PRP Q & A

What is PRP?

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is one of a range of innovative biological treatments. These biologics use substances extracted from your blood, cells, and tissues, or sometimes from donors.

The substances go through a process of refinement and concentration. Then the patient has an injection containing the biologic into their damaged tissues. The substances used in biologic treatments promote tissue healing and new cell growth, like PRP.

How does PRP therapy work?

The platelets in PRP are a vital component of your blood. They stop you from bleeding too much when you sustain an injury by enabling the blood to clot. Platelets also contain growth factors, which are essential for healing.

The growth factors in your platelets work with other healing substances like stem cells to stimulate new tissue growth. The new, healthy cells replace the old, injured tissue, restoring strength and stability and relieving pain.

Sometimes the number of platelets your body delivers to the injury site might be insufficient to complete the healing process. By introducing a concentrated dose of platelets in the form of PRP, your provider at AABP Integrative Pain Care and Wellness triggers additional, boosted healing that can help resolve many musculoskeletal conditions.

What conditions can PRP help treat?

PRP could be useful in treating numerous musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain conditions. Examples include:

  • Lower back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Ligament sprains
  • Tendon and muscle strains
  • Tennis and golfer’s elbow
  • Rotator cuff tears
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Osteoarthritis

You won’t feel the effect of your PRP injection straight away like you would with a nerve block. It takes a while for the growth factors in the PRP to create enough new cells to make a noticeable difference.

After the initial improvement, which might happen in a couple of weeks, you should experience continued benefits over the next few months. The effects of PRP injections can sometimes last for a year or more.

What does PRP therapy involve?

When you’re ready for your PRP therapy, your provider at AABP Integrative Pain Care and Wellness extracts some blood from your arm. They put the blood in a centrifuge, which spins very fast, separating the platelets and plasma (liquid) from the other components of your blood.

Next, your provider injects the concentrated platelets into the damaged area. They use ultrasound guidance to view the needle and ensure optimal accuracy.

Some patients benefit from a single PRP treatment, but most get the best results with several injections.

To find out how PRP therapy could help your musculoskeletal pain heal, call AABP Integrative Pain Care and Wellness today or book an appointment online.