How it’s made:

• Blood is drawn similar to a normal lab test draw.
• This blood is then placed in a centrifuge, a machine that spins at high speeds.
• The spinning process separates the blood components, isolating the platelet-rich plasma
• from red and white blood cells.
• The concentrated PRP is then ready for injection.

Mechanism of Action: When injected into an injured joint, the high concentration of growth factors and proteins in PRP is believed to:

• Stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.
• Promote tissue healing and repair.
• Reduce inflammation in the affected area.
• Modulate pain signals.

Common Applications/Conditions Treated in Joints: PRP joint injections are often used for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those involving chronic pain and tissue damage:

• Osteoarthritis: Especially in knees, but also hips, shoulders, and other joints, to alleviate pain and improve function.
• Tendinopathies: Chronic tendon injuries like tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis), patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee), Achilles tendinitis, and rotator cuff tendinopathy.
• Ligament injuries: Sprains and tears.
• Muscle strains and tears.
• Plantar fasciitis.

Procedure Experience:

• It is an outpatient procedure, typically lasting 30-60 minutes from blood draw to injection.
• Local anesthesia may be used to numb the injection site, making the injection itself mildly uncomfortable.
• Ultrasound guidance is always used to ensure precise placement of the injection into the targeted joint or tissue.
• Post-injection, patients may experience mild to moderate pain, soreness, or swelling for a few days, which is part of the healing response. This generally resolves in 48-72 hours.

Potential Benefits:

• Natural Healing: Utilizes the body’s own healing properties, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions or rejection.
• Non-Surgical Option: A minimally invasive alternative to surgery for some conditions.
• Pain Relief: Can provide significant and potentially long-lasting pain reduction.
• Improved Joint Function: Aims to restore mobility and overall function in the affected joint.
• Reduced Inflammation: Helps to calm inflammatory responses in the joint.
• Faster Recovery: May accelerate healing time compared to some traditional treatments.
• Potential to Delay Surgery: For some individuals, it may postpone or avoid the need for more invasive surgical interventions.

Potential Risks and Side Effects (generally rare and mild):

• Pain, discomfort, or soreness at the injection site.
• Bruising.
• Swelling and temporary inflammation.
• Rare risks include infection, nerve damage, or blood clots (due to needle insertion).
• Variability in treatment results: Not all patients respond identically, and results can depend on the type of injury, patient’s overall health, and PRP preparation.

Important Considerations:

• PRP injections are not typically covered by insurance as they are still considered a regenerative medicine treatment with ongoing research.
• Patients may be advised to stop certain medications (like NSAIDs, blood thinners, and steroids) prior to the procedure as they can interfere with platelet function.