PRP

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) stimulates and encourages your body’s natural healing process to reduce pain and improve function. At Apex Pain Specialists in Chandler, Arizona, the board-certified pain management experts Naveen Reddy, MD, and Maziar Massrour, MD, offer PRP injections for joint pain conditions. Call the office or schedule your PRP consultation online today to find out how your body can ease your pain.

What is PRP?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a blood product containing a high concentration of platelets. 

Platelets are tiny blood cells best known for their ability to stop cuts from bleeding. But platelets also release growth factors and specialized proteins that initiate tissue repair and cellular regeneration at the site of your injury. 

PRP takes advantage of your body’s natural healing powers by delivering a high concentration of platelets to the areas of the body that need extra healing support. The PRP used for treatment at Apex Pain Specialists is made from a sample of your own blood.

Am I a candidate for PRP?

After a consultation, your provider at Apex Pain Specialists determines if you’re a candidate for PRP. They use PRP as a joint injection to treat conditions like:

• Arthritis
• Tendonitis
• Osteoarthritis
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear
• Rotator cuff tear
• Meniscus tear

They may also suggest PRP therapy following surgery to support the healing process. Because PRP is more invasive, they may only recommend the treatment if conservative medical interventions like oral anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy fail to improve your condition.

What happens during PRP injections?

Your pain expert at Apex Pain Specialists customizes your PRP injections to match your health issues and goals. They review the details of your procedure at your consultation so that you know what to expect. PRP injections take about an hour from start to finish.

First, your provider takes a sample of blood to make your PRP. Then, while you relax on an X-ray table, they clean your skin at the site of your injection with an antiseptic agent and inject a local anesthetic to numb the area.

Your provider uses X-ray-guided imaging to insert the needle into your damaged tissue and inject the PRP. You remain at the office for monitoring for a few minutes and then go home.

What can I expect after PRP injections?

You may have an increase in inflammation and pain following your PRP injections. This is part of the healing process. Though results vary, you may notice improvements in pain and function within a few weeks.

Your provider at Apex Pain Specialists has you return to the office regularly to monitor your progress and may recommend additional PRP treatments to maximize results. 

To find out how PRP can benefit you, call Apex Pain Specialists or schedule an appointment online today.