Growth factors are chemicals that signal the body to initiate a healing response.
PRP contains a high concentration of platelets, blood proteins important in healing, and growth factors.
What Are PRP Injections Used For?
How Well Do PRP Injections Work?
Studies show that PRP can help increase certain growth factors that are important in the healing process.
Investigations are underway to determine if PRP is more helpful than other treatments for chronic tendonitis.
Because of this, most doctors, and definitely most insurance companies, consider PRP to be experimental.
How Long do PRP Injections Last?
A single dose of PRP can last up to one year or longer.
PRP Injection Procedure Process
PRP injections can be done in a physician’s office.
How PRP Is Obtained
PRP is obtained from the patient who is being treated.
The physician extracts the platelet-rich portion of the blood and injects this into the area of injury.
There is no clear science to justify a particular quantity of PRP and the number of injections needed.
Are the Injections Painful?
There is some discomfort associated with both acquiring the blood to inject, and for the actual injection itself.
Both parts of the procedure involve placing a needle through the skin.
Side Effects
Side effects are uncommon, but they are possible.
Whenever a needle is inserted through the skin, an infection can occur.
The other more common side effect of PRP injections is an increase in inflammation and pain after the injection.
This usually lasts one to two days.
PRP injections are not recommended in individuals withbleeding disorders, those taking anti-coagulation medications (e.g.
warfarin), or those who have cancer, active infections, or are pregnant.
How Much Do PRP Injections Cost?
The average cost of a PRP treatment for any body area was $1,000.
It’s not entirely clear how effective PRP is for chronic injuries.
The treatment is not typically covered by insurance.
Northeast Knee and Joint Institute.Before and after PRP procedure guidelines.
2018 Mar;4(1):1-8.
2024 Feb;52(1):89-97. doi:10.1080/00913847.2023.2178816
Harvard Health Publishing.Can platelet-rich plasma injections heal your joints?.
