Top Frequently Asked Questions About Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy Answered

Regenerative medicine has transformed healing and recovery for patients suffering from various musculoskeletal conditions. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, in particular, has helped many people experience pain relief and healing when other measures have failed.

At Desert Spine and Sports Physicians, we’ve delivered thousands of PRP injections for musculoskeletal pain and injury, and we have seen firsthand the hope that regenerative therapies like PRP offer. If PRP therapy is new to you, you may have questions about how it works, what it treats, what to expect, and more. We’re here to share our expertise, answering the most frequently asked questions about PRP and providing guidance on whether PRP injections are right for you.

What is Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy?

Understanding PRP injections can provide insight into why this groundbreaking therapy can be so effective. PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma, a concentration of platelets derived from the patient’s own blood. These platelets contain growth factors and proteins vital to cell repair and regeneration.

The process to obtain PRP typically involves the following steps:

1. 1. A small amount of blood is drawn from the patient, similar to a routine blood test.
   2. The blood sample is then placed in a centrifuge, which spins the blood at high speeds.
   3. This spinning process separates the blood into its components: platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells.
   4. The platelet-rich plasma is then extracted from the rest of the blood components.

The principle behind PRP therapy is to accelerate the body’s own healing capabilities. By concentrating platelets and injecting them into injured or damaged tissues, the therapy aims to:

• Stimulate and accelerate the body’s natural healing processes
• Promote tissue repair and regeneration
• Reduce inflammation
• Decrease pain and improve function

What Conditions Can PRP Therapy Treat?

The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialists at Desert Spine and Sports Physicians use platelet-rich plasma injections as part of our comprehensive, non-surgical approach to patient care, and it has shown promising results in treating many conditions. Common applications include:

• Tendon injuries such as gluteal tendonitis/tears (“bursitis”), rotator cuff tendonitis/tears, tennis and golfer’s elbow, and Achilles tendinitis
• Osteoarthritis affecting the knee, hip, shoulder, and other joints
• Other musculoskeletal and sports injuries, including hip and shoulder labral tears, knee meniscus and ligament injuries, plantar fasciitis, adhesive capsulitis (“frozen shoulder”), and more

Is PRP Therapy Safe?

Patient safety is our top priority at Desert Spine and Sports Physicians. PRP therapy is generally considered a safe treatment option due to several factors:

• Autologous Nature: PRP is derived from the patient’s blood, significantly reducing the risk of allergic reactions or rejection.
• Minimally Invasive: The procedure involves a simple blood draw and injection, with minimal risk compared to surgical interventions.

As with any medical procedure, there are some minor risks:

• Pain at the injection site
• Temporary inflammation
• Rarely, infection or tissue damage

These risks are significantly lower than those associated with surgical procedures or long-term medication use.

How is the PRP Procedure Performed?

At Desert Spine and Sports Physicians, we perform PRP therapy through the following steps:

• Blood draw: A small amount of the patient’s blood is collected.
• Processing: The blood is placed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets.
• Injection: The resulting platelet-rich plasma is injected into the treatment area under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance.

The entire process typically takes 30-60 minutes. Patients usually experience minimal discomfort and can often return to normal activities quickly, with some restrictions on the treated area in the immediate period following the treatment.

How Effective is PRP Therapy?

While PRP therapy has shown promising results for many patients, its effectiveness can vary depending on factors such as:

• The specific condition being treated
• The severity of the condition
• The patient’s overall health

 PRP has demonstrated particular success in treating conditions such as hip, shoulder, and knee osteoarthritis, hip “bursitis,” tennis elbow, rotator cuff injuries, plantar fasciitis, and more. Our PRP patient testimonials speak volumes about the way PRP therapy has enhanced the lives of countless patients.

How Many PRP Sessions Are Typically Needed?

The number of PRP sessions needed can vary based on individual cases. Most conditions require just one initial PRP injection treatment. If the symptom is still persistent after 6-12 weeks, additional injections can be considered. Factors affecting the number of sessions include:

• The severity of the condition
• Patient response to treatment
• The overall health of the patient

Follow-up appointments are necessary for assessing progress and determining if additional treatments are warranted.

How Long Does It Take to See Results from PRP Therapy?

While some patients may notice improvement in 6 weeks, the full effects of PRP therapy may take 3-6 months to become apparent. Factors affecting recovery and results include the type and severity of the condition and a patient’s healing capacity.

We always make sure to remind patients that improvement is typically gradual to ensure our expectations are aligned.

Is PRP Therapy Covered by Insurance?

While PRP therapy is not covered by insurance, we offer competitive platelet-rich plasma therapy pricing at $900 per injection. We encourage patients to discuss their financial concerns with our staff to explore available options.

At Desert Spine and Sports Physicians, we carefully evaluate each patient’s condition and medical history to determine if PRP therapy is the most appropriate treatment option. Our goal is always to provide the most effective, least invasive treatment to relieve pain and maximize function, helping our patients return to fully functional lives.

If you’re interested in learning more about PRP for joint discomfort or another musculoskeletal condition, reach out to our Arizona non-surgical specialists today to discuss your options.