PRP is obtained from your own blood after it has been processed to concentrate platelets and certain white blood cells that enhance healing and reduce inflammation. PRP may be injected directly into the damaged tissue during an outpatient procedure or following repair surgery in hope that they can help an injury heal better and faster. It's often used for tendon and ligament injuries, osteoarthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions.
A PRP machine is typically used to centrifuge the blood, and a platelet concentration of three to five times that of original plasma is produced. This process takes about 30 minutes. Most of the possible adverse effects associated with PRP injections are not specific to PRP but to every biological injection. They include pain, stiffness, fainting, dizziness, headache, nausea, gastritis, sweating, and rapid heart rate, which usually resolve within days. Risk of infection is a concern as with any injection that penetrates the joint. We advise that patients refrain from taking any anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) for at least 2 weeks after a PRP injection because these medications interfere with the inflammation healing process that is crucial for the treatments success. Instead, try Tylenol for pain relief, as it does not have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Prices vary according to your state and also depending on the orthopedic surgeon or clinic performing the procedure. The cost for PRP by Dr. Lee at The Steadman Clinic is $1,752. PRP treatment is largely self-pay because most insurance companies and Medicare consider it an unproven procedure, lacking the extensive research needed for coverage. Therefore, patients typically pay for PRP injections out-of-pocket.
