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952-841-2345Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection Therapy
Living with chronic joint pain can make everyday activities more difficult and limit your quality of life. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection therapy is a regenerative treatment option that uses components from your own blood to help support the body’s natural healing response in damaged or painful joints.
PRP therapy offers long-term relief with minimal recovery time, and does not require surgery or opioid medications, making it an ideal treatment for patients who want to remain active, reduce pain, improve function, and potentially delay or avoid more invasive procedures.
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What is PRP therapy?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that may help reduce pain and improve function in joints affected by chronic injury, wear and tear, or degenerative conditions.
Platelet-rich plasma is a concentrated solution created from a small sample of your own blood. Platelets contain natural growth factors and signaling proteins that play an important role in the body’s healing response. By delivering a higher concentration of these platelets directly to an area of pain or injury, PRP therapy is designed to support tissue repair and promote a healthier healing environment.
After your blood sample is processed, the platelet-rich portion is separated and concentrated. The concentrated platelet-rich plasma is then injected directly into the affected joint or surrounding tissue.
What can I expect during a PRP treatment?
The procedure begins with a simple blood draw. The blood sample is processed using specialized technology to isolate and concentrate platelet-rich plasma.
Once the PRP has been prepared, the treatment area will be cleaned and sterilized. Using imaging guidance when appropriate, your provider will carefully inject the PRP into the affected joint or tissue.
The entire process typically takes less than 30 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day.
What can I expect after the procedure?
Most patients are able to return home shortly after treatment. Mild soreness, swelling, or discomfort at the injection site may occur for several days and is a normal part of the healing response.
We recommend taking it easy for the remainder of the day following the procedure. Most patients can resume normal daily activities within a day or two, although strenuous activity may need to be limited for a period of time as directed by your provider.
Because PRP works by supporting the body’s natural healing processes, improvement is often gradual and may continue over several weeks or months.
Benefits of PRP therapy
Potential benefits of PRP treatment include:
- Minimally invasive treatment with no surgery required
- Uses your body’s own platelets
- Little downtime compared to surgical procedures
- May provide long-term pain relief and improved mobility
- Can be used alongside other comprehensive pain management treatments
- Designed to support the body’s natural healing response
Individual results vary, and not all patients are candidates for PRP therapy.
Who is a candidate for PRP therapy?
PRP therapy may be a good option for patients with chronic joint, tendon, or musculoskeletal pain who are looking for a non-surgical treatment to help support the body’s natural healing process. Candidates often include individuals who:
- Have chronic joint pain that has not responded adequately to conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or activity modification
- Are experiencing pain related to mild to moderate osteoarthritis
- Have tendon injuries or chronic tendon conditions, such as tennis elbow or patellar tendinopathy
- Have sports-related injuries affecting joints, ligaments, or tendons
- Want to explore regenerative treatment options before considering surgery
- Are in generally good health and able to participate in recommended rehabilitation and follow-up care
PRP therapy may not be appropriate for everyone. Certain medical conditions, active infections, bleeding disorders, or medications that affect blood clotting may influence whether PRP is recommended. During your consultation, your provider will review your medical history, symptoms, imaging studies, and treatment goals to determine if PRP therapy is right for you.
What conditions can PRP therapy help treat?
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients tolerate PRP therapy well. During the procedure, you may feel a brief pinch from the injection and some pressure or discomfort as the PRP is placed into the treatment area. Because PRP works by stimulating the body’s natural healing response, it is common to experience mild soreness, stiffness, or increased discomfort for several days after treatment. These symptoms are typically temporary and gradually improve as healing progresses.
PRP therapy is generally considered a low-risk procedure because it uses your own blood, which minimizes the risk of allergic reactions or rejection. However, as with any injection procedure, there are some potential risks, including:
• Temporary pain or soreness at the injection site
• Swelling or inflammation
• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Infection (rare)
• No improvement in symptoms
Your provider will discuss the potential benefits and risks of PRP therapy and determine whether it is an appropriate treatment option for your condition.
Results vary from person to person and depend on factors such as the condition being treated, the severity of tissue damage, and your body’s individual healing response. Some patients experience meaningful reductions in pain and improvements in function, while others may notice more modest benefits. Because PRP supports the body’s natural healing processes, improvement is often gradual and may develop over several weeks or months following treatment.
The duration of symptom relief varies for each patient. Most individuals experience benefits from at least several months to over a year. In some cases, the treatment results in complete healing of the tissue, resulting in permanent relief. Factors such as the underlying condition, activity level, overall health, and adherence to rehabilitation recommendations can influence how long results last. In some cases, additional treatments may be recommended as part of a comprehensive care plan.
Most insurance plans in Minnesota do not cover PRP therapy. A flat rate payment of $900 will be required on the date of the procedure.
At Twin Cities Pain Clinic, our specialists use advanced platelet-rich plasma technology as part of a comprehensive approach to treating chronic joint and musculoskeletal pain. PRP therapy may be an option for patients seeking a non-surgical treatment to help improve function and reduce pain caused by chronic injuries or degenerative joint conditions.
Because PRP injection therapy is considered investigational, it is not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or most commercial insurance plans. It is available on a cash-pay basis, and a single flat rate payment of $900 is required on the date of the appointment.
Our team will perform a thorough evaluation and develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific condition and goals.
Schedule a consultation with Twin Cities Pain Clinic today to learn whether a Platelet rich plasma (PRP) injection therapy may be an appropriate option for your pain management plan.
Schedule a consultation today