PRP Joint Injection (Doctor-Led)

The science bit

PRP for Joint Injections at FAB Clinic

At FAB Clinic, we are committed to providing innovative and effective treatments for joint pain and injuries. One of the most advanced therapies we offer is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for joint injections. This regenerative treatment utilizes your body’s natural healing processes to reduce pain and promote tissue repair. Whether you are suffering from osteoarthritis, chronic tendonitis, or other joint-related issues, PRP therapy may be the solution you’ve been looking for.

What is PRP Therapy?

PRP therapy involves injecting a concentration of a patient’s own platelets to accelerate the healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. Platelets, a type of blood cell, play a crucial role in healing throughout the body. They contain growth factors that can trigger cell proliferation, speed healing, and stimulate tissue regeneration in the treated area.

How Does PRP Work?

The process begins with drawing a small amount of your blood. This blood is then placed in a centrifuge, which spins it at high speed to separate the platelets from other blood components. The resulting platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the damaged joint area under ultrasound guidance to ensure precision​.

Benefits of PRP for Joint Injections

PRP injections offer several advantages over traditional treatments for joint pain:

  1. Natural Healing: PRP therapy uses your own blood, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions or infections. The growth factors in PRP stimulate the body’s healing processes to repair damaged tissues naturally​.
  2. Reduced Pain and Inflammation: PRP is a natural anti-inflammatory. It reduces inflammation and pain in the joint, providing relief that can last longer than that from corticosteroid injections​.
  3. Improved Function: By promoting tissue repair, PRP can improve joint function and mobility, helping you return to your daily activities and exercises more quickly.
  4. Delaying Surgery: For many patients, PRP therapy can delay the need for more invasive procedures like joint replacement surgery. It provides a viable option for managing pain and improving joint function.

Conditions Treated with PRP Injections

PRP therapy is versatile and can be used to treat various joint-related conditions, including:

  • Osteoarthritis: PRP injections can reduce pain and improve function in joints affected by osteoarthritis, particularly in the knees and hips​ (Mass General Brigham)​​ (UIHC)​.
  • Chronic Tendonitis: Conditions such as tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and Achilles tendonitis can benefit significantly from PRP therapy​ (OrthoInfo)​​ (Nuffield Health)​.
  • Ligament Injuries: PRP can help heal ligaments that are strained or partially torn, reducing recovery time and enhancing strength​ (UPMC Share)​​ (Hawaii Pacific Health)​.
  • Cartilage Repair: For patients with cartilage damage, PRP can stimulate the repair and regeneration of cartilage, improving joint health and reducing pain​ (MU Health Care)​​ (UIHC)​.

PRP Injection Procedure at FAB Clinic

The PRP injection procedure at FAB Clinic is straightforward and minimally invasive:

  1. Consultation and Assessment: Your journey begins with a thorough consultation and assessment by our experienced physicians. We evaluate your medical history, current condition, and treatment goals to determine if PRP is right for you.
  2. Blood Draw: A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm.
  3. PRP Preparation: The blood is processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets.
  4. Injection: The PRP is injected into the affected joint using ultrasound guidance to ensure precise placement. The entire procedure typically takes less than an hour.
  5. Post-Procedure Care: Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities for a short period post-injection. Mild discomfort at the injection site is normal and can be managed with acetaminophen and ice​.

Results and Follow-Up

Patients usually start to notice improvements within a few weeks, with significant pain relief and improved joint function often observed by six weeks post-injection. The healing process continues for several months, and additional injections may be recommended based on your progress and specific condition.

Why Choose FAB Clinic?

At FAB Clinic, we pride ourselves on our patient-centric approach and commitment to using the latest medical advancements to improve your health and quality of life. Our team of experienced professionals ensures that you receive the highest standard of care, from initial consultation through to post-procedure follow-up.

If you are struggling with joint pain and traditional treatments have not provided sufficient relief, PRP therapy might be the answer. Contact FAB Clinic today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a pain-free, active life.

 

What does evidence say?

Here are seven prominent literature reviews that support the effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for different joint conditions:

  1. PRP for Tendinopathy: A comprehensive review highlighted that PRP can promote tenocyte proliferation and collagen synthesis, enhancing tendon repair. Studies in both human and animal models showed significant improvements in tendon healing with PRP injections, making it a viable treatment for tendinopathy (Current Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Reports).
  2. PRP for Sacroiliac Joint Pain: A systematic review focused on the use of PRP for treating sacroiliac joint complex pain demonstrated significant pain reduction and improved function. PRP was found to be more effective than sham treatments, providing substantial relief in chronic cases (Pain Medicine, Oxford Academic).
  3. PRP for Osteoarthritis: A narrative review discussed the role of PRP in managing osteoarthritis, particularly in the knee. It highlighted PRP’s ability to reduce inflammation and promote cartilage repair, offering an effective treatment option for patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis (Bulletin of Faculty of Physical Therapy).
  4. PRP for Achilles Tendinopathy: While some studies reported mixed results, a significant body of evidence supports the use of PRP for chronic Achilles tendinopathy, improving pain and function over the long term. Variability in patient outcomes is noted, suggesting that patient-specific factors play a crucial role (EFORT Open Reviews).
  5. PRP for Rotator Cuff Injuries: Research indicates that PRP can enhance the healing of rotator cuff injuries. PRP injections have been shown to increase fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis, promoting better tendon repair compared to traditional treatments (EFORT Open Reviews).
  6. PRP for Knee Osteoarthritis: A review focusing on knee osteoarthritis revealed that PRP injections are effective in reducing pain and improving joint function. The review suggested that PRP is a superior option compared to hyaluronic acid injections, particularly in early-stage osteoarthritis (Journal of Arthroplasty).
  7. PRP for Cartilage Repair: A study on the use of PRP for cartilage repair demonstrated its effectiveness in promoting chondrocyte proliferation and extracellular matrix production. This supports the use of PRP in treating cartilage injuries and degenerative conditions (Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine).

These reviews collectively underscore the potential of PRP therapy in treating various joint conditions, highlighting its regenerative capabilities and the importance of patient-specific treatment plans. For more detailed insights, you can refer to the respective publications in medical and scientific journals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is PRP joint injection?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) joint injection is a regenerative therapy that involves injecting a concentration of a patient’s own platelets into a damaged joint to promote healing and reduce pain. The platelets contain growth factors that help repair tissues and reduce inflammation​.

How does PRP therapy work for joint pain?

PRP therapy works by using the growth factors in platelets to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. When injected into a joint, these growth factors help repair damaged tissues, reduce inflammation, and promote the regeneration of cartilage and other joint structures​.

What conditions can be treated with PRP injections?

PRP injections can treat a variety of joint conditions, including osteoarthritis, chronic tendonitis, ligament injuries, and cartilage damage. It is particularly effective for knee, shoulder, elbow, and hip joint issues​.

Are PRP injections safe?

Yes, PRP injections are generally considered safe because they use the patient’s own blood, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or infections. However, as with any injection, there is a minimal risk of pain, bleeding, or infection at the injection site.

How long does it take to see results from PRP injections?

Most patients start to see improvements within a few weeks, with significant pain relief and improved joint function typically observed by six weeks post-injection. The healing process can continue for several months​.

How many PRP injections are needed for joint pain?

The number of PRP injections needed varies depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s response to the treatment. Some patients may experience significant relief after a single injection, while others may require multiple injections spaced a few weeks apart​.

What is the procedure for PRP joint injection?

The procedure involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, processing it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting the PRP into the affected joint using ultrasound guidance to ensure precision. The entire process typically takes less than an hour.

Are PRP injections painful?

PRP injections can cause some discomfort during and after the procedure. Local anaesthesia may be used to minimize pain during the injection. Post-injection pain is usually mild and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs.

Can PRP injections be combined with other treatments?

Yes, PRP injections can be combined with other treatments such as physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or hyaluronic acid injections. However, it is important to space out these treatments appropriately to avoid interactions that could reduce the effectiveness of PRP.

What are the benefits of PRP therapy compared to traditional treatments?

PRP therapy offers several benefits over traditional treatments like corticosteroid injections or surgery. It is a minimally invasive procedure that uses the body’s natural healing mechanisms, reducing the risk of side effects and promoting long-term healing and pain relief​.

Disclaimer: Results and patient experiences may vary. These are dependent on a number of factors including age, medical history, lifestyle and more.
BOOK A CONSULTATION
Professional consultation to advise and guide you.
Book OnlineCall The clinic View Pricelist
BOOK A CONSULTATION
Book an Initial Assessment

Book an Initial Consultation with a lead Clinician.

Get expert advice at a time to suit you.

Request a Call BackContact the Clinic

We accept patients from below insurance companies