In-Office PRP Injections: What to Expect and Who They Help
Summer is off to a running start, and your friends at Performance Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine know you have plans to stay active, travel, and be outdoors. When joint pain gets in the way of your fun in the sun, a minimally invasive option like Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections may be just the thing you need!
What Is PRP and How Does It Work for Joint Pain?
Many patients find PRP injections an appealing option as it is non-surgical and promotes your body’s natural healing process. This process includes channeling the powers of your own blood to revitalize your joints. After drawing your blood, it is processed in a centrifuge to separate platelets, which are full of growth factors to assist in the repair process. Then, the plasma cells are injected directly into the painful or inflamed joint.
What to Expect During an In-Office PRP Injection for Joint Pain
PRP injections are performed right in our office as an outpatient, so no time in the hospital or general anesthesia is required. Typically, the process for PRP Injections looks something like this:
- Evaluation: Your provider will assess your condition, review any X-ray, CT or MRI scans, and consult with you to decide if PRP is the right option for you.
- Blood Draw and Centrifugation: After a small amount of your blood is drawn, it is spun down in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma.
- Injection: Your provider will then inject the PRP into the targeted area.
This whole process usually takes less than an hour, and you can walk out and resume most of your normal activities right away.
Joint Conditions That Respond Well to PRP
PRP works great for soft tissue injuries and early-stage joint issues. Some of the conditions that can be treated with PRP injections include:
- Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow
- Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
- Mild to Moderate Osteoarthritis (Knees, Hips, Shoulders)
- Patellar Tendon Injuries (“Jumper’s Knee”)
Whether you’re playing summer sports or just want to stay active, PRP can help keep you in the game without the downtime or pain that is often associated with more invasive treatments like surgery.
How to Decide if PRP is Right for You
To find out if PRP therapy could be right for you, schedule a consultation with the orthopaedic specialists at Performance Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine. We can evaluate your condition and help you decide your next step toward an active, pain-free lifestyle.