Are knee, shoulder, or elbow injuries keeping you from enjoying your favorite activities? Platelet-rich plasma injections are an innovative new treatment that can non-surgically accelerate your recovery and quickly get you back to an active, pain-free lifestyle. Patients at Mattalino Orthopaedic in Phoenix, AZ, have seen great results with this approach, but how many PRP injections are recommended?
How Many Times Can You Get PRP Injections?
Patients often see noticeable improvement after just one or two injections, but we typically recommend a series of injections to achieve the best results. Depending on the specific part of the body you’re having trouble with, and the severity of the injury, we may recommend anywhere from three to six injections, which are delivered every several weeks. During your initial consultation, we’ll develop a customized treatment plan for you. PRP injections are a natural, safe, chemical-free treatment that uses the plasma in your own blood to promote healing and minimize inflammation. That means receiving multiple injections poses no harm and won’t produce an allergic reaction.
How Does This Treatment Work?
PRP treatments are simple and straightforward. We’ll begin by taking a blood sample, a process similar to drawing blood for a lab test. We’ll then spin the blood in a centrifuge, separating the platelets and plasma from the red and white blood cells. This will concentrate the platelets and cause them to bond with the plasma, generating the platelet-rich plasma. The resulting platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the knee, elbow, hip, or any other part of the body being treated. Once injected, the platelet-rich plasma will spur the body to begin healing itself. New blood vessels and tissue will be created, and inflammation will be reduced.
What Type of Recovery Is Involved?
The recovery time associated with these injections is short, and patients are able to get back to their regular schedules and activities within a day or two. You may be asked to refrain from taking anti-inflammatory medications for a few weeks after the injection, as these can disrupt your body’s healing process.
How Long Does This Treatment Take?
Each appointment typically takes less than one hour. Some patients even have these treatments performed during their lunch hour.
When Will I See the Results?
Patients frequently start to see improvement soon after their first injection, with their full results developing several weeks after the last injection. As a result of these injections, patients typically enjoy less pain and greater function and mobility.
What Conditions Can Be Treated?
This versatile treatment can be used to address both acute and immediate sports injuries as well as those that develop over time as a result of overuse, like tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. It’s also a solution for patients coping with chronic pain or long-running conditions like arthritis or degenerative disc disease. Meniscus tears in the knee, torn rotator cuffs, and hip injuries are all examples of conditions that can be addressed with these injections.
What Is the Success Rate?
This treatment is often highly successful and can provide long-term relief for patients. Studies have found that these injections offer a 90 percent success rate.
Why Advantages Does This Treatment Offer?
It’s Suitable for Most Patients
Although certain conditions, like blood disorders, may render you ineligible for this treatment, most patients are suitable candidates.
It’s Convenient
PRP injections are an easy, convenient way of getting back into action. The appointments are brief and conducted in the comfort of our office, and the recovery period is short. Within a couple of days, you’ll be able to resume most of your usual activities with only a few limitations. We’ll ask you to wait a little longer before resuming strenuous activities, and we may recommend specific stretches or exercise routines to bolster the effectiveness of the injections.
It Can Get You Back to Living Your Best Life
Being sidelined by an injury, or living with chronic pain, is no fun. It takes a toll on your physical and mental well-being. One of the biggest advantages of these injections is that they can get you back on your feet and living your best life with a minimum of hassle. Patients love the fact that they’re able to finally push past injuries and pain and return to a normal, active lifestyle.
It Can Reduce Your Need for Other Medications
Patients who receive these injections often find that they have less of a need for anti-inflammatory medications as well as medications like opioids.
It’s Safe
Because these injections rely on the patient’s own plasma, this treatment is safe and can be performed alone or in combination with other therapies.
Am I a Good Candidate?
You’re in Good Health
The best patients are in good general physical health and don’t have certain blood disorders or infections. During your initial consultation, we’ll evaluate your medical history and determine if you are suited for this treatment.
You’re in Search of an Alternative Treatment
Patients sometimes opt for PRP injections because they want to address an injury or ailment without turning to surgery or long-term use of medications. This treatment is also popular among patients seeking natural remedies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much of My Blood Will Be Drawn?
The amount of blood drawn will depend on the specific injury we’re treating, but most patients need anywhere from one to several tubs of blood taken.
What Is Plasma?
Plasma is the liquid portion of blood. Comprised primarily of water and enzymes, plasma distributes red and white blood cells, nutrients, and proteins to parts of the body that need it. As a result, plasma plays a key role in headling.
Give PRP Injections a Try
If you’re struggling with painful injuries or stubborn chronic conditions, it may be time to see if platelet-rich plasma injections can help. These treatments are easy and convenient, and we’ll customize the number of injections you receive based on the specific physical concerns you want addressed. Don’t wait any longer. Call Mattalino Orthopaedic in Phoenix, AZ, and get yourself scheduled for an initial consultation today!