Platelet-Rich-Plasma Injections

Blood consists of multiple compounds including plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Platelets are known for their importance in clotting factors and healing qualities from proteins called growth factors. Platelet-Rich-Plasma, or PRP, is plasma that contains a concentration of platelets, and thus growth factors, that is far greater than usual.

To obtain PRP, blood is drawn from the patient and centrifuged so the high concentration of platelets can then be extracted and prepared for injection. In our clinic, PRP is often used to treat facet joint arthropathy (See facet joint injections), but can treat other injuries such as sacroiliac joint arthropathy, tendinitis, joint inflammation, and soft tissue conditions.

There are several working theories of how PRP works, and clinical studies show significant long term improvement in patients' pain

What to Expect:

The procedure will be performed in an operation room with conscious sedation.
The procedure may take up to two to three months to take full effect.
Your symptoms may feel worse in the first few days before it gets better.
After the procedure, patients will take the rest of the day off.
You will be able to resume normal daily activities the next day.
You will be asked to refrain from eating or drinking for the six hours leading up to your procedure.
A driver will need to take you home after the procedure.