Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy
Platelet rich plasma or PRP is an “autologous blood therapy” that uses a patient’s own blood components to stimulate a healing response in damaged tissues. In response to an injury or tissue damage, your body naturally recruits platelets and white blood cells (WBCs) from the blood to initiate the healing response. Under normal conditions, platelets store numerous growth factors, which are released in response to signals from the injured tissue.
Modern technology allows us to concentrate platelets from your blood, and induce this growth factor release as we inject the solution directly into injured tissue, simulating this same healing response in a more powerful form. By enhancing the body’s natural healing capacity, the treatment may lead to reduction in pain and improved function.
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Shin Splints
- Peroneal tendonitis
- Ankle sprains/ligament injury
- Achilles tendonitis or partial tears
What To Expect After PRP Injection
- Achy soreness at site of injection
- Soreness is a positive sign of healing
- Soreness can last several days and gradually decreases
It is important that anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen (Advil), Naproxen (Aleve) and Aspirin be avoided following PRP treatments. These medications may block the effects of the intended healing response facilitated by the injection itself. It is acceptable to use over the counter pain medication such as Tylenol and in some cases, a prescribed analgesic, which does not have anti- inflammatory properties, to control discomfort as needed.
Pain management options will be discussed with you by the physician managing your treatment plan. You will be permitted to resume normal day to day activities and light exercise following injection. We suggest you avoid strenuous lifting or high level exercise for at least several days after injection.
PRP injections are not covered by insurance. Treatments are done with fluoroscopy or ultrasound guidance to make sure the injection is placed correctly.