What is Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an injection treatment that uses your own blood to help heal injured tissues.
Platelets are tiny cells in your blood that contain growth factors—natural proteins that help your body repair itself. PRP is made by taking a small sample of your blood, spinning it in a machine (centrifuge) to concentrate the platelets and then injecting this concentrated solution directly into the injured area.
People who receive PRP injections may benefit from:
- Reduced pain
- Improved function and mobility
- Use of your body’s natural healing process
- Outpatient treatment with little downtime
What Conditions Can PRP Treat?
PRP is most commonly used for:
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Rotator cuff tendon problems, including partial tears and chronic tendinitis of the shoulder
- Achilles tendon injuries
- Heel pain (plantar fasciitis)
- Muscle injuries
What to Expect
Before the Procedure
You will meet with a sports medicine provider to review your diagnosis and talk about whether PRP is right for you. If it is, you’ll receive instructions to prepare for the procedure. These typically include:
- Avoid anti-inflammatory medications for at least one to two weeks before your procedure, as they can interfere with the healing process that PRP is designed to promote. These include Advil (ibuprofen), Motrin (ibuprofen), Aleve (naproxen) and aspirin. Tylenol (acetaminophen) may be used for pain relief if needed unless otherwise directed by your provider.
- Drink plenty of water for two to three days before and the day of your appointment.
- Avoid caffeine on the day of your procedure.
- Eat a light meal before your appointment to help prevent lightheadedness.
- Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the area being treated.
During the Procedure
Platelet-rich plasma therapy typically takes about 35-40 minutes.
During the procedure, a small amount of blood (usually about 15-60 mL, similar to a routine blood draw) is taken from a vein in your arm.
The blood is placed in a centrifuge, which spins for about 10-15 minutes to separate and concentrate the platelets.
The concentrated PRP is then injected into the injured area, often using ultrasound guidance to ensure precise placement.
After the Procedure
You may experience temporary soreness, swelling, stiffness or discomfort at the injection site. This is a normal part of the healing process.
It can take four to six weeks before you notice improvement, and full benefits may develop over three to six months.
To support effectiveness and recovery, we recommend that you:
- Continue to avoid anti-inflammatory medications for one to two weeks after the procedure.
- Stay well-hydrated for the first 24-48 hours after your procedure.
- Use ice on the treated area only if specifically instructed by your provider.
- Follow all activity restrictions and limitations discussed with your provider.
If you experience severe pain, significant swelling, redness, warmth, fever or any signs of infection after your injection, contact your doctor’s office immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PRP safe?
Yes, PRP is generally safe.
Because platelet-rich plasma is made from your own blood, the risk of allergic reaction or infection is very low. The most common side effects are:
- Temporary pain or soreness at the injection site
- Minor swelling or bruising
- Stiffness in the treated joint
Serious complications are rare.
How many injections are involved in PRP?
PRP therapy typically involves one to three injections.
Some conditions may require a series of injections spaced several weeks apart. If you experience at least 50% improvement in your symptoms after the first injection, a second injection is worthwhile and may provide additional benefit.
What are the limitations of PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma therapy is not a guaranteed cure, and results vary from person to person. PRP generally works best for mild to moderate conditions. Severe arthritis or complete tendon tears may not respond as well.
Are PRP injections covered by insurance?
No, PRP injections are not typically covered by insurance.
How much does PRP cost?
At LifeBridge Health’s Sports Medicine Institute, a $200 out-of-pocket payment is required at the time of your procedure.
The office visit is still billed to your insurance provider on file and is subject to yearly deductibles and/or coinsurance.