What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is made from your own blood. We draw a small tube, spin it in a centrifuge to concentrate platelets (which carry growth factors), and then inject that concentrate into the area we’re treating (e.g., tendon, ligament, joint) to support the body’s natural healing response.
What PRP May Help
PRP is commonly used for chronic tendon and ligament problems (like tennis elbow or Achilles tendinopathy) and for joint pain such as mild–moderate knee osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tear and low back pain, pinched nerve, sciatica, and radiculopathy. Evidence continues to evolve; some patients experience meaningful pain and function improvement, while results vary by condition and individual.
How the Procedure Works (What to Expect)
- Blood draw (60–120 mL).
- Processing. A centrifuge concentrates your platelets.
- Injection. We clean the skin, use local anesthesia when appropriate, and use X-ray and/or ultrasound guidance for precision.
Expect temporary soreness or a “flare” for 24–72 hours as the healing response is activated.
Preparation
Medications: Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen, and meloxicam for about a week before your injection unless a clinician advises otherwise. These can blunt the platelet signaling we’re trying to harness. Do not stop prescribed anticoagulants or other medications without medical guidance.
Day of: Hydrate, eat a light meal, and wear clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area.
Aftercare & Recovery
First 1–3 days: Soreness and swelling are common; use rest, brief icing, and acetaminophen if needed (avoid NSAIDs unless your provider says otherwise).
Days 3–14: Gradual return to daily activities; avoid high-load or explosive exercise. Some patients start guided physical therapy during this phase (avoid NSAIDs unless your provider says otherwise).
Weeks 4–6: Progressive strengthening and conditioning as tolerated.
6–12+ weeks: Many patients notice peak benefit in this window; some conditions require a series of injections (commonly 1–3) based on response. Individual timelines vary.
Benefits & Limitations
Because PRP uses your own blood, serious complications are uncommon. Reported risks include temporary pain, bruising, infection (rare), tissue or nerve irritation—all similar to other injection procedures. Effectiveness is condition-dependent, and not every patient improves.
Safety & Eligibility
PRP isn’t appropriate for everyone (e.g., active infection at the site, certain blood or bleeding disorders). We’ll review your medical history, medications, and goals to determine fit.
Insurance, Medicare & Regulatory Notes
Most insurers, including Medicare, consider PRP non-covered/experimental for musculoskeletal injection use. Devices that prepare PRP are FDA-cleared for processing blood, but FDA has not approved PRP as a drug for direct injection to treat arthritis or tendon disorders; use is currently off-label and guided by clinical judgment.
Exponential Health offers PRP as a cash-pay service with transparent pricing. HSA/FSA also accepted.
How We Do PRP at Exponential Health
Precision-guided: X-Ray and Ultrasound guidance for targeted delivery.
Integrated plan: Rehab and activity progression are built into your care plan.
Whole-person approach: We coordinate with our low-cost specialty network, imaging, and pharmacy when relevant to your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I feel worse before I feel better?
It’s common to feel sore for a day or two as the healing cascade starts; this typically settles within several days.
Can I take pain medicine after the injection?
You can usually use acetaminophen. Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, meloxicam) for ~2 weeks before and after unless your clinician advises otherwise.
How soon can I exercise?
Light daily activity is fine as tolerated. Hold off on high-impact or heavy loading for several days; your clinician and PT will give you a phased plan.
How many treatments will I need?
Some patients do well with a single injection; others may benefit from a short series, depending on the condition and response over 6–12+ weeks.
Is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) safe?
Serious complications are uncommon; risks are similar to other injections (infection, nerve or tissue irritation) and are minimized with sterile technique and image guidance.
This page is educational and not a substitute for medical advice. Your Exponential Health clinician will tailor recommendations to your situation and help you weigh PRP against other options.