Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy

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Definition

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses injections of a concentration of a patient's own platelets to accelerate the healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints. In this way, PRP injections use each individual patient's own healing system to improve musculoskeletal problems. PRP injections are prepared by taking anywhere from one to a few tubes of your own blood and running it through a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. These activated platelets are then injected directly into your injured or diseased body tissue. This releases growth factors that stimulate and increase the number of reparative cells your body produces. PRP can also be used for hair loss treatment as well. In our experience, PRP has helped patients with pain in the knees, shoulders, hips, and elbows.

Procedure

During the procedure, a Tulsa Pain Consultants physician will collect plasma by drawing blood from your body and uses a machine to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the rest of the blood. Then the physician numbs the area of your body being treated with PRP injections. Once you're numb, the physician uses a needle to inject your plasma into the area of your body being treated.

Pre-Treatment:

  1. Avoid using NSAIDs (Ibuprofin, Aspirin, Naproxen, Aleve, Motrin, Advil) for one week prior to your PRP procedure. Extra Strength Tylenol is okay to use for pain relief (not to exceed 3500mg within a 24 hour period). On the day of the procedure it is recommended that 650mg be taken 1 hour prior to the procedure.
  2. Avoid these nutritional supplements for one week prior to your procedure: Vitamin E, Flax Oil, Fish Oil, Vitamin A, Curcumin, Turmeric, Aloe, and Astaxanthin.
  3. Avoid smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol for one week prior to your procedure.
  4. Drink at least four 8 ounce glasses of water the day before your procedure and at least three 8 ounce glasses of water within three hours of your procedure.

After Care

  1. The areas treated may be numb for 2 to 6 hours after the procedure due to the local anesthetic. This is completely normal.
  2. Due to the numbness, you should refrain from any strenuous activities or activities that might require use of the treated site/joint (such as driving after a knee injection). However, it is important to stay mobile, and move the affected area to decrease soreness and stiffness.
  3. Once the local anesthesia wears off you may resume activities after 24 hours to tolerance pain. Restricted weight bearing may apply to hips or knees if the doctor advises.
  4. You may experience some pain or soreness following the injection which can last anywhere from 1 to 4 days. This is completely normal, however, sometimes the patient may experience very little pain at all. If pain is above tolerable levels, you may take Extra Strength Tylenol (not to exceed 3500 mg in 24 hours). If the pain becomes worse after 72 hours, contact our office.
  5. Continue to avoid using NSAIDs (Ibuprofin, Aspirin, Naproxen, Aleve, Motrin, Advil) for one week after your PRP procedure.
  6. Continue to avoid these nutritional supplements for one week after your procedure: Vitamin E, Flax Oil, Fish Oil, Vitamin A, Curcumin, Turmeric, Aloe, and Astaxanthin.
  7. Avoid smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol for one week after your procedure.
  8. Avoid applying ice to the injection area/joint for at least 4 days after the procedure.
  9. Avoid applying pressure, straining, or rubbing on the injection site for at least 24 hours after the treatment.
  10. Avoid strenuous activity, or excessive use of the treated joint/area for at least one week. However, do not avoid normal use, or non-painful activity involving the joint.
  11. Hydrate daily (64 ounces of water per day) and eat nutritious foods that will contribute to the healing process.

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