What to expect during Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
Platelet Rich Plasma Injections use your own blood to help your body heal faster after certain procedures and injuries. As part of our ongoing initiative to provide our patients with the information needed to make an informed decision and understand what will happen throughout treatment, we’ve taken the time to discuss what you can expect to experience during a platelet rich plasma injection.
About the PRP Injections Process
Platelet Rich Plasma Injections begin by drawing blood. Once drawn, your blood will be placed into a centrifuge. The job of the centrifuge is to separate the blood into different components. This is accomplished by quickly spinning your blood sample.
The centrifuge process takes approximately 15 minutes, after which a technologist will separate the blood and collect concentrated platelets. You may be wondering, why platelets?
The main job of blood platelets is to form clots and stop bleeding. However, chemicals and enzymes found in platelets play a key role in inflammation and immune response, and when injected into the damaged tissue they help to promote the healing process.
Once the blood has been separated it will be prepared for injection. Platelet Rich Plasma Injections are usually targeted to the area of injury, and imaging technology may be utilized to ascertain the optimal injection point.
The entire process usually takes about an hour. After the procedure you may be instructed to rest and be prescribed physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the affected area.
