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
-
Prioritize safety if planning to view Solar Eclipse on April 8March 28, 2024
Many of us will head outside to watch the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024, but it’s important to keep in mind that you should never look at the sun without proper protection — even when it's mostly eclipsed by the moon.
-
New sign on the Wilson Main Tower lights up the night skyMarch 26, 2024
Progress continues on the UHS Wilson Main Tower with the Spring opening right around the corner. On March 25, the first of three UHS logo signs were installed on the tower, illuminating the Johnson City skyline!
-
Our latest DAISY Award winner is Margaret Heath!March 25, 2024
A program to recognize the care and compassion of extraordinary nurses continues at UHS with Margaret Heath, BSN, RN, Krembs 5 at UHS Binghamton General Hospital, being named the most recent winner of the DAISY Award!
-
Team UHS speeds lab results for faster, better careMarch 25, 2024
In this digital age, everyone looks for results and answers from the best and brightest at the click of a button. The team at UHS understands the desire for peace of mind quickly, which is why UHS Laboratory Services works to get test results back as fast as possible without sacrificing quality and accuracy.