What is Platelet Rich Plasma?
Within your blood you have many types of cells including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Platelets contain millions of healing and growth factors, that act as your body’s natural healers.
Your blood also consists of plasma which is the liquid portion of the blood. After the blood sample is taken and spun down, the plasma and platelet separate from the rest of the blood.
Plasma, which contains the high concentration of platelets, is injected into the injury site. This ensures those healing factors go right to the site of injury.
PRP is also used for certain types of skin and hair issues.
HOW THE PRP IS PREPARED AND ADMINISTERED
Step 1: A trained healthcare professional will draw your blood in the office.
Step 2: Blood is placed in a centrifuge and spun down for 5 minutes. This is where the platelets & plasma separate from the rest of the blood using gravity!
Step 3:
PRP is extracted into a syringe and injected into the injury site.
I’m afraid of needles, can I receive medication to help?
Please discuss this with your doctor if you have any questions.
If you are a candidate for anti-anxiety medication, you will need someone to drive you to and from your appointment. If you do not have a driver, you will need to reschedule your injection.
What can I expect to feel after my injection?
The injection itself is tolerable, you might feel pressure in the area due to the PRP. Your doctor will likely inject a small amount of local anesthetic to help decrease the amount of pain you feel during the procedure.
Depending on the injury being treated, you may benefit from multiple PRP injections to ensure optimal results.
PRP injections are very safe and effective. If you do happen to notice any adverse effects (skin rash, redness, etc.), experience worsening pain, or you have any other questions or concerns, please call our office at (404) 480-9330.
Do I need someone to drive me to my appointment?
If you are taking Valium or receiving Lorazepam, someone must drive you to and from your injection.
If you are receiving Lorazepam, you need to come to your appointment 40 minutes before your scheduled injection to allow enough time for the medication to take effect.
If you are not receiving anti-anxiety medication, it’s not required to have a driver.
Are there any restrictions after the injection?
We recommend you take it easy the day of your injection and avoid strenuous activities. You can return to most activities as tolerated in the days following the injection. If you are receiving chiropractic treatment, or physical therapy, discuss with your doctor when it’s ok to participate in these treatments after your injection.