Ready to learn about PRP?

What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)?

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) uses naturally occurring growth factors and signaling proteins in your own blood to promote healing. In this process we take a small amount of your blood, about the same as a typical blood draw for routine labs, spin it down in a centrifuge, and use only a small portion containing a very high concentration of platelets and growth factors for the injection.

The growth factors and signaling proteins regulate the inflammatory process and facilitate natural wound healing and tissue regeneration by proliferating myoblast cells that form skeletal muscle. Hauser Health PRP is distinguished from regular PRP by the absence of red blood cells and neutrophils, as well as by the sheer concentration of the platelets and growth factors contained in each sample. 

At Hauser Health, we use a monocyte rich, neutrophil poor system that eliminates red blood cells. This is important as it is the neutrophils and red blood cells that cause pain post injection and cause the platelets to clump together and negatively impact their release of signaling proteins and growth factors.

How is the Procedure Performed?

Dr. Hauser will begin by ultrasounding the area of concern and evaluating the underlying soft tissues.

Next, he'll draw your blood from your arm, like a typical lab draw. The blood will be placed in a special type of test tube for PRP. The test tube will be placed in a centrifuge and spun until the PRP is separated from the rest of the blood products.

After using a topical numbing agent and some local lidocaine to numb the skin, he'll use ultrasound to gently guide the PRP needle into the area.

And that's it! He'll then discuss the Post Procedure Guidelines (see below) and you'll be on your way home!

What injuries can PRP help?

There are many ways that PRP can safely and effectively treat many ailments or injuries. Weakened ligaments and tendons cause the majority of the pain and damage related to joints. Some of the most common injuries that have benefitted from our PRP Therapy are:

• Osteoarthritis of the major joints (knee, shoulder, ankle, hip and spine)
• Rotator cuff strains and tears
• Meniscus injuries
• Tendonitis and ligament sprains
• Chronic knee pain (arthritis or injury)
• Muscle strains, trigger points
• Tendonosis (Tennis Elbow & Golfer's Elbow)
• Carpal tunnel
• Plantar Fasciitis

PRP Pre Procedure Guidelines:

At your PRP Therapy session, Dr. Hauser will discuss what to expect during your treatment. It's helpful to remember that there are a few things to take into consideration before your session:

• One week before your procedure, discontinue anti-inflammatory medications
• One week before your procedure, discontinue any blood thinning herbs or supplements
• Two weeks before your procedure, discontinue systemic steroids
• One month before your procedure, discontinue steroid injections
• On the day of your procedure, eat a full, healthy breakfast and be sure to drink plenty of water.

Please be advised that if you take chronic oral steroids, a discontinuation plan will need to be discussed with your primary care provider as abrupt stoppage may cause side effects. Hauser Health does not advise stopping or taking any medication regimens without first consulting the doctor that prescribed them to you.

PRP Post Procedure Guidelines:

After your PRP Therapy session, we recommend that all patients rest on the day of their procedure. For the next 2 days, we advise limited use of the injection area, but movement is encouraged. This helps the joint recover as the injection is absorbed by the area’s surrounding tissues.

0–3 days Post Procedure guidelines:

After your treatment, there is a chance you’ll experience some mild to moderate pain or discomfort at the injection site. This is normal, and it is a sign that your body is healing as it adjusts to the injection. It is best to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water to help promote healing.

It is critical that you DO NOT take ANY medications following your procedure unless specifically directed otherwise by a physician. This is because any medication can affect the healing process or cause other adverse effects.

Therefore, discontinue use of any of these medications post-procedure for best results:

• Anti-inflammatory medications for at least 4 weeks post-procedure
• Blood-thinning herbs, supplements, or vitamins for 21 days post-procedure
• Systemic steroids for 6 weeks post-procedure

Other important guidelines to follow after your PRP procedure are:

• Avoid applying ice or heat to the injection site for the first 72 hours post-procedure
• Don’t take a hot bath or go to a sauna for the first few days post-procedure
• Avoid consumption of any alcoholic beverages for 2 days post-procedure
• Avoid baths for the first 24 hours following your procedure
• Avoid smoking

4 weeks Post Procedure guidelines:

At this point in your healing, you should gradually increase your daily activities. This is also when you can begin exercises. Proper exercise is a vital part of long-term results, and we can help you determine which exercises are best suited for your needs prior to your procedure.

• Ice can be applied 3-4 times a day for 15-20 minutes as needed for comfort.
• Anti-inflammatory medications (such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen) can be taken to help manage any residual pain at this time. Taken as directed
• Continue to avoid alcoholic beverages, smoking, or excessive amounts of caffeine

5 weeks Post Procedure guidelines:

At this point in your healing, we strongly encourage you to begin physical therapy to aid in your long-term healing and continued recovery. A follow-up appointment will be made for you to meet with our physician or medical team to review your healing process. It is important that you keep this follow-up visit even if your recovery is going well. If there are any adjustments to your customized treatment plan, this is when our physician will be able to make those decisions.