Platelet rich plasma (PRP) injection, also referred to as PRP treatment or PRP therapy, is a form of orthopedic treatment that can provide relief to some patients with osteoarthritis, soft tissue injuries, and other musculoskeletal conditions. While many traditional forms of orthopedic treatment focus on addressing symptoms, PRP injections aim to promote healing in the damaged tissues themselves.
The PRP Treatment Process
To gain a better understanding of how PRP injections help patients overcome pain, let’s take a brief look at the treatment process and how this therapy works:
- A small amount of blood is taken from the patient’s arm.
- The blood sample is processed in a centrifuge machine to separate platelet rich plasma from other blood cells.
- The PRP cells are concentrated and injected into the patient’s injured area. A numbing agent may be used to reduce any discomfort from the injections.
PRP injections only take about 30 minutes and most patients can immediately return to normal activities. Some patients may experience mild soreness at the injection sites for a few days following treatment. Because the patient’s own blood is used, the potential for serious side effects is minimal.
The Science Behind PRP Injections
PRP injections provide a “biological boost” by harnessing the restorative power of the patient’s own growth factor-rich blood platelets. These growth factors play a key role in the body’s natural healing process—more specifically, the initial inflammatory response of healing. When growth factors are collected, concentrated to achieve maximum potency, and injected directly into an injured area, the healing process may accelerate, potentially providing faster and more significant relief from pain caused by:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rotator cuff tears
- Achilles tendonitis
- Golfer’s elbow
- Tennis elbow
- Meniscus injuries
- Patellar tendonitis
- Other traumatic and overuse injuries
PRP Injections at Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group
Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group in Tampa, Florida, is pleased to offer PRP injections and other progressive forms of regenerative medicine. A division of Florida Medical Clinic, our orthopedic practice is the longest-operating in the area and a well-established source for world-class orthopedic care.
Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group is led by orthopedic sports medicine surgeon Daniel Murphy and sports medicine specialist Dr. Arnold Ramirez—two board-certified physicians who are trusted to care for our local professional athletes. Dr. Murphy serves on the medical staffs of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New York Yankees, while Dr. Ramirez is a team doctor for the Buccaneers. As our patient, you can be completely assured that you’ll receive the highest level of orthopedic treatment from specialists who possess a unique understanding of musculoskeletal health and athletic performance. Our team will address your concerns, answer your questions, and help ensure you can make informed and confident decisions about your treatment.
Contact Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group today to learn more about PRP injections and whether they’re right for you. We proudly serve adolescents, adults, and seniors in the Tampa area. Our team looks forward to helping you feel your best!
