Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Harness Your Body’s Healing Power
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a non-surgical treatment for people of all ages that uses the body’s own blood to help you heal, get relief from pain and move more easily. During PRP therapy, your blood is drawn, processed in a device that allows the healing platelets to concentrate and then injected directly back into the injured area. PRP will not regenerate cartilage or bone, but it supports the body’s natural healing process by reducing inflammation and strengthening damaged tissues in the affected tendon, joint or muscle.
PRP is commonly performed by orthopedists and pain management specialists in the office setting and takes about 30 to 60 minutes. If options like physical therapy or steroid injections have not provided you with relief—and you want to avoid surgery—PRP may be a helpful alternative.
Schedule a consultation today if you want to improve your quality of life and get back to the activities you enjoy. Our pain management and orthopedic specialists can help you decide if PRP therapy is the right option for you.
Conditions we treat
PRP is used to improve mobility, restore function and help patients return to everyday activities. Some of the most common injuries and conditions we treat include:
- Tennis or golfer’s elbow
- Jumper’s knee
- Achilles tendinitis
- Heel pain or plantar fasciitis
- Shoulder pain or small rotator cuff tears
- Hand, wrist or thumb pain from overuse
- Ligament injuries
- Ankle sprains
- Muscle strains, such as pulled hamstrings
- Support after injury or surgery
- Hair loss
- Slow-healing wounds
FAQ
PRP has been used for decades, but it has become more popular recently. The procedure can’t regenerate cartilage in your joints, but 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. In addition, controlling inflammation may reduce the risk of progressive wear and tear.
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.
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. Your provider will use ultrasound guidance to place the injection precisely where it is needed.
You may feel some pain during and after the injection. Your provider will use numbing agents and medications before the procedure to minimize discomfort. 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.
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.
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.