Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, which involves injecting concentrated platelets from a patient's own blood into the affected site. It is a very good treatment option for soft tissue injuries, ligament tears, osteoarthritis, healing fractures and potentially alleviating pain and improving function.
Please make sure you are very hydrated on the day of the treatment. Avoid caffeinated beverages the morning of your procedure. Also avoid taking anti-inflammatory medication 3-7 days prior to the treatment.
How PRP Therapy Works:
Blood Draw and Processing:
A small amount of blood is drawn from the patient like a routine lab draw. Then the blood is processed to separate the platelets and concentrate them into a platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
Injection:
The concentrated PRP is then injected into the affected area where the platelets release grovvth factors that stimulate tissue healing and reduce inflammation.
Potential Benefits:
- Pain Relief: Studies have shown that PRP injections can significantly reduce pain.
- Improved Function: PRP therapy can also improve physical function, allowing individuals to perform daily activities more easily.
- Enhanced Mobility: PRP therapy can increase range of motion and improve mobility.
- Slower Disease Progression: Some research suggests PRP may help slow down the progression of osteoarthritis.
- Tissue Regeneration: PRP may help regenerate cartilage that has been degraded by osteoarthritis.
Procedure:
- The area is numbed with Ethyl Chloride spray then the PRP is injected using a needle.
- Ultrasound guidance or fluoroscopy may be used to ensure accurate placement of the injection.
Safety and Effectiveness:
- The effectiveness of PRP therapy can vary depending on the severity, the individual's response to treatment and other factors.
- The effects of a PRP injection can last for several months. Some patients experience benefits for up to a year or more. It's a good idea to repeat it for maximum benefit.
After PRP Treatment
After the treatment, avoid taking oral anti-inflammatories for 6 weeks, ie Advil, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Aleve, Diclofenac, Meloxicam, Celebrex, (ask your Cardiologist or Internist about discontinuing Aspirin)
Also avoid for 2 weeks: Tumeric, Ginko Biloba, Fish Oil, Bromelain, Arnica, Vitamin E, Flax oil, Astaxanthin, Aloe, CBD
- Refrain from strenuous activities for one week. It is important to stay mobile and move the affective area gently to decrease stiffness and soreness. Do not avoid normal use. Continued range of motion activity is important.
- You may resume normal light activities after 24 hours.
- Try to wear a brace regularly while engaging in activities to avoid aggravation of the site for one week. You may take the brace off if the site is not being used, ie sitting on the sofa relaxing, etc.
- You may experience some pain, soreness or bruising following the injection which can last for 1-4 days. This is normal. Some patients may experience no pain at all.
- If the pain is not tolerable, you may take Extra Strength Tylenol not to exceed the recommended dosage on the bottle.
- If the pain becomes worse after 72 hours, have fever or extreme redness at the injection site, contact the office.
- Avoid applying pressure, straining or rubbing on the injection site for at least 24 hours after the treatment.
- Focus on an anti-inflammatory diet and staying hydrated after the treatment. It is crucial for optimal healing. Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, dark leafy green vegetables that provide essential vitamins and minerals. Additionally, increasing iron and vitamin B can support red blood cell production.
- It's a good idea to repeat the treatment to maintain optimal results. A time to consider would be when the affected area is starting to bother you again but the pain is not yet out of control.
- Avoid consuming alcohol for at least 48-72 hours after receiving the PRP injection. (It can interfere with platelet function, interfere with the healing process and worsen inflammation and bruising post injection.