Platelet Rich Plasma

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a specialized treatment used to treat injuries to tendons and joints. PRP uses the healing power of proteins and growth factors contained in your own blood which may initiate the healing process, shorten recovery time and help avoid surgery.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PRP

HOW IS PRP PERFORMED?

First, a sample of the patient’s own blood is taken similar to a simple blood draw. The blood is then separated out into plasma and red blood cell portions using a machine called a centrifuge. The plasma portion is then injected into areas of injury or arthritis. The entire process takes about 30 minutes. This includes drawing and processing the patient’s blood prior to the injection.

HOW DOES PRP WORK?

The plasma portion contains a concentration of platelets up to eight times that of whole blood; these platelets contain proteins called growth factors that initiate the growth of new tissue and collagen that is thought to aid in the healing process leading to a faster and more efficient restoration of the injured tissue to a healthy state. The goal is a correction of the injury rather than a mere reduction of symptoms and thus an overall improvement in function. PRP treatment can potentially help decrease pain and improve function as a part of a comprehensive treatment program.

There are many factors that may influence a patient’s response to the injection. These include, but are not limited to, a patient’s platelet levels, age, current tobacco use, general health, as well as overuse of the affected area after the injection.

PREPARING FOR THE PROCEDURE:

You should let you doctor know if you are on blood thinners or have an active infection. For 7 days prior to the procedure, patients should avoid all prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as celecoxib and meloxicam as well as over the counter medications such as naproxen and ibuprofen. Cardiac patients should continue taking aspirin. On the day of the procedure it is recommended that patients drink water to maintain adequate hydration.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFTER YOUR PROCEDURE:

NSAIDs should be avoided for least 14 days after your PRP injection as these drugs may inhibit the inflammatory and healing response. The exception is aspirin which you may be asking for cardiac reasons.

A follow up visit will be scheduled 4-6 weeks after the procedure to access for healing and complications.

WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS AND RISKS OF PRP?

• Bruising is usually minor and is usually related to the injection itself.
• Infection is very rare as sterile equipment and techniques are used.
• After the procedure, pain and stiffness of variable intensity and length is common. It may be mild and respond to simple analgesics (Tylenol up to 3gm per day) or be more severe and require strong painkillers (Hydrocodone). It usually peaks at 3 days post procedure and may temporarily limit ability to use the affected area. Restricted work or other activities or even complete rest may be required for a short period of time. Occasionally the pain may be very severe or last for several weeks. It is frequently seen in those with severe tendon problems and may be part of the normal healing response.
• In areas of tendon injection, tendon rupture can be a significant complication, but is uncommon. It is thought that this may be due to symptom improvement following injection (and subsequent overuse), or progression of advanced tendon disease despite the injection.

WHY CHOOSE GCSP TO GET YOUR PRP?

• Cost effective: Many practices charge $1000 or more per injection due to systems that require up to 3 injections to work costing an individual several thousand dollars. The system we use at GCSP requires only one injection in majority of cases and our cash pay price is $850 total per injection. Subsequent injections into the same area are discounted to $650 each.
• Precise injection placement: At GCSP, for most procedures we use real time direct ultrasound visualization to guide the PRP injection into the injured area. Ultrasound guidance allows the most accurate placement possible which increases the likelihood that the procedure will be successful in providing healing of your injury and relief of your pain.
• Less time: PRP procedures typically take an hour but due to the efficiency of our PRP system that time is significantly reduced.
• Rich in growth factors: Our PRP system isolates approximately 90{56974d8a8b0ce06d4a0ed5686fdbc75352de42d5a3628ab0e8ca4c30cd054680} of available platelets and growth factors and delivers a high level of reproducibility.

HOW MUCH DOES PRP COST?

Currently, insurance companies do not cover PRP injections. Please refer to our section “Why choose GCSP to get your PRP?” to see how much this procedure costs at GCSP. Payment is required prior to your procedure.

LET US HELP YOU “GET PAIN FREE, GET MOVING, AND GET WELL”

Schedule an appointment today with either Dr. Chaudhary or Dr. Conniff, two of our Arthritis experts, that specialize in PRP treatments to see if the benefits of PRP can work for you.