PRP stands for ‘Platelet Rich Plasma’. In short, it is taking a sample of your blood and separating out the components of the blood that can stimulate a healing response. That concentrated part of the blood is then injected into the injured part of the body.
The procedure itself involves an outpatient office visit that lasts up to 30 minutes. Just like a regular blood draw, the blood is taken from a vein in the arm. That blood is then placed into a centrifuge and spun down for 5 minutes. This separates the blood into two distinct layers. The lower layer is dark red and where the red blood cells are. The upper layer is yellow and more clear, and that is where the platelets and other healing factors reside.
The upper ‘platelet’ layer is then separated off within a self-contained sterile device. The fluid is then contained in a syringe, allowing it to be injected into the injured joint or tendon. I use ultrasound guidance to accurately target the site of injury and guide the injection.
I have used PRP to inject partially torn or inflamed tendons for a while and I have seen good results from it. We know that the blood preparation process concentrates important growth factors in the blood that promote healing. It is also thought to signal the body to send other healing factors to the area that is injected.
It has been a nice alternative to surgery for many patients in the setting of a partially torn achilles, rotator cuff, elbow tendons and hamstring injuries. Additionally, it may be helpful in the early phase of recovery after surgical tendon repairs to help improve the rate of healing during rehabilitation.
More recently, there has been evidence that it may help with arthritis pain. The studies are still early regarding arthritis, but it can be an alternative to steroid injections as a safer and natural option.
After the procedure, I do not give specific restrictions on activity, other than being mindful of avoiding high impact or strenuous activities in the first few days. Additionally, there is evidence that use of NSAID medications (such as aleve, naproxen, motrin, ibuprofen) can inhibit platelet function and therefore interfere with the positive effects of the PRP injection. I advise avoiding NSAID medications for at least one week before and after the procedure.