Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is used to reduce pain, swelling and poor healing in areas of injury, surgery, or degenerative disease. It is non-surgical and safe way to treat a range of conditions from tendonitis to arthritis. If your healthcare provider recommends that you start these injections, you should prepare yourself ahead of time so you can achieve the best results. Here’s what you should know.
What Is PRP Therapy?
Platelet-rich plasma therapy consists of injections of a patient’s blood platelets. Platelets help in the blood clotting process and are known for their healing properties as they contain growth factors important in tissue regeneration. When highly concentrated and injected back into the patient at the site of injury, platelets can reduce pain and inflammation related to sports injuries, arthritis, surgical wounds, and more.
Healthcare providers usually recommend platelet-rich plasma therapy to patients who wish to avoid or limit prescription pain medications or orthopedic surgery.
What Is in a PRP Injection?
To prepare an injection, the provider takes a blood sample from the patient and spins it in a lab centrifuge.
As the sample spins, the liquid plasma and blood platelets separate from other blood cells like red blood cells. The platelets alone are then injected back into the patient. In PRP, the concentration of platelets is ten times higher than in your blood, so PRP multiplies the healing abilities of your own blood. Often, providers use ultrasound imaging to accurately place the PRP shots.
Usually, patients need more than one PRP injection for full therapeutic effects. Injections may be spaced weeks to months apart, and patients report feeling better in as little as three to four weeks.
Uses of Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy
PRP therapy can help heal the discomforts associated with a number of musculoskeletal conditions, including:
- ACL tears in the knee
- Tendonitis in the leg and elbow
- Plantar fasciitis in the arch of the foot
- Sprains
- Strains
- Iliotibial band syndrome in the leg
- Arthritis
- Sports injuries, such as a torn rotator cuff
How to Prepare for Platelet-rich Plasma Injections
This in-office therapy is very safe. Because it is derived from the individual’s own blood supply, there are no chances of allergic reactions or tissue rejection.
Here are some tips on how to prepare for your PRP injections.
1. Talk to Your Provider at NIVA Health
Ask questions about your PRP therapy. Your provider will explain the procedure, how many injections you may need and when to expect noticeable results.
2. Avoid Certain Medications
Your provider will tell you what medications and/or supplements to stop before your platelet donation and injections. He or she will also inform you when to stop and when you can resume them after your in-office therapy. Blood-thinners, corticosteroid medications and anti-inflammatories, such as aspirin and NSAIDS, are commonly restricted before platelet-rich plasma therapy.
3.Make Sure You Are Well-nourished and Well-hydrated
Drink at least eight glasses of water daily in the week prior to your PRP injection. Also, be sure to eat nutritious foods, and do not fast or start a diet.
4. Stay Active
Do your usual household and job tasks and engage in light aerobic exercise such as walking or swimming. Keep your usual physical therapy appointments because movement always helps strengthen joints and muscles and is beneficial to any pain management therapy.
PRP Therapy Near Me at NIVA Health
At NIVA Health, we are all about safe, natural, drug-free solutions to chronic health problems. If you are looking for injections of platelet-rich plasma near you, NIVA Health has you covered. PRP therapy is one of our most popular treatments. Patients love how much better they feel, and you can, too.
Learn more about PRP treatments near you at NIVA Health by calling for a consultation at (866) 377-5872. NIVA Health has nine locations to serve you. You can also request your appointment here. We hope to see you soon!
