About the treatment
Platelet rich plasma, also known as “PRP’, is a form of regenerative medicine, for conditions including arthritis, ligament/tendon sprains, and tears which can provide a permanent solution. Utilizing the body’s natural healing process of inflammation, PRP therapy is an injection of concentrated platelets which are injected into damaged ligaments, tendons, or joints to promote tissue repair and accelerate healing. This procedure is completed by drawing a small sample of a patient’s blood, placing it into a centrifuge to separate the platelets which creates a concentrated platelet rich plasma (PRP). This is then injected into the targeted area of the body. The dispersing of the platelets strengthens surrounding tissues, muscles, and ligaments, and the healing process begins.
You will meet with your Desert Pain Specialists physician multiple times after the injection to measure pain levels and evaluate progression
Pain relief may be noted immediately after the procedure due to the use of a local anesthetic. Longer-term relief can take up to 2 weeks to take full effect due to the steroid. Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours after the procedure. Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, or pain at the procedure site which should subside within a few days. As pain relief reduces over time and pain returns the procedure may be repeated if needed.
- Lumbar spine disc pain
- Rotator cuff injuries, including partial-thickness
- Shoulder pain and instability
- Tennis and golfer’s elbow
- Hamstring and hip strains
- Knee sprains and instability
- Patellofemoral syndrome and patellar tendonitis
- Ankle sprains
- Achilles tendonitis & plantar fasciitis
- Knee, hip, and other joint osteoarthritis
- Nerve entrapment syndromes, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction and pain
- Lumbar and cervical facet dysfunction and pain
Additionally, PRP can be effective for many cases of osteoarthritis by stimulating healing of cartilage and reducing pain and disability. This includes:
Knee Arthritis
Hip Joint Arthritis
Shoulder Arthritis
Ankle Arthritis
After The Treatment
PRP, unlike other treatments, has a sustained outcome and is categorized as a permanent solution. The timeframe for experiencing results depends on the area and extent of the injury. Most patients experience reduced pain and increased function within four to six weeks. Physical therapy and avoidance of strenuous activity are advised in the weeks that follow the injections. This will allow the tissues to heal fully and the best results to be noted.