Patient Information

Advantages of PRP

PRP injections have significant advantages when compared to cortisone injections, Arthritis and Tendonitis treatments. There are several reasons why patients with osteoarthritis may consider platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections as their preferred treatment option:

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is autologous, meaning it comes from the patient’s own body. This option uses the body’s natural compounds, and the injections carry few risks.
Other treatments for mild to moderate Osteoarthritis can be unreliable or vary from person to person, even presenting potential drawbacks.

For example:

Physical therapy and/or weight loss can often improve, but not always eliminate, symptoms.
Cortisone injections are proven to reduce osteoarthritis pain, but repeated injections can weaken ligaments and tendons over time and may have a detrimental effect on healthy cartilage.
Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS) such as aspirin and ibuprofen can reduce pain, but long-term use can aggravate stomach problems, blood pressure and heart problems.
Over-the-counter treatments, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, are popular but their effectiveness has not yet been proven.
Minor surgeries to treat osteoarthritis, such as arthroscopic debridement, have mixed results and may be no better than placebo.
Joint replacement surgeries are major surgeries that require long-term rehabilitation.

Wondering if you're a good candidate for PRP?

Read our Frequently Asked Questions, or book a consultation today.

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Before your injection

Dr. Ibrahim will explain all risks and benefits associated with the procedure to you beforehand, and you will have an opportunity to ask as many questions as you would like to ask.

Once you have agreed to proceed with the injection, you will need to sign a consent form authorizing the injection, stating that you understand the risks and benefits of the treatment. You will not be able to take NSAID medications (Advil, ibuprofen, Aleve, naproxen, mobicox, meloxicam, etc.) for 10 to 14 days before the procedure.

NSAID medications affect your platelet function, possibly making the injection less effective. To ensure that platelets are functioning optimally before the injection, it is vital to avoid NSAIDs.

You may take Tylenol or narcotic pain medication before the injection. You may also eat and drink normally. It is important to drink at least four (4) eight oz. glasses of water the night before the procedure.

After your injection

Keep the injection site clean, dry, and covered with a Band-Aid for 24 to 48 hours.

You may shower at any time, however, it’s important to dry the area thoroughly and re-apply a Band-Aid for 24 to 48 hours.

Ice is highly effective to help manage pain. You may apply an ice pack to the injection site for about 15 to 20 minutes, every two to three hours the first 24 to 48 hours. Dr. Ibrahim will prescribe pain medication as needed.

DO NOT use heat on the injection area for 3 to 4 days as this may increase inflammation and result in more pain.

An increase in pain is expected after the injection. The pain is due to the increased inflammation in the tissue as a result of the injection. Inflammation brings more blood flow to the region, which aids in the repair of the damaged tissues. This increased pain and soreness can last for a few days after the injection.

Do not take anti-inflammatory medication, aspirin or any aspirin-related drugs for two weeks following your injection.

Avoid strenuous or repetitive physical activity with the treated body part for seven to 10 days to maximize the effectiveness of PRP. Healing with PRP takes time. The healing cascade starts with the platelets gradually releasing the growth factors over one week. White blood cells will then enter the area and clean up any debris over the following week.

During weeks three and four after your treatment, the stem cells enter the area and work to heal and repair the damaged ligaments and tendons. Therefore, you may not see significant improvement until after four weeks. The healing continues for 12 to 18 months.

Should you have a fever, chills, drainage, excessive swelling or redness at the injection site, please contact our office. You may drive yourself home from the procedure if you had an upper extremity injection without a nerve block and drive an automatic transmission. It is strongly recommended that if you have a lower extremity procedure, you have someone drive you home.

Regenerative Medicine Care Clinic

Patient Information

Advantages of PRP

Wondering if you're a good candidate for PRP?

The Procedure