Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
What is Platelet Rich plasma (PRP):
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a non-toxic, natural substance that accelerates healing. It can be used in patients with tendon, ligament, and bone injuries to stimulate tissue healing and regeneration.
PRP is produced from your own blood using a process called platelet enrichment activation. Platelets are naturally occurring cells in your blood stream that contain a variety of chemicals and growth factors that promote tissue healing and regeneration. The platelet enrichment activation process allows us to extract platelets from your blood and concentrate them to over 5 times of what a natural platelet would be. This concentrated platelet can then be delivered to your injured tissues to promote healing. Depending on the severity of injury 1-3 PRP injections may be required.
What to expect on the day of your appointment for PRP:
Patients will need to discontinue anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen or Naprosyn, Advil, Motrin, or Aleve 5 days prior to the procedure. Your treating provider will discuss other medications during your PRP evaluation visit.
On the day of your appointment, a sample of your blood will be obtained. The blood will then be processed on site to create the PRP using the platelet enrichment activation process. While the PRP is being created, the area of your injury will be visualized using ultrasound and prepared to accept the PRP. For some conditions, a nerve block may be administered to reduce patients discomfort during the procedure. Using ultrasound guidance, we will direct a needle to the affected area to break up scar tissue and adhesions and stimulate a healing response. Following this the PRP will be placed directly to the treated area.
Patients are usually discharged 30 minutes following treatment to ensure there are no reactions to the procedure.
Following the initial treatment, you will be scheduled for a follow up visit 2-4 weeks later to evaluate healing and determine if further treatment is needed.
What to expect after your appointment:
Most patients can resume their normal daily activities and light exercise following the injection, however strenuous activity or heavy lifting should be avoided for a couple of days. Medications such as Ibuprofen, Naprosyn and Aspirin should be avoided following the injection. You may take Tylenol for any discomfort you may have relating to the injection or your treating provider will discuss further pain management options as well as resuming any other medications you may be taking.
Is PRP covered by insurance?
While most insurance carriers recognize the procedure and it is approved by the FDA, it is not considered a covered treatment under most plans. Patients will be responsible for the full cost of PRP injections and fees may be discussed with the office. We will not bill insurance for any part of the PRP procedure. Payment is due in full on the day of the procedure.
Accepting New Patients
631-423-BONE (2663) – Contact us today at our Huntington, NY location to discuss your treatment.