Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are an advanced treatment option for people with various acute or chronic orthopedic conditions, from knee osteoarthritis to sports injuries. With several Summit Orthopedics locations throughout the Minneapolis / St. Paul area, PRP therapy is always nearby. Our orthopedic experts can help determine if PRP injections are right for you.
Benefits of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections
To fully understand how PRP therapy works, you first need to know the basic parts of blood. Blood contains a combination of plasma, red and white blood cells, and platelets. Each part plays a different role in the body. Plasma is the liquid part of the blood. It carries nutrients, helps remove waste and dissolves substances such as electrolytes and fats.
The main job of red blood cells is to transport oxygen throughout the body. White blood cells are a part of the body’s natural defense system, the immune system, and they help prevent infections. Platelets are cell fragments responsible for blood clotting.
Additionally, platelets release proteins known as growth factors. Some of these proteins naturally send signals to other types of cells to remove damaged cells and encourage healthy cell growth.
In PRP therapy, plasma with a higher-than-usual concentration of platelets is injected into the injured tendon, ligament or muscle to stimulate the immune system and boost healing.
The goals of PRP treatment are to:
- Decrease pain
- Improve function
- Promote healing
Conditions Treated With PRP Therapy
PRP therapy and other orthobiologic treatments are an emerging area of orthopedic care. Currently, PRP treatment is used to treat mild to moderate osteoarthritis in the hips or knees and several common repetitive use and sports injuries, including:
- Achilles tendonitis, or tendonitis in the heel
- Back pain
- Jumper’s knee, or patellar tendinopathy
- Pulled hamstring and other muscle injuries
- Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis
- Torn tendons
In some cases, orthopedic surgeons use PRP therapy to aid post-surgery healing. Researchers are also actively investigating ways to use PRP therapy to help people heal from other types of orthopedic conditions.
What to Expect With PRP Injection Therapy
PRP injection therapy is an outpatient procedure that takes 30 to 60 minutes from start to finish. At the beginning of the appointment, your provider will collect a small sample of your blood. This part of the process takes about 5 to 10 minutes and is similar to donating blood.
From there, your sample is put into a machine called a centrifuge. In this machine, the blood sample spins very fast to separate the different parts of the blood. Once the components are separated, platelets are added back into the plasma at a higher concentration than what’s usually found in your body, creating platelet-rich plasma.
Once the platelet-rich plasma is ready, your orthopedic specialist injects it into the injured area. In many cases, your provider will use ultrasound imaging to guide the PRP injection and ensure it’s targeting the damaged tissue. After the injection, you’re free to go about your day.
Some people will see benefits from PRP treatments after only one injection, while others may need multiple injections. Because PRP injection therapy uses your own blood, it‘s safe and has minimal risks or side effects. As your body heals, you may experience a mild, temporary increase in pain or swelling around the injured area for a week or two. These are signs that your immune system is working to heal the area.
Personalized Orthopedic Care
At Summit Orthopedics, our orthopedic experts work with you to develop a treatment plan personalized to your goals and needs. Often, this includes combining multiple treatment options. For example, many people who receive PRP injections also benefit from physical therapy specifically designed to complement PRP therapy. Generally, physical therapy begins about two weeks after your last injection. The waiting period gives your body time to heal and maximizes the benefits of PRP injections and physical therapy.
Getting Started With PRP Therapy
If you’re interested in beginning PRP therapy, the first step is to meet with an orthopedic expert. During your appointment, they will go over your medical history and symptoms and perform a physical exam. They may also order advanced imaging exams to confirm your diagnosis or rule out other conditions with similar symptoms. From there, they will talk with you about the most appropriate treatment options for you, which may include platelet-rich plasma injection therapy.
When it comes to being used to treat orthopedic conditions, PRP therapy is still considered investigational, or experimental. Although PRP treatment is known to be safe and has shown promising benefits in early research, more and larger studies are needed before it can be approved as a treatment option by the Food and Drug Administration.
Because it’s investigational, PRP injection therapy to treat orthopedic conditions is not covered by Medicare, Medicaid or most private insurance companies. At Summit Orthopedics, PRP therapy is only available on a self-pay basis.
If your orthopedic specialist recommends PRP therapy, a Summit Orthopedics patient financial services representative can talk with you about the costs of injections and follow-up visits to help you get the care you need.
Interested in learning more about platelet-rich plasma therapy? Schedule an appointment with a provider at Summit Orthopedics.
