Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Activating Your Body’s Own Healing

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Key Facts: Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

  • PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy is a regenerative medicine option that uses a concentrated portion of your own blood to support healing and reduce pain in the spine, joints, and ligaments.
  • For spine conditions, it is most commonly used for facet joint arthritis, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, discogenic low back pain, and mild to moderate disc degeneration
  • PRP is often used as an alternative to corticosteroid (cortisone) injections, which mask pain temporarily rather than supporting healing
  • The procedure is outpatient, takes under an hour, and requires no anesthesia
  • Patients often experience pain relief after the first or second injection, depending on the area treated

What Is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)?

Platelet rich plasma consists of two elements — plasma and platelets. Plasma is the liquid portion of blood and platelets are a type of blood cell that promotes healing. Platelets contain growth factors that trigger cell reproduction and tissue regeneration.

PRP therapy is created by drawing a patient’s blood (like during a common blood test) and placing the sample in a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins rapidly, causing the blood to separate into its different components and allows for the collection of platelet-rich plasma. This concentrated plasma solution is put into a syringe for injection into the affected area. 

Common Uses for PRP Injections

Chronic conditions like tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and jumper’s knee can see improved healing and reduced pain and inflammation through PRP injections. For athletes and sports enthusiasts, this treatment offers a much quicker recovery compared to surgical options, allowing you to return to your activities sooner. This is particularly beneficial in the field of orthopedic sports medicine, where swift recovery is essential for optimal performance.

PRP can help treat and provide pain relief from disc herniations, complementing modalities like spine-specialized physical therapy to relieve discomfort and enhance rehabilitation.

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects millions, particularly those over 55, and is characterized by the wear and tear of cartilage in joints. While it can’t be fully prevented or reversed, effective management strategies can significantly alleviate pain, stiffness, and inflammation. For more severe cases, orthobiologic injections like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapy offer promising relief. PRP therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets into the joint to reduce pain and inflammation, while stem cell therapy uses cells from the patient’s bone marrow to promote tissue regeneration. These treatments can enhance joint stability and improve mobility, helping patients regain a better quality of life. Ultimately, a personalized approach that combines these therapies with lifestyle modifications can lead to the best outcomes in managing OA.

If surgery is required, PRP can also be used during the procedure to help promote healing in the affected area. For example, if a patient needs surgery to repair a torn tendon, platelet-rich plasma can be injected into the affected area to help speed recovery.

It is also beneficial for treating areas of the body that typically have longer recovery times or pose a higher risk with surgical intervention. 

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Other Medical Conditions Treated with PRP Therapy

What to Expect During Your PRP Injection: A Step-by-Step Guide

In this video, Dr. Yash Mehta, Physiatrist and Non-Surgical Healing Specialist at VSI, walks you through every step of the process: from your pre-procedure consultation to post-procedure recovery, so you know exactly what to expect on the day of your treatment.

How Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy Compares to Other Injection Options

Patients considering PRP for spine pain are often choosing between PRP, corticosteroid (cortisone) injections, and stem cell therapy. The right option depends on the underlying cause of pain, the degree of degeneration, and your goals for recovery.

PRP InjectionsCorticosteroid (Cortisone) InjectionsStem Cell Therapy
How it WorksConcentrated platelets release growth factors that support tissue repairReduces inflammation and relieves painUses bone marrow cells to support tissue regeneration
Primary GoalTreat the source of painTemporary symptom reliefRegenerate damaged tissue
Duration of ReliefLong-term, develops over weeksShort-term, often weeks to a few monthsLong-term, develops over months
Repeat UseCan be repeated safelyLimited number per yearFewer sessions needed for relief
Best Suited ForFacet and SI joint pain, mild to moderate disc degenerationAcute, inflammatory flare-upsMore advanced degeneration
Treatment SourceYour own bloodSynthetic medicationYour own bone marrow

For many patients, PRP is considered when corticosteroid injections have provided only short-term relief, or when a patient wants to avoid the limits on how often steroids can be safely given. A consultation helps determine which approach fits your condition. Learn more about Stem Cell Therapy as a regenerative option, and how it can be combined with PRP for certain patients for the best non-surgical outcome.

