Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

What is PRP?

PRP is "platelet-rich plasma," also known as autologous platelet concentrate (APC). Platelets are a specialized type of blood cell that are involved in injury healing. With PRP, a concentrated platelet solution is injected into the injured area to stimulate healing. It is the centerpiece of a minimally invasive injection procedure that stimulates the body's natural healing mechanisms to repair chronically damaged ligaments and tendons.

Why Does PRP Work?

Human platelets are naturally extremely rich in connective tissue growth factors. Injecting these growth factors into damaged ligaments and tendons stimulates a natural repair process. But in order to benefit from these natural healing proteins, the platelets must first be concentrated. PRP recreates and stimulates the body's natural healing process through a proinflammatory cascade of healing proteins.

What Conditions Benefit From PRP?

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

- Lateral Ankle sprains & instability

- Deltoid ligament injury

- Achilles tendinosis

- Plantar fasciitis

- Sesamoiditis

- Posterior Tibial Tendonitis

- Peroneal Tendonitis

- Neuritis*

What Does the Procedure Entail?

In the office, blood is drawn from the patient and placed in a special centrifuge and spun down to isolate the components. The platelets are separated from the red blood cells and are concentrated. The red blood cells are discarded, and the isolated platelet concentrate is used for treatment. While the blood is spinning in the centrifuge, the painful area is anesthetized with lidocaine. The resultant platelet concentrate is injected into the injured area under direct ultrasound visualization. The entire treatment takes 30-45 minutes.

How Often are Injections Given?

After the initial treatment, a follow up visit is scheduled. Some patients respond very well to just one treatment. However, typically 2-3 additional treatments are necessary at 6-8 week intervals.

Is PRP Covered by Insurance?

PRP injections are generally covered by most insurance plans, though some require pre-authorization. Medicare does not cover this procedure.

Do PRP Injections Hurt?

Because the injured area is first anesthetized with lidocaine, the actual injections are slightly uncomfortable.

Once the lidocaine wears off in a few hours, there is usually mild-to-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. NSAIDs interfere with the healing response. Tylenol is acceptable. Your doctor may also prescribe pain medication.

Are There Risks With PRP?

The risks include those signs and symptoms associated with any injection that include a risk of infection, blood clot, skin discoloration, bleeding, and nerve damage; however, these complications are very rare.

What is the Success Rate?

Studies suggest an 80 - 85% improvement in pain and function at 6 months and 91% at 1 - 3 year follow up. Some patients experience complete relief of their pain.

Additional Therapies

To get maximum benefit from the treatment, and to help prevent re-injury, a specially-designed home-based 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. Your doctor may also prescribe customized devices to correct improper biomechanics.