PRP Therapy: What to Expect

What is PRP?

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy is an innovative nonsurgical treatment option used to activate healing in an area of injury and/or pain in the body. Unlike surgery or steroid injections, it is a minimally invasive procedure that consists of only using a concentrated source of the patient’s own blood as the healing agent.

PRP therapy first gained headlines when high-level athletes used the procedure for their joint pain. A few of those high-level athletes are Kobe Bryant, Rafael Nadal, and Steph Curry. Thanks to recent advancements in regenerative medicine, we can now offer it to all of our patients who are good candidates for the procedure.

First Consultation

Before making an appointment, you will first have a consultation with one of our doctors. Our doctors take an individualized approach for each specific injury and condition. This helps our doctors to determine the best treatment plan for your situation. If PRP therapy is the best treatment option for you, our office will schedule an appointment for the procedure.

PRP Therapy Procedure

Refrain from taking anti-inflammatories for three weeks pre and post-procedure. A PRP therapy procedure begins with one of our registered nurses drawing your blood. Approximately 60 cc’s of blood is drawn. This is about the same amount you would expect to give for a blood donation.

Platelet Rich Plasma Concentration System (via Biomet Biologics)

First, we spin the blood in a high-spinning machine called a centrifuge. Then the centrifuge separates the blood into 3 components: red blood cells, platelet-rich plasma, and platelet-poor plasma. The platelet-rich plasma component includes growth factors that can promote healing and relieve pain. Finally, we inject the concentrated source of platelet-rich plasma into the area of pain and discomfort.

Many patients report that the injection is painless and most patients can return to normal daily activities immediately after the procedure. Patients typically start seeing an improvement in their mobility and symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks. Depending on the severity of the injury or condition, more than one injection may be required.

Most importantly, PRP therapy can treat a wide range of conditions and injuries of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand.

Schedule a regenerative medicine consultation with our physicians by texting (844) 809-1082 or calling (407) 841-0001. To learn more about PRP therapy, or other regenerative medicine procedures, please visit OrlandoRegenerativeMed.com.