Benefits of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

As a non-operative method that stimulates regeneration and provides pain relief, platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy can help patients of all ages get back to life in a matter of weeks. This approach, particularly platelet rich plasma for knee conditions, contrasts sharply with surgeries that may require months for a full recovery. Alternative treatments like corticosteroids can have limitations regarding how frequently they can be administered, making PRP a compelling option.

By using plasma rich platelet injection, regenerative medicine can rev up your body’s healing engine while avoiding some of the side effects typically associated with other medications.

Since PRP is a regenerative medicine modality, it doesn’t merely mask pain or symptoms. Instead, it targets and heals the root cause of the problem naturally. Benefits of platelet rich plasma injection in the knee include:

  • Shorter recovery time compared to surgery
  • No anesthesia required
  • Natural healing procedure
  • Increased functionality and range of motion
  • Effective solution to avoid or delay surgery
  • Improved pain relief and decreased inflammation
  • Outpatient procedure in the comfort of our state-of-the-art facility

What the Research Shows About PRP for Spine Pain

PRP for spinal conditions is a well-supported and growing area of research. Systematic reviews of PRP for low back pain gives evidence for providing longer-lasting relief than corticosteroid injections for conditions such as facet joint and sacroiliac joint pain, with a low risk of serious complications. VSI has been performing intradiscal PRP for discogenic low back pain safely and effectively for the past decade.

Because individual results vary based on the condition being treated, the degree of degeneration, and patient-specific factors, a thorough evaluation is essential to determine whether PRP is likely to help in your situation.

PRP Injection Recovery Timeline

Because PRP is a non-surgical injection, recovery is very short compared to surgery, though it can vary by the area treated.

  • Mild soreness at the injection site is normal and typically lasts one to three days for the lower back and up to about five days for the mid back
  • Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should be avoided for one to two weeks
  • Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin should be avoided, since they can interfere with the inflammatory healing response PRP is designed to trigger. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is generally acceptable for discomfort
  • Pain relief develops gradually as the tissue heals, often becoming noticeable after the first or second injection and continuing to improve over several weeks
doctor consulting with patient back problems physical therapy concept

Am I A Candidate for Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy?

Recovering from an injury can often feel like a long, winding road back to health. However, for athletes and weekend warriors diagnosed with an injury or condition, the possibility of choosing surgery could also mean extensive recovery time.

Patience and persistence are two crucial factors in creating the best possible recovery outcomes. But there is also another element that can offer a significant advantage without drastic or problematic side effects. 

PRP injections are a popular, drug-free treatment that helps the body accelerate its natural healing process. It can treat various conditions, including sports injuries, wounds, back injuries, and osteoarthritis. It is even used cosmetically to treat hair loss and facial procedures. It can be injected into injured or damaged joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments and doesn’t require anesthesia, making it a quick and effective treatment option. 

At VSI (Virginia Spine Institute), we regularly use platelet rich plasma injections as a non-operative, regenerative medicine approach because it offers patients low risk and minimal downtime while providing excellent results. For more information, speak with our spine specialists.

Your Path to Relief Starts Here

You may be dealing with ongoing pain, uncertainty, or a recent diagnosis. Our team specializes in performing PRP injections and other regenerative, natural therapies. The best next step is a personalized evaluation, with same-week appointment availability and no referrals needed.

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Meet the Specialists Who Perform PRP Injections

Our team includes board-certified spine specialists with extensive experience performing PRP for low back pain and orthopedic conditions. Each physician takes a personalized approach, combining advanced imaging and a comprehensive approach that focuses on your goals for treatment and recovery.

Dr. Niteesh Bharara
physician bharara
Dr. Niteesh Bharara

Dr. Niteesh Bharara is a double-board certified physiatrist who is recognized in the top 7% of physicians in the United States. Leading the Mid-Atlantic region in regenerative therapies and injections such as stem cell therapy, PRP therapy, VIA Disc and adipose fat injections, he’s earned the title of Face of Regenerative Medicine by Washingtonian Magazine and Top Doctor recognition in consecutive years.

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Frequently Asked Questions on Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy is a regenerative treatment that utilizes components of the patient’s own blood to promote healing and reduce pain. The process begins with a simple blood draw, after which the blood is processed to concentrate the platelets and growth factors. This concentrated solution is then injected into the area needing treatment, such as the knee, to stimulate tissue repair and regeneration.

