Joint pain can be a daily challenge, especially when it keeps you from doing the activities that you love.
But could your own blood hold the key to relief? Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is gaining attention because of its ability to do just that.
We spoke with Jeffrey LaVallee, MD, a sports medicine specialist with the Bone & Joint Institute at Hartford Hospital, to learn more. Here’s what he had to say.
What are PRP injections?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy uses your own small blood sample to help heal. After spinning the blood to concentrate the platelets, this solution is injected back into your body.
“Activated platelets release over 3,000 bioactive proteins,” says Dr. LaVallee. “They act as the body’s ‘first responders’ to trigger natural healing in joints, tendons and muscles.”
PRP can reduce pain and aid healing in injured or arthritic areas. “It’s generally best for acute or chronic musculoskeletal injuries and mild to moderate degenerative conditions,” Dr. LaVallee adds.
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Are PRP injections right for me?
Although younger and healthier individuals often see the best results, PRP can be an option for patients of any age, depending on their injury or condition.
But, PRP isn’t right for everyone.
“If you have an active infection or a recent cancer diagnosis, PRP may not be the right choice,” says Dr. LaVallee. “While it’s generally safe for people with autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, these conditions may also not respond as well to PRP.”
> Related: Do Rainy Days Really Cause Joint Pain?
4 conditions PRP injections can help with.
PRP injections can be a valuable option for certain injuries and conditions.
While your doctor will determine if it’s the right choice for you, Dr. LaVallee highlights some conditions where PRP may be effective, including:
1. Tendonitis
PRP can be especially beneficial for acute and chronic tendinitis, where inflammation or microtears in the tendon cause pain or limited mobility. Some conditions it can treat include:
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Patellar tendonitis
- Rotator cuff tendonitis
- Gluteus medius tendonitis
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2. Osteoarthritis
For those with mild to moderate osteoarthritis, PRP can provide relief by reducing inflammation and improving joint function. It’s commonly used for osteoarthritis in the:
- Knee
- Hip
- Ankle
- Elbow
- Shoulder
3. Ligament sprains or partial tendon tears
Ligament or tendon injuries can take a while to heal because of limited blood flow to these areas. PRP works by helping to concentrate tissue repair for injuries like:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Mild sprains
- Ligament injuries
- Partial tendon tears, including mild rotator cuff tears
It’s important to note that severe ligament or tendon tears still generally require surgery.
4. Chronic neck and back pain
PRP is also being explored as an option for certain kinds of neck and back pain, including:
- Cervical or lumbar facet arthritis
- Annular tears in the lumbar disc
What can you expect in a PRP injection procedure?
A PRP injection appointment typically lasts about an hour in an outpatient clinic – with 30 minutes for preparing the PRP and 30 minutes for the injection itself.
“PRP injections into a joint are usually well-tolerated and feel similar to a steroid injection,” says Dr. LaVallee. “Injections into tendons or ligaments may be more painful, but a nerve block or pain medication can help manage discomfort.”
Depending on your injury or condition, your doctor may recommend restrictions on activity or weight-bearing after the procedure.
What are the benefits, and how long do results last?
After PRP injections, you may experience the relief you’ve been looking for.
This may come in different forms, including:
- Easing of joint or soft tissue pain.
- Improved mobility and range of motion.
- Reduced swelling and less need for oral pain relievers.
“For chronic conditions like knee osteoarthritis, PRP benefits typically last 9 to 12 months,” says Dr. LaVallee. “PRP can often be curative after the initial treatment for soft tissue injuries, such as tendinitis or plantar fasciitis. In more severe cases, however, follow-up treatments may be needed if symptoms come back.”
Here’s how to get started.
PRP injections can help kickstart your body’s natural healing process for chronic musculoskeletal issues—especially if treatments like physical therapy, NSAIDs or steroid injections haven’t done enough.
Some additional steps can make a difference to get the most out of PRP.
“PRP followed by a course of physical therapy or a structured home exercise program often leads to better recovery,” says Dr. LaVallee. “Healthy lifestyle choices, like eating well, getting enough sleep and staying active can also enhance PRP results. Talk to your doctor to see if PRP can help.”
