PRP Injection

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a treatment that uses your body’s healing power to relieve pain. When injected into an injured area, PRP can speed healing, reduce pain and improve function.

How PRP Works

Plasma is the liquid part of blood that carries blood cells and platelets. Platelets make blood clot, but are also packed with special proteins (called growth factors) which help heal injuries.

A PRP injection nourishes the injured tissue, telling the body to bring other healing cells to the injured body part.

Who benefits from PRP

Platelet-rich plasma injections can help with orthopedic conditions like tendonitis and arthritis. It is also used to treat sports injuries, including muscle strains and ligament sprains that don’t respond to conventional treatment.

PRP is an effective option for treating conditions such as:

• Tennis elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
• Jumper’s knee (Patellar Tendinitis)
• Knee arthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease or Osteoarthritis)
• Pitcher’s Elbow (UCL or Ulnar Collateral Ligament Sprains)

You should consider PRP if:

• Pain affects your activities
• Standard treatment has not improved function and reduced pain
• You wish to avoid using medications
• You wish to avoid surgery

What to Expect

PRP is not covered by insurance. The procedure costs $500.

The appointment time for a PRP procedure takes about 60 minutes. A small amount of blood is drawn from an arm vein, and the blood is processed to concentrate the platelets. The PRP is then injected back into the painful area by one of our highly-trained physicians.

Even though some soreness after the procedure is expected, many patients return to work or their regular activities on the day of the procedure.

After a PRP injection, you may have minor pain and swelling for a few days. Your doctor may recommend:

• Avoiding anti-inflammatory pain medications
• Crutches, a brace or sling to protect and immobilize the affected area
• Ice to relieve pain and swelling

Make an Appointment

To be evaluated by one of our specialists for PRP, call 410-448-6400 or email Sports@umm.edu