Choose the content to read
- What conditions are appropriate for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment?
- How is the treatment process with PRP performed?
- Recovery
- Risks of platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
- The individuals who are unable to receive treatment with PRP injections.
- FAQs about Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment
What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP)?
PRP treats and repairs inflamed tendons and early-stage knee osteoarthritis by stimulating healing.
Platelets are a component of blood that promotes clotting and contain growth factors that aid in the self-repair of tissues and the creation of new cells.
What conditions are appropriate for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment?
PRP injections can encourage repair and healing for the following conditions.
- Sports injuries, including muscle and tendon strains or tears.
- Tennis elbow.
- Early-stage rotator cuff tendon tears
- Plantar fasciitis
- Early-stage knee osteoarthritis, where leukocyte-poor PRP (LP-PRP) treatment can effectively reduce pain, improve joint function, and promote cartilage repair.
How is the treatment process with PRP performed?
A doctor will draw blood from the patient's arm, centrifuge it to separate its components, creating concentrated PRP, and then inject the PRP under ultrasound guidance into the inflamed area of the knee or affected joint after numbing the area with a local anesthetic.
After the procedure, patients may experience soreness at the injection site and should arrange for a friend, family member, or someone to drive you home.
Recovery
During home recovery, patients can follow these recommendations for a quicker healing process:
- Apply a cold compress for 20 minutes every 2-3 hours on the first 1-2 days.
- Take Tylenol to relieve pain. Avoid NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, as they can reduce PRP's effectiveness.
- Rest adequately and avoid weight-bearing activities on the treated joint and tendon. Use crutches or a walker if necessary.
Risks of platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
Since PRP derives from the patient's blood, the risk of allergic reactions is low.
The individuals who are unable to receive treatment with PRP injections.
- Patients with certain blood disorders.
- People taking blood-thinning medications like aspirin. The patient should stop the anti-inflammatory NSAIDs one week before the PRP injection.
FAQs:
- Why is PRP treatment used?
PRP injections treat physical injuries of bone and muscle inflammation and conditions like tennis elbow or plantar fasciitis. They effectively alleviate inflammation and improve joint function in early-stage knee osteoarthritis. - What should I do before the procedure?
Stay well-hydrated and avoid taking anti-inflammatory and blood-thinning medications. - How long does the PRP injection take?
The preparation process of PRP takes approximately 20 minutes, and the injection takes 2-3 minutes. The patient can return home immediately afterward. - When will I see the results?
Patients typically start noticing results within 4-6 weeks. The effects can last for 3-6 months, depending on the severity of the condition. - How many PRP injections are needed?
PRP injections are typically effective after the first injection, but additional injections, if needed, may be spaced 4-6 weeks apart.
