Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection A Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injection is a treatment that uses a concentration of your own blood’s natural healing cells — called platelets — to promote healing in injured or painful areas.
PRP is commonly used for joint pain, tendon injuries, muscle strains, and ligament issues, especially in areas like the knee, shoulder, hip, or lower back. PRP therapy is an autologous treatment, meaning it is made from your own blood and carries no risk of rejection or disease transmission.
How It Works PRP is prepared by drawing a small amount of your blood, usually from your arm. The blood is then spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from other components. The resulting platelet-rich plasma, which contains a high concentration of growth factors, is then carefully
injected into the targeted area using live X-ray (fluoroscopy) or ultrasound guidance for accuracy. Before the injection, your skin is cleaned with an antiseptic solution, and you’ll be monitored with a blood pressure cuff and oxygen monitor, just as we do for other procedures. The injection itself
may cause some pressure or mild discomfort for a short time. After the Procedure, you may have soreness or discomfort at the injection site for a few days. This is a normal part of the healing process, as your body begins to respond to the regenerative signals of the platelets. Unlike cortisone injections, PRP works gradually — you may notice improvement in pain and function over 2 to 6 weeks, with continued improvement for several
months. Safety and Side Effects Because PRP uses your own blood, the risk of allergic reaction or rejection is essentially zero. The most common side effect is temporary pain or swelling at the injection site. Rare risks
include bleeding or infection at the injection site. Summary PRP injections are a promising, natural alternative to steroid injections for many chronic
musculoskeletal conditions. They offer a regenerative approach to pain relief by harnessing your body’s own healing mechanisms. If you’re looking for a non-surgical, drug-free option for chronic pain or soft tissue injury, talk to your doctor to see if PRP therapy is right for you.