Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection FAQs
PRP injections offer a unique and regenerative approach to treating musculoskeletal conditions by using the human body’s natural ability to heal itself to augment or even accelerate the healing of these injuries. Below find answers to frequently asked questions about the procedure.
To schedule a sports medicine appointment with Dr. Igor Prus, call
773-907-7750.
General Questions
What are PRP injections used for?
PRP injections can be used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including soft-tissue injuries due to overuse (such as tennis elbow, tendonitis, etc.) and acute injuries such as sprained or pulled muscles.
Can PRP help arthritis?
PRP injections can be used to help relieve symptoms of arthritis and/or to slow the progress of osteoarthritis.
Can PRP help meniscus tear?
PRP injections can be used as part of a treatment plan for a meniscus tear in the hope of accelerating healing due to the body’s natural propensity to heal itself.
How effective is PRP treatment for knee pain?
PRP injections can be a low-pain and minimally invasive method to aid in the reduction of pain in the knee due to conditions such as osteoarthritis.
What are the benefits of PRP?
The benefits of PRP injections are that it is a minimally invasive, low-pain and natural method of accelerating healing in soft-tissue conditions and injuries.
What does platelet rich plasma do?
Platelet rich plasma offers potential pain relief and accelerated healing.
How do PRP shots work?
PRP shots work by leveraging the body’s natural healing system to accelerate healing and decrease pain in injured tissue of the joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles.
Can PRP regenerate cartilage?
PRP injections have the potential to aid in the regeneration of cartilage by accelerating the body’s natural ability to do shorten recovery.
Does PRP cause inflammation?
PRP injections do not cause inflammation, and may actually have anti-inflammatory effects on the injured area.
Is platelet rich plasma safe?
Platelet rich plasma injections offer a relatively safe treatment option because there is no risk of adverse reactions as the plasma is the patient’s own; however, it does carry with it the relatively minor risks of infection or nerve damage if the injection is not completed by in a sterile environment by a trained medical professional.
Questions About the Treatment
What should you do and not do before PRP?
Your physician can provide a detailed list of what you should and should not do before your PRP injections, which may include not taking anti-inflammatory and anticoagulation drugs leading up to the procedure and being sure to stay hydrated.
How long does a PRP injection take?
The entire process, including preparation and recovery, should take approximately one hour on average. You will be able to return home on the day of procedures.
How long does it take for PRP injections to work?
The benefits of PRP injections may take between four and six weeks to be noticeable to the patient. Even beyond this window, the platelet-rich plasma will continue to aid in further healing for anywhere from six and nine months.
How long does platelet-plasma last?
Platelet-rich plasma lasts anywhere from six and nine months, during which time it will continue to aid in healing the soft-tissue injury.
How painful is a PRP injection?
PRP injections are on average a relatively painless treatment option; however, patients may experience varying degrees of discomfort during the procedure due to the extent, type and location of the injection, which is determined based on the injury.
How long does it take to recover from platelet rich plasma?
Due to the injection being a minimally invasive treatment, recovery takes only one or two hours. You are able to return home after the injection. Once the injection is complete, your body will begin healing almost immediately, accelerating recovery.
How long after PRP can I take anti-inflammatory medication?
It is recommended that you avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications for up to six weeks after the procedure in order to avoid interfering with the natural healing process. If you have questions about this, please ask your physician before the procedure.
How often can you have PRP injections?
Your first PRP injection may bring satisfactory relief, and you may not need to have a second PRP injection; however, it is occasionally the case that multiple injections are best for your condition. When it is indicated that multiple injections may be needed, they are delivered four to six weeks apart, on average.
What should I do after PRP?
After receiving PRP, you should continue with the care plan designed by your physician. Often, physical therapy is used to help facilitate further healing. If needed, your physician will provide you with a referral order.
Are PRP injections covered by insurance?
PRP injections are not covered by insurance.
Contact Us
To schedule a sports medicine appointment with Dr. Igor Prus, call
773-907-7750.
