What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet-Rich Plasma
PRP is a therapeutic treatment that is made from your own blood. Your blood has red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Platelets not only help clot blood when you get cut, but they also have special growth factors that are essential for wound healing and tissue repair. PRP is created when a patient’s own blood is drawn and put in a centrifuge and spun. The gravity from the rapid spin separates the platelets and plasma from the red blood cells. The platelet rich plasma is then drawn up into a syringe and injected back into the symptomatic areas of the patient.
PRP is an amazing holistic treatment that offers a lot of benefits with little to no downtime. It is a great treatment on its own, or often it can be combined with other injections like cortisone or laser therapy treatments
What does Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) do?
PRP works by jump starting the body’s inflammatory process. Injecting these concentrated growth factors into an injured area triggers the “inflammation stage” or natural healing process. Once triggered these growth factors can stimulate collagen production, encourage cell division, and bring the body out of a harmful chronic inflammatory state.
How many treatments of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) do I need?
Platelet-Rich Plasma
The number of PRP injections needed depends on the issue the patient is having, and their response to the treatment.
In our practice most patients would receive PRP to help with surgical healing, scarring, injury, or chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis, plantar fasciitis, and achilles tendonitis. In the case of surgical healing we recommend one treatment at the time of surgery to jump start the healing process, and possibly another at around two months, depending on how the patient is healing. With injury or chronic inflammatory conditions we recommend a series of three injections typically 4-6 weeks apart.
It is also known that younger and healthier patients will most likely need less treatments as their blood has more growth factors and their tissues are more responsive.
How long does PLATELET-RICH PLASMA (PRP) last?
How long a PRP injection lasts is dependent on the condition it is used to treat.
When using PRP as an adjunct to surgical healing the patient should not need any more treatments unless abnormal scar tissue or pain is present.
When using PRP for injury or inflammatory conditions, the results may be permanent. This is because the affected tissues are able to regenerate with the treatment. However, all tissues are subject to re-injury, overuse, general wear and tear, and aging.
What is the cost of PLATELET-RICH PLASMA (PRP)?
The cost of PRP is unfortunately not covered by insurance. The cost of the treatment depends on the amount of PRP and the number of treatments needed. Please reach out through our contact us button if you would like to request more information.
Thinking About Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
If you’re dealing with injury, inflammation, or recovering from surgery, PRP may be a natural and effective way to support healing. Take a moment to consider your symptoms and goals—then let’s talk about whether PRP is the right fit for you.
If you're ready to learn more, reach out to us at footfirst.com or call 847-352-9221.