PRP therapy is a new regenerative treatment that uses the patient’s blood to promote tissue repair and healing. It consists of extracting the platelets and growth factors from a sample of blood that is then injected into the injured region of the body to initiate and boost the natural healing process. The high concentration of platelets promotes tissue regeneration and soft tissue injuries, making PRP an appropriate approach for treating soft tissue.
These growth factors released from PRP therapy result in less inflammation and faster tissue regeneration at the injury site. These growth factors lure your healing cells like fibroblasts and macrophages to repair the damaged/inflamed area, thus providing collagen and enhancing perfusion. PRP is most effective for injuries to the rotator cuff, bursitis (inflammation of the bursa), frozen shoulder, and arthritis since it treats pain and degenerative tissue.
Some of the shoulder conditions that PRP therapy is effective for are:
There are 3 steps involved in administering the PRP injection:
Yes, PRP therapy is considered safe because it utilizes the patient’s blood, which minimizes the chance of infections or allergic responses. Because PRP is autologous (from your own body), it is biologically compatible, meaning your body is unlikely to reject it and there is a very low risk for side effects. Here at Amandeep Hospital, we go above and beyond to make sure our preparations are sterile and all injections are done under ultrasound guidance to be safe and effective.
Although mild discomfort can occur during PRP injections, local anesthesia is typically used to provide comfort during treatment. Patients may experience some pressure or tenderness during and after the injection, which usually subsides after a few days. That discomfort is manageable, and the procedure is well tolerated by most patients.
PRP session number varies according to the severity of the condition and the response to treatment. Patients generally need between 1 and 3 sessions with a 4- to 6-week gap in between. Some conditions, like mild rotator cuff injuries, can improve with one session, while more chronic conditions may need several treatments.
Usually, patients begin to see improvement in 4 to 6 weeks after the first session, with progressive improvement over the next 3 to 6 months. PRP encourages slow tissue healing, so the complete advantages are established in the long term. Some patients experience less pain and better function by the second or third session.
Side effects typically associated with PRP injections include:
In many cases, PRP can defer or prevent the need for surgery as it promotes tissue healing early on and stimulates natural healing. It works especially well for partial rotator cuff tears, arthritis, and tendonitis. Surgery is unnecessary if the injury is treated appropriately with PRP and physiotherapy.
The best candidates for PRP therapy are people who are:
To achieve the best results, follow these pre-procedure instructions:
Most patients can return to light activity the next day after the injection. On the other hand, rigorous physical treatment or massive lifting should not be done for 2 to 4 weeks so the treated region can recover. You could be advised to undergo a full recovery program that may incorporate PT for better results.
PRP therapy has been documented to decrease pain and improve function in patients with rotator cuff injuries. It boosts the body’s natural healing response, making it effective for partial tears and chronic inflammation. PRP works even more effectively in conjunction with targeted physiotherapy.
Yes, the following therapies can safely be combined with PRP therapy:
Results from PRP therapy can last many months, if not years, depending on the injury type. Regular physiotherapy and follow-up sessions can stretch the benefits even more.
Insurance does not cover PRP therapy in most cases as it is still deemed an experimental treatment. Amandeep Hospital is dedicated to providing PRP therapy at an affordable cost so that you can receive the best treatment without breaking the bank.
At Amandeep Hospital, we provide: