Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment
PRP treatment uses your body’s own platelets as a nonsurgical option for certain muscle, tendon and joint conditions.
What is Platelet-Rich Plasma?
Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, consists of two elements: plasma, or the liquid portion of blood, and platelets, a type of blood cell that plays an important role in healing throughout your body.
How does PRP treatment work?
PRP treatment is a step-by-step therapeutic process where the provider draw’s the patient’s blood, concentrates the platelets, and then injects them into the injured area. Platelets contain growth factors and other proteins that stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation, which promotes the healing of many musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.
PRP treatment is recommended when other traditional conservative methods of treatment have failed, such as physical therapy, rest, medications, and steroid injections. PRP efficacy may vary based on individual cases.
What musculoskeletal injuries or conditions can PRP treat?
PRP can treat a range of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions:
Pain
- Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis
- Ankle pain
- Knee pain
- Shoulder pain and instability
- Back pain
Injuries
- Muscle, tendon and ligament injuries
- Ankle
- Hip
- Knee
- Shoulder
Rotator cuff injuries
Strains and sprains
- Ankle
- Knee strains and instability
- Tennis and golfer's elbow
- Hamstring and hip
Osteoarthritis
Am I a candidate for PRP treatment?
PRP may be an option if you have an ongoing muscle, tendon or joint condition that has not improved with treatments such as activity changes, physical therapy or medication. Whether PRP is right for you depends on your diagnosis, overall health and the area being treated.
What does the PRP procedure involve?
PRP is a minimally invasive injection, performed as an outpatient procedure. The complete process typically takes less than an hour.
- A sample of blood is drawn from the patient’s arm.
- The sample of blood is then placed in a centrifuge that spins at high speed, which separates platelets from other blood cells.
- The blood is then processed to collect the platelets and mix them with anticoagulant to prevent blood from clotting.
- Numbing medication may be applied sparingly around the injection site to offset any discomfort or pain from the injection. The portion of concentrated platelets is then injected into the site of injury with ultrasound guidance.
What are the risks of a PRP injection?
PRP injections are considered low risk, and does not usually cause major side effects. Less common risks include:
- Allergic reaction
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Nerve injuries
- Tissue damage
Will insurance pay for the PRP procedure?
Currently, the FDA considers PRP investigational for many of the musculoskeletal injuries being referred. Medicare currently only covers PRP for chronic wound treatment. Most insurance plans do not cover the cost of PRP, making the patient responsible for payment. Therefore, Washington University requires payment in full prior to the service being performed. Insurance plans will be billed upon request and if the service is determined to be covered, a refund will be provided to the patient.
What happens during a PRP injection?
A PRP appointment typically takes less than an hour. Your blood is drawn, processed to concentrate the platelets and then injected into the treatment area.
Before your PRP procedure
Two weeks before your PRP injection, stop all anti-inflammatory medications such as Motrin, Meloxicam, Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, etc.
After your PRP procedure
After your PRP injection, you will be given personalized instructions.
- Stay hydrated and eat healthy, nourishing meals.
- Do not take a bath, swim, or use a hot tub for 48 hours. You may shower.
- Do not use anti-inflammatory medications for two weeks after your procedure. Instead, use acetaminophen (Tylenol) to lower your pain.
- Minimize activity and ice the affected area for 15-20 minutes every 2-4 hours for the first few days after the injection.
- For 2 weeks after procedure, avoid strenuous activity and exercises at the site of the injection.
- The joint may be immobilized by using a sling or walking boot for 2 weeks after your procedure.
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation exercise program is initiated 2 weeks after your procedure. Patients typically return to normal activity after about 6 weeks, this return to activity will be guided by your doctor and therapist.
What is recovery like after a PRP injection?
Some people have increased pain during this first few days after the injection. This is known as the inflammatory phase. It may take 6-8 weeks to evaluate how well your body is responding to the treatment. Full recovery may take 3-6 months, with tendon injuries usually requiring a longer recovery time.
You will have a follow-up appointment with your provider at 6 weeks and 3 months to check your progress.
Find out if PRP is right for you
Our specialists can evaluate your condition and recommend the treatment options that may be right for you.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How long do the effects of a PRP injection last?
PRP results vary from person to person and depend on the condition being treated. Some patients may experience longer-term improvement, while others may have less benefit. Your doctor can discuss what to expect based on your specific condition.
How many injections will I need?
The number of PRP injections you may need depends on your condition and how you responded to the first injection. Some patients may need one injection, while others may benefit from additional treatment. Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on your diagnosis and response.
Are PRP injections painful?
You may feel some discomfort during a PRP injection and most experience increased soreness and transient pain afterward. PRP works by supporting your body's natural healing process, which includes inflammation. Because of this, pain often temporarily increases after the injection before it begins to improve.
Additional resources
American Medical Society for Sports Medicine
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
Sports Medicine Institute
Sports Medicine Today