What to Expect When Recovering from Knee Injuries Using PRP Therapy
Knee pain and discomfort can put a damper on your life, affecting everything from starting a new exercise routine to simply walking up the stairs. If you’re struggling with a knee injury and have yet to find effective relief, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy offers a promising path to recovery. At Desert Spine and Sports Physicians, we’ve helped numerous patients return to their active lifestyles through this innovative treatment approach.
What is PRP Therapy for Knee Injuries?
Platelet-rich plasma therapy harnesses your body’s natural healing capabilities. The process begins with a simple blood draw from your arm. This blood sample is then processed in a specialized centrifuge that separates and concentrates the platelets—cells rich in growth factors and healing proteins. The resulting platelet-rich plasma has more than seven times the platelets of regular blood, creating a powerful healing solution.
With more than 300,000 musculoskeletal injections delivered, Desert Spine and Sports Physicians provide patients with a seamless PRP experience. One of our board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians will carefully inject the concentrated PRP solution directly into the injured area of your knee. The procedure is performed under precise ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance to ensure accurate placement. This outpatient procedure typically takes less than an hour, and you can return home the same day.
Recovery Timeline After PRP Therapy
The initial PRP therapy recovery period is relatively brief, though you may experience some discomfort at the injection site for a few days and typically no longer than a week. While PRP therapy is minimally invasive, we recommend:
- Resting the treated area for the first 24-72 hours
- Limiting physical activity as recommended by your physician
It could take up to 3-6 months to notice the full extent of PRP’s healing capabilities as your tissue regenerates. Many of our patients have experienced profound relief as a result of PRP therapy, including Jennifer, who found relief for her knee pain caused by severe arthritis. Today, PRP enables her to participate in her favorite activities again.
Benefits of PRP for Knee Injuries
PRP therapy offers several advantages for knee injury recovery:
- Utilizes your body’s natural healing mechanisms
- Reduces inflammation and pain naturally
- Promotes tissue repair and regeneration
- Minimal risk of complications or adverse reactions
- Can delay or eliminate the need for more invasive procedures including surgery
- May provide longer-lasting relief compared to traditional treatments
Choosing PRP Therapy for Your Knee Injury
When considering treatment options for your knee injury, PRP therapy represents a sophisticated middle ground between conservative treatments and surgery. At Desert Spine and Sports Physicians, we’ve witnessed remarkable improvements in patients with various knee conditions, including:
- Osteoarthritis treatment
- Tendonitis and tendinosis treatment
- Ligament sprains and strains
- Chronic joint pain
Every patient’s situation is unique, which is why the physicians at Desert Spine and Sports Physicians take time to thoroughly evaluate your condition and discuss whether PRP therapy is right for you. Our comprehensive approach ensures that your treatment plan aligns with your recovery goals and lifestyle needs.
Ready to explore how PRP therapy can help with your knee injury? Contact Desert Spine and Sports Physicians today to schedule a consultation with one of Arizona’s Board-Certified Physiatrists. Our team is dedicated to helping you return to the activities you love, using innovative, non-surgical treatments that focus on whole-person healing.