Understanding PRP Injections: A Comprehensive Guide

You’ve heard and read enough: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections could be your ticket to a pain-free life. 

But you’re not ready to dive in head first without getting some important answers.

Dr. David Wu and our team at CurePain are here with a comprehensive guide designed to answer two of your most pressing questions: What is PRP, and how can it help me?

What’s inside the PRP injection?

Inside each vial of PRP is nothing short of a biological marvel. PRP injections come from components in your own blood, which is chock full of two powerful ingredients: platelets and plasma. 

Platelets are blood cells that help your blood clot and your body heal; plasma is the liquid part of your blood responsible for transporting blood cells through your bloodstream. 

We create PRP by taking a blood sample and processing it in a centrifuge, which separates PRP from the rest of your blood. Then, we prepare it for injection.

What can PRP treat?

PRP is incredibly versatile and effective against almost any soft tissue damage in your body. Some turn to PRP to address the signs of aging or reverse hair damage. At CurePain, we recommend PRP injections for various types of pain, including:

• Osteoarthritis
• Tendonitis
• Joint Pain
• Chronic back pain
• Neck pain
• Sciatica

Many athletes come to us for PRP to help them recover quickly from sports injuries, such as tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, Achilles tendonitis, and ligament and muscle strains. 

How does PRP work?

PRP floods the scene of injury or damage with a concentrated solution of plasma (the liquid part of your blood) and platelets, the blood cells that clot blood after an injury. Once the platelets arrive at the scene, they release growth factors that grow and change shape to repair damaged tissue. 

The flood of platelets also triggers a surge of reparative cells from your body’s built-in healing mechanisms. Once injected, PRP accelerates tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and relieves pain. 

Does PRP work?

Yes, PRP works, but results vary from patient to patient. Many patients enjoy a longer-lasting recovery after PRP compared with other treatments; others note their pain improved in as little as 4-6 weeks (some noticed pain relief even sooner), with results improving over the year. 

The bottom line is that PRP is not a cure, but it is a safe and effective option for many types of pain. For many, it’s what keeps them out of the operating room. Our patients who experience rapid success are also better able to participate in physical therapy and other treatments that facilitate healing. 

What’s it like getting a PRP injection?

Because it’s minimally invasive, there’s not much you need to do to prepare for your injection. If you’re taking a medication that thins your blood, we ask you to stop taking your prescription for a time. 

When you arrive, we will clean and prepare the injection site. Then, we draw a blood sample and process it for injection. 

Dr. Wu then injects PRP into the damaged or injured area of your body. The whole process shouldn’t take longer than 30-60 minutes. Depending on the location, type, and severity of your injury, we may inject PRP into multiple locations. 

Afterward, you might feel a bit sore and tender at the injection site, but you can manage side effects easily with cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medication. 

Takeaways

If you want to take your pain relief down the all-natural road, PRP may be right for you. Derived from your blood and minimally processed, PRP offers faster healing, less pain, and virtually no side effects. 

Not everyone responds to PRP the same way, and it’s not a cure, but it may help you avoid or delay surgery. 

If you have more questions about PRP, don’t hesitate to call our friendly staff or use our online booking tool to schedule a consultation at our Torrance, California, office today.