Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Athletes and active individuals who endure chronic pain from tendon injuries or osteoarthritis may finally get relief from a safe, non-surgical procedure. It’s called Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy, and it utilizes platelets from the athletes’ own blood to rebuild a damaged tendon or cartilage. It has been successful in not only relieving the pain, but also in jumpstarting the healing process. Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy is done in an exam room and takes less than an hour. The patient’s blood is drawn and placed in a centrifuge for 15 minutes to separate out the platelets. The platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the damaged portion of the tendon or cartilage with the guidance of an ultrasound machine. Patients are put on a program of relative rest followed by physical therapy for the first 6 weeks. After about 6 to 12 weeks, patients are re-evaluated for improvement. Some patients with more difficult injuries may require more than one injection to achieve successful outcomes. The majority of PRP patients find that within 3 months they can return to most or all of the activities they were doing before the pain started.

How do I know if I am a candidate for PRP therapy?
PRP therapy is advised for patients with moderate osteoarthritis in the hip, knee or shoulder or chronic tendonitis in the elbow or ankle. Typically the patient has failed conservative treatment options such as rest, medication, and physical therapy.

Who is not a candidate for PRP therapy?
Any one with a cancer (such as prostate cancer or breast cancer), not in remission for at least 5 years
Certain other malignancies or blood borne diseases that you are being treated for
Any current infection
Patients using a high dosage of Coumadin
Patients with cerebral palsy or Parkinson’s Disease
General procedural contraindication
Patients with multiple medical issues may not be good candidates
Does the treatment consist of one injection or multiple injections?
This is ultimately decided on a case-by-case basis. The physician will use the MRI or Ultrasound results to determine the number of injections. Typically the physician will suggest between 1 to 3 injections.

What is the cost of PRP treatment?
The cost of PRP treatment varies based on number of injections you receive. Bilateral procedures are offered at a reduced rate if paid together. Insurance companies for the most part won’t pay for PRP therapy. Our financial counselor will work with you to determine if your insurance will pay or if you will need to pay out of pocket for the treatment. Please talk with our financial counselor for more detailed information.

How long do I have to wait to return to my normal activities?
How quickly you can return to your normal activities depends on the condition and body part being treated.

  • Injections in the elbow or shoulder are placed in a sling for 48 hours to 1 week or more and then as needed for comfort.
  • For the ankle (Achilles tendon, peroneal tendon, plantar fascia), you will be required to wear a walking boot for up to two weeks or more. (If the injection is on the right side, you will not be able to drive with the boot on.)
  • If you have an injection in your knee for osteoarthritis, you only need to rest for 24 hours and then you can return to your normal activities.If the injection is in your patellar tendon or quadriceps tendon, your knee will be placed in a knee immobilizer for 1-2 days.
  • All procedures, except for possibly knee osteoarthritis, will begin therapy 1 week after the injection.

Can I drive home after the PRP injection?
If the injection is in your right knee or ankle, you will not be allowed to drive home. If the injection is located in any other body part, you may drive yourself home after the injection.

Will I need to complete physical therapy?
Yes, the physician will most likely prescribe physical therapy to help you regain your strength, mobility, and function. Typical physical therapy programs last approximately 12 weeks. Your insurance company usually covers physical therapy, but you should call your insurance company to confirm.

Do I need to schedule a follow up appointment?
Yes, the physician will most likely prescribe physical therapy to help you regain your strength, mobility, and function. Typical physical therapy programs last approximately 12 weeks. Your insurance company usually covers physical therapy, but you should call your insurance company to confirm.

Do I need to schedule a follow up appointment?
Yes, the physician will want to see you back in clinic to check your progress.You will be asked to make a follow up appointment 6 weeks following the injection.

Can I take my normal medication(s) before and after the injection?
Do not take anti-inflammatory medication such as Advil, Aleve, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Mobic, Naproxen, Nabumetone, or Diclofenac for 7 days prior to the injection and 6 weeks after the last injection. Pain medication will be prescribed the day of the procedure to be taken as needed. A regular aspirin regimen (81mg/day) is ok. Tylenol/Acetaminophen is allowed.

What should I do if I think I’m a candidate?

  • If you live near Lafayette, we recommend scheduling an appointment for a consultation so that we can look at your radiology films (x-rays) and examine you to determine if you are a good candidate or not.
  • If you live more than 3 hours away, please work with your local health care professional to send us the following:1. Recent x-ray and/or MRI (no more than a few months old) 2. Medical records (pertaining to your injury)
  • Send your images and records to us for review – please include your contact information.
  • We will contact you back about our decision with in 7-10 business days

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