Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

Surgery should be a last resort. Help your body heal itself.

How do you know Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a good option for you?

You have been sidelined by a muscle or joint injury, and getting “back in the game” without using steroids or other medication is a priority.

You’re looking for a natural treatment for long-standing arthritis or other joint injuries.

You want to accelerate your body’s natural healing process.

You’re looking for a minimally invasive solution and want to avoid orthopedic surgery.

Schedule an appointment Have a question? Talk to a rep.

What health conditions may Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy help?

PRP therapy is a drug-free, non-steroid injection that helps your body naturally heal conditions like:

Achilles tendonosis
Ankle and foot issues
Carpal bone instability
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Cervical spine issues
Chronic hamstring strains/tears
Chronic IT band tendonosis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
Disc Disease
Elbow issues
Finger and thumb arthritis
Golfer’s Elbow
Hip and pelvis issues
Joint instability
Knee issues
Labral tears
Lumbar spine issues
Osgood-Schlatter’s disease
Osteoarthritis
Pain after surgery
Peripheral meniscal tears
Pes anserine tendonosis
Plantar fasciitis
Recurrent shoulder subluxations
Rib Dysfunction
Rotator cuff issues
Runner’s knee
Shoulder impingement syndrome
Shoulder issues
Spondylosis
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain
Tennis Elbow
Thoracic spine issues
Triceps tendonosis
Whiplash
Wrist and hand issues

HOW DOES PLATELET-RICH PLASMA (PRP) THERAPY DIFFER FROM OTHER REGENERATIVE MEDICINE INJECTIONS?

PRP therapy uses your body’s growth factors to jump-start the healing process.

PRP therapy uses plasma that has been separated from your blood and injects it into the injured tissues. Platelet-derived growth factors trigger the healing of damaged connective tissues and help restore function. Because PRP uses your own body’s growth factors, this therapy is very well tolerated in patients.

What is a platelet?

Platelets occur naturally in your blood and are constantly on the lookout for any damage to your blood vessels. They play a central role in the clotting process, and they work to trigger healing at the site of injury. Platelets are filled with important growth factors that are responsible for signaling for this healing to take place.

What are growth factors?

Growth factors are chemical messengers within the body that tell cells how to behave. Examples of important growth factors include vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF). The job of VEGF is to build new blood vessels, and FGF is involved in tissue development and repair.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A PLATELET-RICH PLASMA (PRP) PROCEDURE?

PRP is an outpatient procedure. You will be able to go home soon after your treatment.
Prior to your PRP therapy, you will receive a local anesthetic to the area being treated.

Here is how the Platelet-rich Plasma procedure works:

The blood is drawn.
The blood is placed into a centrifuge. (Approximately 30 minutes). The centrifuge then hyper-concentrates the platelets and growth factors in your blood.
The PRP is removed from the centrifuge for injecting.
The PRP is then injected into the affected area by your regenerative medicine doctor.

Following the procedure, you will rest for about 15 minutes before leaving the office.

Please click HERE for a printable version of important guidelines from your doctor to follow after your PRP treatment.

Is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy right for you?

Surgery shouldn’t be a first option. Neither should a prescription.

weight If you are an athlete, weekend warrior, active gardener, or have sustained muscle and/or joint injuries, then PRP therapy may be a treatment option for you. Our regenerative medicine providers will help you determine which treatment is right for you. They will help guide you through your treatment process, which includes an exam, consultation, diagnosis, and treatment. They may also order additional imaging or diagnostic testing to help determine the best plan for your care.

We value your health. If PRP therapy is not a recommended treatment option for you or you would benefit from co-treating with another specialist, our physicians will refer you to the appropriate healthcare provider.

Understand your Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy Care

Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) FAQs and Answers

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a type of regenerative medicine that uses the process of regenerating cells to restore or establish normal function. Our PRP therapy “supercharges” the body’s natural healing process by packing a person’s own platelets. Our providers harvest platelets from your blood, concentrate them, and inject them into the injured area where the body needs them most!

I read that it is recommended that patients not take NSAIDS (anti-inflammatory medications ex. ibuprofen) for 48 hours before a PRP injection. Why?

NSAIDS (anti-inflammatory medications) may decrease the effectiveness of the PRP injection. Notify your doctor prior to your injection if you have taken any NSAIDS to discuss your treatment options.

How long does it take to see results after a PRP injection?

Patients usually see improvement within two to four weeks of receiving a PRP injection. If necessary, your doctor may recommend another injection four to six weeks after your prior injection.

Will the injection hurt?

Patients will feel discomfort during the injection—similar to getting a vaccination. Depending on the patient you may have some mild discomfort for several days as well. However, this will soon subside and leave you feeling better than before.

Will I need an escort the day of the procedure?

No, you will not need an escort the day of receiving a PRP injection. We do not use anesthesia, only use topical numbing creams. You will be alert and able to drive after the procedure.

Is it okay to take pain relievers after PRP therapy?

You should not take any anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen before or after PRP treatments.
If you receive a platelet-rich plasma injection, do not take NSAIDS (anti-inflammatory medications) for at least fourteen days after your procedure.

This treatment works by stimulating the body’s inflammatory responses to trigger healing, so taking an anti-inflammatory medication will reduce the efficacy of the treatment.

What can I do to help alleviate pain after a PRP injection?

Some swelling post-injection is normal. This is the body’s immune system working. You may use a cold compress a few times per day for ten to twenty minutes at a time to help decrease pain and swelling.

May I wash or bathe the injection site after a PRP injection?

If possible, avoid washing the injection site for a minimum of 24 hours after an injection. Patients should also avoid the use of skincare and hair products at the injection site for at least 24 hours. Individuals who received a spinal injection should avoid submerging the injection site for 72 hours. Avoid using hair coloring products for one week, if applicable.

When can I return to exercising after a Plasma-rich Platelet (PRP) injection?

Patients should not resume exercise in the joint that was injected for approximately two weeks after a PRP injection.
Patients may be advised to wear a brace or sling to immobilize the affected joint. Patients may also be advised to use crutches if they receive an injection at the ankle, knee, or hip.

Are Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy treatments covered by insurance?

PRP treatments are not covered by most insurance companies. However, we do not want cost to be a hindrance to receiving care. If cost is a concern, please contact our billing department by CLICKING HERE, and they will review your financial options with you.

Depending on your particular needs and the number of joints to be treated, the average cost at Loehr Health can range from $750.00 to $1,000.00 per syringe. Usually, an area will need one to two syringes per treatment.

How many treatments will I need?

Many patients see improvement after one to two treatments. Your doctor will let you know if additional PRP therapy treatments are needed.

I’m scheduled for a PRP therapy treatment at Loehr Health.
Do you have a copy of the flyer with directions to follow BEFORE my PRP treatment?

Please click HERE for a printable version of important guidelines from your doctor to follow after your PRP injection.

I’ve received a prolotherapy injection at Loehr Health.
Do you have a copy of the flyer with directions to follow AFTER my PRP treatment?