PRP therapy is particularly effective for conditions like osteoarthritis, tendon injuries, and ligament injuries. It works by enhancing the body’s natural healing processes, leading to reduced inflammation, improved functionality, and pain relief. One of the key advantages of PRP is that it uses the patient’s own biological material, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions or complications.

This outpatient procedure is performed in a comfortable setting, often with no need for anesthesia, allowing for a quicker recovery compared to traditional surgical options. Overall, PRP therapy represents a promising non-surgical approach to help individuals regain mobility and improve their quality of life.

Creation of PRP is simple, painless, and conveniently done in our office. The entire process of drawing blood to solution preparation only takes approximately 25-30 minutes. A small amount of blood is drawn from the patient, just like a routine blood test. Once the blood is drawn it is then placed into a centrifuge. The centrifuge is a machine that spins the blood at high speeds in order to separate the blood into red blood cells and concentrated platelets. Once the blood is separated the red blood cells are discarded, and we are left with concentrated platelet rich plasma (PRP) which is ready to be used in the treatment process.

The injection process does not take more than an hour, which includes the creation of the PRP as explained above. The platelet-rich portion is collected and injected back into the injured tendon, ligament, muscle, joint, or disc that has been determined to be a source of pain and is not-healing appropriately. When structures around the spine are being injected, x-ray (i.e. fluoroscopy) guidance is used to assure safe and proper placement of PRP at the affected site. In the extremities, ultrasound-guidance is commonly used to inject PRP into the appropriate tendon, ligament or joint that is being targeted. Injections are performed under image guidance to assure precise placement of PRP. The number of injections varies based on each patient’s individualized condition but typically range anywhere from two to six injections done over time. Patients typically experience significant reduction in pain after the first or second injection.

Generally speaking PRP injections are not painful; however, the discomfort level depends on the part of the body being treated. Injections into the joint are of minimal discomfort. There is sometimes a small amount of pain after the procedure; however, this does not last more than a few days and can be minimized with over the counter Tylenol. It is critical to avoid anti-inflammatory medications such as Aleve, Motrin, Celebrex, Naprosyn, and Mobic. These drugs may impede the healing process.

The number of PRP injections needed for the knee can vary depending on the specific condition being treated and the patient’s response to therapy. Typically, patients may receive one to three injections over a period of several weeks. Some individuals might benefit from additional treatments after evaluating their progress. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

PRP is considered a low-risk procedure. Because platelet-rich plasma is made of your cells and plasma, complications or an allergic reaction are highly unlikely compared to other therapies. In addition, since it is derived from your blood, it’s not classified as a drug by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 

Potential risks or side effects of a PRP injection can include bleeding, tissue damage, infection, and nerve injury. In addition, it’s critical to avoid blood-thinning or anti-inflammatory medications (such as Aspirin, Advil, Motrin, etc.) with this treatment as they can impede the healing process. Be sure to consult with your health care provider for specific guidance.

For many patients, PRP offers longer-lasting relief than a cortisone injection. Corticosteroids reduce inflammation and mask pain temporarily, often for a few weeks to a few months, and can only be given a limited number of times per year. PRP works to support healing at the source of the pain and can be repeated safely. Research on low back pain suggests PRP may provide more durable relief than steroids for conditions like facet and sacroiliac joint pain, though the best option depends on your specific diagnosis.

PRP can help relieve pain from disc herniations and is often combined with spine-specialized physical therapy to support rehabilitation. It is generally most appropriate for mild to moderate disc-related pain rather than severe herniations with significant nerve compression, which may require other treatments. An evaluation determines whether PRP is appropriate for your specific condition.

Results vary by patient, their medical history, and their condition. Many patients experience relief that develops over several weeks and lasts considerably longer than a steroid injection. Some patients benefit from periodic maintenance treatments, which a spine specialist can help plan based on your response.

The number of injections varies based on your individual condition, typically ranging from two to six over time. Many patients experience significant pain reduction after the first or second injection. Your treatment plan is tailored to your condition and your body’s response to treatment.

We file claims with most commercial insurance plans for PRP procedures. Each plan is different with varying degrees of coverage. Our Insurance Specialist team will be able to let you know prior to your procedure what is expected.