Why Does PRP Work?

Platelets are a specialized type of blood cell. Blood is made up of 93% red cells (RBCs), 6% platelets, 1% white blood cells (WBCs), and plasma.

Most people associate platelets with clot formation. While that certainly is an important function of platelets, they are also very much involved in injury healing. Human platelets are naturally extremely rich in connective tissue growth factors. Injecting these growth factors into damaged ligaments, tendons, and joints stimulates a natural repair process. But in order to benefit from these natural healing proteins, the platelets must first be concentrated. In other words, PRP recreates and stimulates the body’s natural healing process.

How is PRP Done?

In the office, blood is drawn from the patient (just like getting a blood test) and placed in a special centrifuge. The centrifuge separates the RBCs, and the remaining platelets and plasma are then highly concentrated. (The WBCs, which comprise only a fraction of the total cells, go along for the ride with the platelets and plasma.) The red blood cells are discarded, and the resulting platelet concentrate is used for treatment.

While the blood is spinning in the centrifuge (about 18 minutes), the painful area is injected with lidocaine to numb it.

In most cases the injections are given under direct ultrasound guidance to insure accurate placement of the platelet concentrate in the damaged area. The entire treatment, from blood draw, to solution preparation, to injection, takes 30-40 minutes.

How Often are Injections Given?

After the initial treatment, a follow up visit is scheduled 6-8 weeks later to check on healing progress. Some patients respond very well to just one treatment. However, typically 2-3 treatments are necessary. Injections are given every 8-12 weeks.

What Conditions Benefit From PRP?

PRP treatment works best for chronic ligament and tendon sprains/strains that have failed other conservative treatment, including:

• Rotator cuff injuries
• Shoulder pain and instability
• Tennis & golfer’s elbow
• Hamstring and hip strains
• Knee sprains and instability
• Patellofemoral syndrome and patellar tendinosis
• Ankle sprains
• Achilles tendinosis & plantar fasciitis
• Knee, hip, and other joint osteoarthritis
• Sports hernias & athletic pubalgia
• Other chronic tendon and ligament problems

In addition, PRP can be very helpful for many cases of osteoarthritis (the "wear & tear" kind). PRP can help stimulate a "smoothing over" of the roughened and arthritic cartilage, reducing the pain and disability of arthritis. This includes:

• Knee arthritis
• Hip joint arthritis
• And other joint arthritis

Is PRP Covered by Insurance?

Most insurance plans, including Medicare, do NOT pay for PRP injections.

Do PRP Injections Hurt?

Because the injured area is first anesthetized with lidocaine, the actual injections are only mildly to moderately uncomfortable. Once the lidocaine wears off in a few hours, there is usually moderate pain for the next few days. For the first week after the injections it is critical to avoid anti-inflammatory medications, including Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, Aleve, Celebrex. These will interfere with the healing response. Tylenol is OK. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication also.

Are There Risks With PRP?

Anytime a needle is placed anywhere in the body, even getting blood drawn, there is a risk of infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. However, these are very rare. Other complications, though rare, can occur depending on the area being treated, and will be discussed by your doctor before starting treatment. Because PRP uses your own blood, you cannot be allergic to it.

What is the Success Rate?

Studies suggest an improvement of 80-85%. Some patients experience complete relief of their pain. The results are generally permanent.

Additional Therapies

To get maximum benefit from the treatment, and to help prevent re-injury, a specially-designed rehabilitation and exercise program is incorporated into your treatment. This helps the newly developing connective tissue mature into healthy and strong tendon or ligament fibers. In addition, nutritional support, such as glucosamine, MSM, and increased protein intake can help the healing process.

Additional Resources

• Download our informational handout.
• Download a scientific review article on PRP.
• Read a New York Times article on PRP.
• Read a Philadelphia Inquirer article on PRP.
• View a Fox News story below on PRP. . .