy be used for joint injuries, such as osteoarthritis?
Yes, PRP therapy can be used for joint injuries, including osteoarthritis. Here are some key points:
- Mechanism: PRP is thought to promote healing and reduce inflammation in the joint. The growth factors in PRP may help regenerate damaged tissues and reduce pain.
- Treatment Process: PRP therapy for osteoarthritis involves withdrawing a small amount of blood from the patient, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting the PRP into the affected joint.
- Effectiveness: Studies have shown mixed results regarding the effectiveness of PRP for osteoarthritis. Some patients experience significant pain relief and improved function, while others may not benefit as much.
- Frequency of Treatments: The number of PRP treatments needed can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the osteoarthritis. Typically, multiple injections spaced over weeks to months may be required.
- Safety: PRP therapy is generally considered safe, as it uses the patient’s own blood, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or infection
Are there any restrictions on activity or movement after receiving PRP therapy?
After receiving PRP therapy, there are typically some restrictions on activity or movement to ensure optimal healing and effectiveness of the treatment. Here are some common guidelines:
- Avoid Strenuous Activities: It’s usually recommended to avoid strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting, running, or intense exercise, for a few days to a week after the procedure.
- Rest the Injected Area: Resting the injected area can help reduce swelling and promote healing. Avoid putting excessive pressure or strain on the area.
- Limit Range of Motion: Depending on the location of the injection, you may be advised to limit certain movements to prevent disrupting the PRP at the injection site.
- Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the treated area can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Use ice packs wrapped in a cloth for about 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
Are there age limitations for receiving PRP injections?
There isn’t a specific age limitation for receiving PRP injections, as the decision is often based on individual health and medical conditions rather than age alone. PRP therapy has been used across a range of age groups for various medical and aesthetic purposes.
However, certain factors should be considered:
- Overall Health: The general health of an individual is a crucial factor. PRP therapy may be appropriate for healthy individuals seeking treatment for specific conditions or injuries.
- Medical History: Existing medical conditions, medications, and past treatments can influence the suitability of PRP therapy. A comprehensive medical history review is essential.
- Treatment Goals: The appropriateness of PRP therapy depends on the specific condition being treated and the individual’s goals. It is often used for orthopedic injuries, aesthetic purposes, and certain medical conditions.
What Activities To Avoid After PRP Injections?
Here are the activities you should consider avoiding, as they can interfere with the healing process and cause just much more problems:
- Avoid Intense Activities: Activities such as heavy lifting, or swimming should be avoided at all costs at least a few days of injection, so that there’s no strain on the injection site!
- Avoid Alcohol and Smoking: Of course, smoking and alcohol aren’t good but they become even worse when you have a medical condition or recently got a treatment as they are known to slow down healing process, which can make it difficult for PRP injections to work.
- Limit Excessive Use Of Treated Area: If you got injection on the area which is often used, then it’s better to let it rest, otherwise strain will make it hard for the medicine to work.
- Avoid anti-inflammatory medications: Medications like Ibuprofen or Aspirin should be avoided at all costs since they may interfere body’s natural healing response that PRP aims to achieve.
How Long Will a PRP Procedure Take?
Usually, a PRP treatment takes about 30-60 minutes, however the process involves some steps:
- Blood Draw: A small amount of your blood will be drawn, which takes just a few minutes and a very little pain!
- Preparation Of PRP: The blood is then placed in a centrifuge, which spins the blood to separate the platelet-rich plasma from other components. This step takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Injection: Next, the PRP is injected into the targeted area, if a bigger area is being treated it can take longer, once it’s done you are ready to go.
Can PRP Injections Be Combined With Other Treatments?
Yes, PRP are often combined with physical therapy to treat conditions like tendonitis, muscle injuries, and joint issues.

An overview of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
The healing of bone, muscle, ligament, or any other tissue is an enormously complicated affair. It occurs in several distinct stages, and is actually made up of many smaller processes. When everything goes right we barely notice, but unfortunately this doesn’t always happen. This is especially true in tissues with a poor blood supply, namely ligaments and tendons. These tend to heal poorly or incompletely from repeated injuries or more severe single injuries. Platelet Rich Plasma can provide a potent yet all-natural boost to the body’s own healing process in cases like these. The PRP solutions which are injected during treatment are made entirely from a small sample of the patient’s blood. The amount needed is seldom more than 2 vacutainers, the standard vials used in medical offices for blood draws. The blood is then spun at very high speeds in a laboratory centrifuge for several minute. This causes it to separate into layers as the heavier portions are pulled to the bottom by centripetal force. A shiny, pearl colored layer can be clearly observed in the upper 1/3 of the vial. For the treatment of painful joints, PRP has been successful in reducing pain and increasing function, often delaying surgery for years. If you have Knee, hip, shoulder or ankle joint pain, call the Center for Joint Health today for a thorough History and Physical and treatment plan created just for you.