Do you suffer from chronic pain? At Summit Health, our specialists can help you move more easily, feel stronger, and return to the activities you enjoy. We offer many treatments, from non-surgical options to advanced procedures, to relieve chronic pain.
One innovative option, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, uses your own blood to help your body heal itself. We asked Rikin Patel, DO, a physiatrist at Summit Health, to answer some common questions about this procedure. Learn more below—and talk to your doctor about how it might help you.
Q: What are PRP injections?
Dr. Patel: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a treatment that uses a patient's own blood to help their body heal, relieve pain, and restore movement. We draw a small amount of blood and place it in a special machine called a centrifuge. This machine separates the platelets, which are tiny cells that help repair tissue. These concentrated platelets are then injected into the injured area, such as a tendon, joint, or muscle. The entire process usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes.
Q: How does PRP work?
Dr. Patel: PRP has been used for decades, but it has become more popular recently. While the therapy won’t necessarily regenerate cartilage in your joints - it can work to reduce inflammation, strengthen the surrounding tissues and support the healing process from the inside out. This leads to improved quality of life and movement. Furthermore controlling inflammation may reduce the risk of progression of wear and tear.
Q: Who is a good candidate for PRP therapy?
Dr. Patel: PRP can help people of all ages—from teens recovering from sports injuries to adults who are managing chronic pain. It is commonly used for issues in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, spine, hip, knee, ankle, and foot. A provider might recommend PRP if other treatments, like physical therapy or steroid injections, haven't provided enough relief. In some cases, it may even be offered as an early treatment option.
Q: What happens during the procedure?
Dr. Patel: PRP injections are performed right in the office during your appointment. After your blood is drawn and prepared, the treatment area is numbed with a local anesthetic. Using ultrasound guidance, we inject the PRP precisely where it’s needed for the best accuracy, safety, and comfort.
Q: Will the injection hurt? How will I feel afterward?
Dr. Patel: We can use numbing agents and medications before the procedure to minimize discomfort. You may feel some pain during and after the injection. It is normal to have mild to moderate soreness for about 7 to 10 days afterward. This brief period of inflammation is a natural part of your body's healing response. You will be advised to rest the area, and we may give you safe pain-relief options. Most patients are able to return to their normal activities within about a week.
Q: When will I notice results?
Dr. Patel: Every person heals at a different pace, but many patients begin to feel improvement within four to eight weeks. Pain relief, strength, and mobility can continue to get better over several months as your body repairs itself and clears inflammation. Some patients find their symptoms resolve completely within 6 to 12 months.
Q: What is the cost of PRP therapy?
Dr. Patel: PRP therapy is not typically covered by insurance. You should contact your insurance company to learn more and see if you can use any available Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds. A total cost estimate will be provided to you after your consultation.
Summit Health can help.
If you want to learn more about PRP, our orthopedists or pain management specialists are here for you. Together, you can make an individualized treatment plan to get you back to the activities you enjoy. Make an appointment for an evaluation today.