At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, our physiatrists are committed to providing holistic, nonsurgical healing of musculoskeletal problems through a broad range of treatments. One of these successful treatments is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. This blog is designed to help you understand what PRP is, what you can expect at your first therapy session, and how it will help to promote and accelerate healing.
What is PRP Therapy?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a well-established treatment that uses the patient’s own blood to assist in tissue repair. During the procedure, a small amount of blood is drawn from the patient and processed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets. Platelets are small blood cells that assist with clotting and are rich in growth factors.
Once a concentration of platelets is obtained, it is added to the patient’s blood, creating platelet-rich plasma which is then injected into the affected area. Because the growth factors in the platelets stimulate tissue repair and regeneration, PRP is an effective treatment for various musculoskeletal problems, both acute injuries like UCL tears and Achilles tendonitis, and chronic conditions, like osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis.
How Do I Prepare for a PRP Treatment?
Preparing for a PRP therapy session is not at all complicated. Nonetheless, following these directives is important to ensure the best possible outcome.
- Medical Consultation
Before your first PRP session, you will consult with one of our specialists who will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and determine if PRP therapy is appropriate.
- Medication Adjustments
You may have to stop taking certain medications, particularly anti-inflammatory drugs, for a week or two before your treatment since these medications can interfere with the effectiveness of PRP therapy.
- Hydration and Nutrition
Staying well-hydrated and eating a healthy diet in the period before the procedure will make the blood draw easier and enhance the quality of the plasma.
The PRP Treatment Itself
The PRP therapy process is straightforward and typically takes a little over an hour. It consists of three simple steps:
- Blood Draw
The first step is drawing a small amount of your blood, usually from your arm.
- Processing the Blood
The blood is then placed in a centrifuge, a machine that spins the blood at high speed to separate the platelets from the other components of your blood. This process concentrates the platelets, resulting in platelet-rich plasma that has healing qualities.
- Injection
Once the PRP is prepared, it is injected into the affected area. Ultrasound guidance may be used to ensure precise placement of the injection.
After Your PRP Treatment
It may take up to three sessions and a few weeks to feel the full benefit of the PRP treatment. Though you may experience soreness at the injection site for a day or two, it is highly unlikely that you will have any adverse reaction to your own blood. You should, however, rest the day of and/or the day after your therapy, refraining from activities that impact the targeted area.
Benefits of PRP Therapy
PRP therapy has a number of advantages as a therapeutic method, since it:
- Heals naturally to promote tissue repair and regeneration
- Is minimally invasive, involving only a simple injection
- Requires little downtime, allowing you to return to your
normal activities quickly.
- Treats a wide range of conditions, both acute and chronic
- Has a very low risk of side effects since PRP uses your own blood.
- Decreases pain
- Improves function (strength, flexibility, range of motion)
- Accelerates recovery
The Takeaway
At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we never lose sight of our goal: to relieve your pain and restore your health. Over our years in practice, we have always been open to traditional and complementary treatments that have proven safe and effective. PRP is one of the most valuable tools we have to accelerate healing. Contact us now to see the positive difference it can make in your life.