What is PRP injection?
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) injection is a medical procedure that uses a concentration of platelets taken from the patient’s own blood. Platelets contain growth factors that promote healing and regeneration of damaged tissues, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. This treatment is used for:
- Accelerate tissue repair.
- Reduce inflammation.
- Relieve pain in chronic or acute injuries.
How is the Procedure Performed?
- Blood draw:
- A blood sample is taken from the patient’s arm.
- The blood is then centrifuged to separate the platelets from the other components.
- PRP preparation:
- Through centrifugation, a platelet concentrate (PRP) is obtained and prepared for injection.
- PRP injection:
- PRP is injected directly into the area to be treated (e.g., joint, tendon, or muscle), under ultrasound or radiological guidance to ensure accuracy.
Pre-procedure precautions
- Hydration: Drink enough in the days leading up to the blood draw to facilitate the procedure.
- Medications: Suspend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 2 weeks in advance
Post-procedure precautions
- Functional rest: Avoid overloading the treated area for 24 hours.
- Ice: If pain/swelling occurs, apply ice and avoid intense exertion for a few days.
- Physical activity: Limit intense activities for 6 weeks to promote biological response.
- Monitoring: Report any adverse reactions (persistent pain, redness, fever) to your doctor.