PRP Injections
What is PRP?
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) consists of plasma from a patient’s own blood that is enriched with their own platelets. PRP typically contains 3-5 times the amount of platelets found normally in whole blood.
What does PRP do?
Platelets play a key role in the inflammatory cascade after an injury. Platelets release a variety of growth factors that may minimize inflammation and inhibit cell death and stimulate a healing response.
How is PRP created?
First a blood sample is taken from a patient’s vein. PRP is created from this blood sample by using a centrifuge to separate the platelet rich plasma layer from the whole blood sample. Calcium chloride is used to initiate platelet activation in the sample.
What is PRP used for?
PRP can be used for a number of muscle, ligament and tendon injuries in order to stimulate a healing response. PRP can relieve symptoms of pain and swelling and decrease the need for surgery.
Aftercare
After the injection, patients may have mild swelling and discomfort at the injection site. This can be treated with ice and pain medications. It is advisable to avoid strenuous activities for 48 hours after the injection.