Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are derived your own blood to facilitate progressive healingof damaged tissue and to restore function. At Denver Sports Medicine and Spine, top-rated physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists Yani C. Zinis, DO, and Raili Donnelly, PA-C, offer PRP injections, when appropriate, to stimulate recovery and relieve pain without surgery. Call the Denver, Colorado, office or book your appointment through online scheduling today.

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What are PRP injections?

PRP injections deliver a concentrated solution of your own platelet rich plasma into a damaged part of your body. Your platelets are a component of your blood with powerful healing properties.  Growth factors and other nutrients within your blood platelets stimulate healing by improving cellular signaling and recruiting healing cells to the site of the damaged tissue. But, your body’s initial injury response tapers quickly, so PRP injections can contribute to long term healing.

PRP injections contain highly concentrated platelets, with up to 10 times the usual amount of growth factors. Introducing that solution into the damaged area via injection provokes a potent injury response and helps your body maintain that healing response far longer than otherwise possible.

What conditions can PRP injections treat?

PRP injections offer effective pain relief in several situations, such as:

  • Arthritis
  • Tendinitis
  • Tendon tears (Partial)
  • Ligament injuries causing joint erosion
  • Muscle tears
  • Joint injuries

PRP injections could be an option if you have acute or chronic pain that has not gotten than would be expected with other conservative treatment. Many active individuals choose PRP injections because the treatment can jump-start recovery and help restore function and return to athletic and other activities.

What happens during the PRP injection process?

The Denver Sports Medicine and Spine team collects a small sample of your blood from an arm vein using a thin needle. Your blood goes into a technically advanced centrifuge, a machine that spins it rapidly. This separates your platelets and other healing properties from the other parts of the blood, creating the highly concentrated PRP for injection..

Then, you’ll receive the PRP serum through direct injection into your joint or other area of pain. PRP injections are an outpatient process, followed by progressive return to activity.

How long do the effects of PRP injections last?

The effects of PRP injections are intended to last up to six months, according to the Arthritis Foundation®. Generally, the effects are often comparable to those of other joint injections, such as cortisone injections or viscosupplementation, but in many cases, PRP may last longer.

PRP injections could be the most natural acute or chronic pain solution you’ve been looking for. To learn more about how PRP injections can help you, call Denver Sports Medicine and Spine or click on the online appointment feature now.