What is PRP
Once this platelet-rich plasma is prepared, it is injected directly into the area causing you pain, such as a joint, tendon, or muscle. By delivering these powerful healing factors to the injured area, PRP stimulates your body’s natural healing response. This can help repair damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and ultimately provide lasting pain relief.
Unlike traditional treatments that may only mask the symptoms, PRP aims to treat the root cause of your pain by harnessing your body’s own ability to heal. Because it’s derived from your own blood, PRP is a natural and safe option with a low risk of complications.
Many patients find hope in PRP because it offers the possibility of true recovery—not just temporary relief. If you’re seeking a more natural approach to healing that targets the source of your pain, PRP might be the solution you’ve been waiting for.
Conditions Treated with PRP:
Common conditions that PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is commonly used to treat:
- Osteoarthritis (especially of the knee, hip, and shoulder)
- Tendinitis (such as tennis elbow or Achilles tendinitis)
- Rotator Cuff Injuries
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Ligament Injuries (e.g., ACL or MCL tears)
- Chronic Low Back Pain
- Muscle Strains (e.g., hamstring or quadriceps injuries)
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Sports Injuries (like meniscus tears or patellar tendinopathy)
These conditions benefit from PRP’s regenerative properties, helping to repair damaged tissues and reduce inflammation.
The PRP Process
- Consultation: History and Physical Examination
Your PRP journey begins with a thorough consultation. During this visit, your doctor will review your medical history and perform a physical examination to assess your condition. This helps identify whether PRP is the right treatment for your specific pain or injury. The goal is to fully understand your pain and determine the best way to treat it naturally and effectively.
- Blood Draw: Collecting Your Platelets
If PRP is the right choice, the next step is a simple blood draw, similar to a routine lab test. A small amount of blood, usually from your arm, is collected. This is quick and typically painless.
- Processing the PRP
Once your blood is drawn, it’s processed in a special machine called a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins the blood at high speeds to separate the platelets and plasma from the rest of your blood components. This concentrated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is then ready to be used in your treatment.
- PRP Injection: Guided by Imaging
To ensure precision, the PRP is injected directly into the area causing pain, such as a joint, tendon, or muscle. Your doctor will use advanced imaging techniques like ultrasound or X-ray to guide the injection, making sure it goes exactly where it’s needed. This precision is key to promoting healing in the right spot.
- Post-Injection: Recovery and Expectations
After the injection, you may experience some mild discomfort or soreness at the injection site for a few days—this is normal and a sign that the healing process has begun. It’s important to follow any post-treatment instructions your doctor provides, such as avoiding strenuous activities for a short period.
- When to Expect Pain Relief
PRP treatment isn’t a quick fix, but it’s designed to offer long-term healing. You may start to notice improvements in your pain and function within 2 to 6 weeks after the injection. However, because PRP stimulates your body’s natural healing process, the benefits often continue to build over time. Many patients experience significant relief several months after treatment.
- How Long Does Pain Relief Last?
The duration of pain relief varies from person to person, depending on the condition being treated. For many patients, PRP can provide long-lasting pain relief, with benefits lasting anywhere from 6 months to over a year. In some cases, repeat treatments may be recommended to maintain or enhance results.