Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) - A guide for patients

What is PRP?

Although blood is mainly a liquid (called plasma), it also contains small solid components (red cells, white cells, and platelets.) The platelets are best known for their importance in clotting blood. However, platelets also contain hundreds of proteins called growth factors which are very important in the healing of injuries.

PRP is plasma with many more platelets than what is typically found in blood. The concentration of platelets - and, thereby, the concentration of growth factors - can be 5 to 10 times greater (or richer) than usual.

To develop a PRP preparation, blood must first be drawn from a patient. The platelets are separated from other blood cells and their concentration is increased during a process called centrifugation.

The increased concentration of growth factors in PRP can potentially speed up the healing process.

Local anaesthetic is first injected to anaesthetise the inflamed area and PRP is then carefully injected.

What to expect after the PRP Injection?

The injection site might be tender after the treatment, which is to be expected. Some people may develop a bruise at the site of the injection.

Your symptoms may get worse initially, taking oral pain relief such as Paracetamol or Co-Codamol during this time may be helpful. In the weeks after the injection, the following steps can increase the likelihood that treatment will work:

• Avoiding strenuous exercise, particularly movements that put weight on the area.
• Avoiding using anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen. These drugs can interfere with treatment. You can use Paracetamol or Co-Codamol.
• Wearing a splint for the first few weeks to stabilise the joint.
• Using cold compresses to decrease swelling and reduce pain. Some people find that alternating hot and cold packs is helpful.

Patients should immediately contact their doctor if swelling is severe, the site of injection is red, hot and have symptoms of fever.

Contacting us

It is very important to us that you have been given all the necessary information so that your scan is carried out successfully. Please contact us on the number given in your appointment letter if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions.

If you require this information in a different format please let us know via customercare@alliance.co.uk