Platelet Rich Plasma Injections (PRP)

Although blood is mainly a liquid (called plasma), it also contains small solid components (red cells, white cells, and platelets.) The platelets are best known for their importance in clotting blood. However, platelets also contain hundreds of proteins called growth factors which are very important in the healing of injuries.

PRP is plasma with many more platelets than what is typically found in blood. The concentration of platelets — and, thereby, the concentration of growth factors — can be 5 to 10 times greater (or richer) than usual.

To develop a PRP preparation, blood must first be drawn from a patient. The platelets are separated from other blood cells and their concentration is increased during a process called centrifugation. Then the increased concentration of platelets is combined with the remaining blood.

Please pay close attention to the following information/instructions:

If you are currently on antibiotics or being treated for an infection, please call the office prior to your injection appointment.

PRE-OP:

You have been scheduled for a Platelet Rich Plasma injection, which is useful to treat areas of injury and inflammation. The basic idea behind PRP injection is to deliver high concentrations of growth factors to the areas of injury, with the hope of stimulating a healing response.

You may have food and/or beverages prior to your injection. You may eat and drink immediately following your injection.

If you take routine medications, you may take these on the day of your injection as scheduled.

If you are on any blood thinning or NSAID medications, please notify our office. You will need to temporarily stop blood thinning medications for 7 days prior to your appointment.

POST-OP:

#1 Rule of Recovery Is: If It Hurts, Don’t Do it!

It is common to feel some pain and discomfort for 24-48 hours after injection.
You may be numb in the areas treated for 4-6 hours after the procedure.
After the first 2-3 days, the soreness will start to subside, it is important to listen to your body.
Due to the numbness we ask that you refrain from any strenuous activities but STAY as mobile as possible. Get up and walk frequently. “MOTION IS LOTION!”
Do no use any medication containing ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, or other prescription anti-inflammatory medications such as Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Voltaren, Mobic or Celebrex for 7 days after treatment. You may take Tylenol (acetaminophen) up to 4g daily or use a topical pain cream.
You may use ice, adequately insulated, as needed for pain and/or swelling (10 minutes to cool the skin, repeat every 2-3 hours as needed). Be sparing of your use of ice beyond 3 weeks post injection.
You may experience the “roller coaster” syndrome where you feel great one day and for no apparent reason the area treated starts to hurt again, this is normal in the healing process.

The Platelet Rich Plasma Injection treatments are relatively safe and low-risk procedure. However, some people may experience certain side effects and/or complications from this treatment. It is advised to discuss the potential risk of developing any adverse reactions or side effects of the PRP injections with a doctor prior to this treatment.

Please feel free to make an appointment to discuss with your Doctor if you are a candidate for these services or contact one of our care representatives with questions at 315-451-5400.