Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a concentrated sample of platelets made from your own blood to help repair injured tendons, ligaments, and joints. The treatment helps your body heal the injured area quicker. It can reduce pain, improve movement, and help patients get back to their normal activities faster.
Why choose platelet-rich plasma?
PRP is a safe, natural treatment that uses your own body’s healing components to support tissue repair. Because it comes from your own body, it carries a low risk of side effects and can be an alternative to surgery or long-term medication. Platelet-rich plasma is typically considered for injuries not healing on their own or after conservative treatment. PRP can reduce pain, improve mobility, and promote healing in tendons, ligaments, and joints—often helping patients avoid or delay more invasive treatments. It’s an option for those looking for a natural way to promote recovery and restore function.
What conditions can platelet-rich plasma treat?
- Chronic tendon or ligament injuries
- Partial tendon or ligament tears
- Tendinosis
- Arthritis, to control pain and slow disease progression
Benefits of platelet-rich plasma treatment
- Promotes healing of partial tears and tendinosis
- Reduces pain from arthritis and may slow progression
- Minimally invasive, uses your own cells, and is all natural
- May help patients avoid surgery
Who is a candidate for platelet-rich plasma?
- Adults with chronic tendon, ligament, or joint pain
- Patients able to follow post-procedure recovery and physical therapy protocols
It is not recommended for:
- Individuals with a history of blood or bone cancer
- Patients without a suitable medical history for blood-based procedures
Appointment process
Platelet-rich plasma treatment begins with a provider consultation to review your injury, discuss previous treatments such as rest, bracing, or therapy. The visit also covers the procedure itself, including medications to avoid, safe ways to manage discomfort after the procedure, and the recovery plan. If the treatment is for a ligament injury, your provider will also discuss any additional imaging needed and the plan for your care.
On the day of the procedure, a small amount of your blood is drawn and spun to concentrate the healing components. Then the platelet-rich plasma is injected into the injury site using ultrasound guidance. In some cases, a nerve block may be used to help limit any pain associated with the injection.
The procedure usually takes 5–15 minutes depending on the injury.
Afterward, patients rest briefly until initial discomfort subsides, then they can go home with any necessary supports such as a boot, sling, brace, or crutches.
Recovery begins with rest for the first few days, followed by a gradual return to partial weight-bearing activities with support (crutches, boot, sling, or brace). Physical therapy usually begins two to three weeks after the injection and continues for several weeks to support healing and restore strength.
Insurance
Coverage for platelet-rich plasma treatment can vary, so check with your insurance provider to see if this procedure is included in your plan.
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