Chronic pain affects 1 in every 5 people in the U.S. according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At Summit Health, our team of pain management specialists is dedicated to helping you restore function and improve your quality of life so you can get back to the activities you enjoy as comfortably and quickly as possible.
We offer the entire spectrum of care from non-operative approaches to surgery commonly focusing on areas such as the back, neck, shoulder, elbow, knees, ankle and foot. Gerard D’Onofrio, MD, is a physiatrist at Summit Health who specializes in the non-operative treatment of sports and spine injuries. He tells us everything we need to know about a treatment option called Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) or platelet rich plasma injections and explains why it may or may not be right for you.
What are PRP injections?
PRP injections use the patient’s blood to stimulate healing, improve pain and restore function after trauma or injury. Blood is drawn from the patient and spun down in a piece of equipment called a centrifuge, so it is composed mostly of a component in the blood called platelets. These platelets help the body heal from cuts or form scars and can be used as a treatment to improve pain, restore function and facilitate healing.
Is PRP a new treatment?
PRP has been around for decades, but it is becoming more widespread. Musculoskeletal conditions like tendinitis have both mechanical and chemical elements. PRP will not help improve how your shoulder blade moves (mechanical) but it can help restore and strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder blade (chemical).
What types of patients can benefit from PRP?
PRP is generally used in patients who have chronic tendinitis, tendon tears or osteoarthritis. We turn to PRP as an option when physical therapy, steroid injections or gel has failed to provide significant relief. On occasion, it can be a first-line treatment.
PRP can be used for all ages from teenagers with prolonged sports injuries to elderly patients with debilitating arthritis.
What is the success rate of PRP?
The research on PRP is still growing. Depending on the type of disorder and the patient, PRP has approximately a 50% chance of success. PRP has been studied most extensively with tendons and knee osteoarthritis. Patients generally start to improve about three months after the injection.
Are PRP stem cells?
No, PRP is not made of stem cells. PRP is a type of regenerative medicine. The injection can help mobilize the stem cells in the body, but it does not contain stem cells.
How is PRP administered?
PRP injections are a same day procedure that can be done in the office setting. First, we draw blood from the patient. Then, it takes about 30 minutes to spin the blood and separate the platelets. Finally, using ultrasound guidance, we inject the platelets directly into the damaged area of the body. Ultrasound allows us to improve the accuracy, safety and efficacy of the injections.
Are there any drawbacks to the procedure?
I always want to be honest with patients that PRP can be painful. After the procedure, it may feel like you are newly injured. We rest and immobilize the area and often prescribe safe pain medication. Most patients can return to normal activity about a week after the procedure.
There is also an out-of-pocket cost for PRP.
How can I find out if PRP can help me?
I always like to allow patients to let their bodies heal themselves while also understanding where they are in the spectrum of their care. Sometimes patients come to me who want PRP, and I advise against it because they haven’t exhausted other options. In other cases, I recommend PRP right away. Every patient is different, and we work together to develop a treatment plan that will help them best meet their goals.
Several specialists at Summit Health offer PRP including orthopedists, physiatrists and pain management specialists. Make an appointment and talk to your physician about whether PRP might be right for you.