5 Common Questions About PRP Injections Answered

It seems like everyone from your friends to your favorite athletes is diving in head first with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). But you’re still on the fence and not ready to give in to the hype just yet. 

You’re in the right place. 

Dr. David Wu and our team at CurePain have years of experience working with PRP, a revolutionary regenerative medicine that treats a wide range of injuries and pain conditions. All it takes is a small sample of your blood to unlock biology’s most powerful healing and growth factors. 

We’ve helped thousands restore their health and feel less pain, and we want to do the same for you, starting with answering your most pressing questions. 

Here’s a closer look at five of the most common questions we get about PRP. 

1. How fast will PRP work for me?

This is a difficult question to answer because results vary widely from patient to patient. We’re excited to report that many of our patients experience almost immediate relief; however, most see the best results develop over a few weeks or months. 

Your results are usually delayed because PRP is meant to help your body heal itself. The severity of your injury, age, health status, and other factors can significantly impact how quickly your body heals and you start to feel relief. 

To sum up, noticing a difference in your pain within a week or two of your injection is realistic. Remember that even though PRP therapy produces gradual results, unlike epidural injections that take effect right away, you usually experience longer-lasting pain relief. 

2. How many treatments will I need?

It’s not uncommon to need repeat treatments, especially if your first injection didn’t meet your expectations.  We often recommend a three-injection treatment plan to get the best results. 

The type of injury you have also impacts your treatment plan. For instance, an arthritic joint may feel better for months and then need repeat injections, but an acute injury that can fully heal might respond with one or two treatments. 

We monitor your progress closely after each injection and adjust your treatment plan, adding or stopping injections when and if necessary. 

3. Are there side effects?

Perhaps our favorite aspect of PRP therapy is the virtually zero risk of side effects. Because PRP is derived from your own body, there’s almost no chance of experiencing an adverse reaction. 

We do warn our patients about the potential for bleeding and infection at the injection site. You might also feel a bit tender for a day or so, but otherwise, you shouldn’t experience any discomfort. 

4. Can I receive other treatments?

Because it’s minimally invasive and so low risk, you’re free to explore virtually every other pain management method available. In fact, many of our patients who receive PRP find they’re better able to engage in physical therapy.

Dr. Wu and our team rarely approach pain and injuries from only one angle. We work with you to create a multifaceted treatment plan that fits your lifestyle, abilities, and needs. 

5. Is it ever too late for PRP?

There’s really no “bad time” to get PRP, but there is a perfect time. PRP works best when your injury is fresh, and inflammation is at its peak. The healing factors actively seek out inflammatory and injury markers in your body that tell them where to work, so it’s best to start treatment as soon as possible. 

You’re not out of luck if you have an old injury or a chronic condition. You’re still in pain because your body is still producing inflammation in the background, so PRP can work effectively to reboot the healing process and reduce inflammation. 

We thoroughly evaluate your injury and, based on the extent of the damage, make a recommendation. If, for example, you have advanced arthritis that’s left your joints with no cartilage, PRP may not be an option for you any longer. 

Have more questions about PRP? We’d love to talk with you and see if you’re a candidate. Don’t hesitate to call our friendly staff or use our online booking tool to schedule a consultation at our Torrance, California, office today.