
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection
What is a Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injection?
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injection is a procedure we offer in the Binghamton area that uses growth factors found in your own blood to stimulate and improve healing at sites of injury.
Platelets contain many chemical signal molecules that cause cells to divide, produce protein, and generate a healing response. Whenever you have a cut, platelets aggregate to form the clot, then release these chemical signals to induce healing. By concentrating platelets from your blood and injecting them into an injured joint, tendon, or ligament, we can stimulate more rapid healing
in the area.
What happens in the procedure?
Your blood is drawn, usually from the elbow, and spun in a centrifuge for several minutes. The spinning causes the blood to separate into layers and the layer with the platelets and growth factors is isolated and injected into the treatment area. In order to improve the accuracy of placement, the injection is frequently done with ultrasound guidance. Once injected into the site, the growth factors accelerate healing.
How long does the procedure take?
The actual PRP injection may take from a few seconds to a few minutes depending on the specific site, but you should expect your appointment to take 30-60 minutes. Some research suggests that for certain complaints a series of 3 injections over several weeks may be superior to a single isolated injection.
How safe is PRP?
PRP injections offered at our Binghamton area clinic are extremely safe. PRP is a component of your own blood, therefore you cannot be allergic to it and this eliminates medication side-effects. Occasionally a local numbing medicine is used with some injections, but this is generally very safe as well. As with any injection, there is a small risk of infection, bruising, or injury to nearby structures.
Who can have PRP?
Almost anyone can have PRP. Your doctor may recommend avoiding PRP injections if you have:
- A history of metastatic cancer
- An infection near the treatment site or severe infection elsewhere
- A blood-clotting disorder
- Severe liver disease
Will PRP interact with my medications?
No, PRP does not interact with any medications, but some medications or substances may reduce the effectiveness of PRP. Your physician will advise you of any medications that should be avoided around the time of your injection. Smoking reduces the effectiveness of PRP.
If I get PRP what can I take for pain?
Usually the pain after a PRP procedure is minor. You may take acetaminophen (Tylenol) if desired. Icing is generally discouraged since it will reduce blood flow to the area.
What conditions are treated by PRP injection?
PRP has been used for many conditions, both related to the musculoskeletal system and to other systems. At UHS Sports Medicine in the Binghamton region, we primarily use PRP to treat:
- Arthritis
- Injuries of tendons
- Injuries of ligaments
- Muscle tears
PRP is also used during select surgeries to promote healing.
Interested in PRP?
Please call the UHS Orthopedic Center at 607-771-2220 to schedule an appointment for plasma treatment in the Binghamton area.
UHS News
-
Know the risk factors and symptoms of prostate cancerSeptember 02, 2025
September is National Prostate Health Month, also known as National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Each year, more than 174,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer, and more than 31,000 die from the disease.
-
UHS Delaware Valley Hospital offering new diagnostic service in speech-language pathologyAugust 29, 2025
UHS Delaware Valley Hospital is pleased to announce its Speech-Language Pathology department is now offering Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) as part of its diagnostic services for patients with suspected dysphagia.
-
UHS Chenango Memorial expands cardiology services with two new specialistsAugust 26, 2025
UHS Chenango Memorial Hospital is expanding its cardio-pulmonary program with the addition of two new cardiologists, aiming to improve access to specialized heart care for patients in Chenango County and the surrounding area.
-
Construction on Main Street in Johnson City beginning August 25August 25, 2025
The Village of Johnson City will be performing construction around the intersection of Main Street and Avenue C/Willow Street beginning Monday, August 25.