1. What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy?
PRP Therapy is a regenerative treatment option utilizing a patient’s own blood to help promote and speed recovery from many orthopedic conditions and/or injuries. With PRP injections, a patient receives a concentrated amount of platelets, rich in tissue growth factors, that can assist the body in its’ natural repair and recovery process.
2. What conditions are treated using PRP Therapy?
PRP can be used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal problems and may also be used in conjunction with surgery to aid in healing and recovery. People who are not a candidate for surgery or simply want to avoid surgery may also benefit from PRP therapy injections. PRP is used to help treat conditions such as:
Joint Pain ♦ Knee Arthritis
Tennis Elbow ♦ Achilles Tendonitis ♦ Jumpers’ Knee
3. How safe is PRP Therapy?
PRP therapy uses a patient’s own blood, making it safe and minimally invasive. Risks of the procedure are rare but include infection or bleeding. Some patients also experience a mild soreness or bruising after the procedure.
4. How long is the PRP Therapy injection procedure?
The PRP procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes and is done in an outpatient setting such as a doctor’s office or ambulatory surgical center.
5. What happens during the PRP procedure?
Blood is drawn and spun down in a special machine to extract the healing properties and then re-injected into the affected area. A local anesthetic may be given to help make the patient more comfortable during the injection. Some people may experience mild soreness or bruising after the procedure.
6. How long does the PRP Therapy take to work?
Patients who benefit from the treatment may see results as early as 4 weeks after their initial injection and may experience continued improvement for several months.
7. Is PRP covered by my insurance?
PRP is not typically covered by health insurance and total cost varies depending on how many body parts are treated and whether anesthesia is needed. A precise quote can be obtained after consultation with the physician.