What is it?
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is currently used in the treatment of osteoarthritis and chronic tendon conditions. Platelet rich plasma involves using your own blood to promote healing. Blood is drawn from a vein, then spun in a centrifuge to separate the cells and healing factors. The layer of plasma containing the highest concentration of healing factors is then put into a syringe and used for the injection.Â
How does it work?Â
The provider will take a blood sample from the patient and put it into a centrifuge. This machine will spin your blood until it separates the platelets and plasma from the other components. After the blood has been separated, the provider will take the platelet rich plasma and inject it into the targeted area.Â
FAQs
What is the recovery process?Â
Recovery after PRP injection generally includes a short period of rest with possible immobilization and rehabilitation with physical therapy. Any immobilization and progression of rehabilitation details would be specific to the joint or area injected. It is recommended to stop anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen, naproxen, 7 days prior to the procedure and continue to avoid them for 2 weeks after the procedure to ensure that the healing factors are effective.Â
Are PRP injections covered by insurance?
While these injections have shown good results to treat several common orthopedic conditions, platelet rich plasma injection is not generally covered by insurance at this time. This means the patient will be fully responsible for the cost and will have to cover this cost prior to proceeding with these injections. The injection visit and injection materials are fully included in this cost. We will not bill insurance for anything associated with the injection visit. Follow-up visits in the clinic and physical therapy appointments are billable to insurance and are not covered by payment for the injection itself.
