What is PRP?Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has been utilized for nearly two decades to treat degenerative joint disease and aid recovery from soft tissue injuries to tendons, muscles and ligaments. By isolating growth-factor rich platelets from the patient’s blood and injecting this potent plasma into the site of injury, this therapy has shown promise in its ability to catalyze the growth of new tissue and promote healing. The Science of PRPPlatelets play an important role in directing and acceler-ating the wound healing process, by setting off a chain of events governed by signaling proteins. Although this com-plex process is not fully understood, what is known is that platelet proteins – which contain growth factors – may play a key role in healing.1

What Data Supports PRP Therapy?Published data from case series have demonstrated that PRP is often effective in terms of decreasing symptoms resulting from of a variety of musculoskeletal conditions including chronic patellar tendinopathy,2,3 Achilles tendon lesions,4,5 degenerative cartilage lesions in the knee,6 chronic patellar tendinitis,7 osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee,8 and also chronic elbow tendinosis.9

Getting Ready for the ProcedureIf recommended by your physician you may be following the guidelines below. It is important to consult with your physi-cian or healthcare practitioner prior to your procedure for specific instructions.

If you are taking blood thinners, anti-inflammatory medica-tion and aspirin, you may need to stop using these medica-tions prior to the procedure.

You should be well-rested before the procedure and make arrangements to have someone drive you to and from the medical facility.

The ProcedureA PRP injection is usually performed on an outpatient basis. To isolate PRP, a small amount of blood is taken and then placed in a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins and con-centrates the platelets in roughly 15 minutes. This concen-trated PRP is then utilized for the procedure.

After being positioned on the procedure table, the physician will use an antiseptic scrub to clean the site of the injection. Your skin and muscle tissue will then be numbed with local anesthetic.

Your physician will inject the PRP concentrate into the damaged tissue. Image guidance (fluoroscopy or ul-trasound) may be used to visualize the affected area. It is common to experience mild discomfort during this part of the procedure. The entire procedure usually takes about one hour.

At the end of the procedure, a small bandage will be placed on the injection site, and you will rest in a recovery area until you are ready to go home. Typically patients resume normal activity the next day however you should consult with your physician for further instructions.

RecoveryIt is generally recommended that you rest, ice the affected area and elevate the limb for 48 hours following the pro-cedure. Pain from the injection may begin after the local anesthetic wears off. The pace and duration of rehabilita-tion depends on the nature and extent of the injury and the patient’s overall health and condition.

Post-treatment, your physician may suggest that you use a walking boot, knee brace and/or crutches for the lower ex-tremity or a sling for the upper extremity to immobilize the treated area. Stretching and light resistance exercises and physical therapy may also be prescribed. It is important to consult with your physician or healthcare practitioner prior to resuming normal activity or exercise.

PRP injections may be repeated. Most often a series of three to five injections are recommended over several months to maximize the benefit of the therapy.

Achilles tendon pre-treatment. Achilles tendon at follow-up.

Important InformationA PRP injection, like any medical procedure, has some risks. Not all patients will find relief from their pain and symptoms may recur over time. Please consult with your physician about the risks and potential complications of a PRP injection.

About RS MedicalRS Medical is the premier provider of non-invasive medical prod-ucts designed to relieve pain and improve function. The com-pany markets its products, directly to physicians throughout the United States and includes the SmartPReP2 Platelet Con-centrate System, Electrotherapy Stimulators, Spinal Bracing and Cervical Traction products. RS Medical is dedicated to maximiz-ing positive patient outcomes by providing products and servic-es that exceed the expectation of the patient, medical profes-sional and payor. More information about RS Medical and its full range of products can be found at www.rsmedical.com.

1 Engebretsen L et al. IOC consensus paper on the use of platelet-rich plasma in sports medicine. Br J Sports Med. 2010 Dec;44(15):1072-81.

2 Brown J, Sivan M. Ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injection for chronic patellar tendinopathy: a case report. PM R. 2010 Oct; 2(10):969-72

3 Filardo G et al. Use of platelet-rich plasma for the treatment of refractory jumper’s knee. Int Orthop. 2010 Aug;34(6):909-15.

4 Gaweda K, Tarczynska M, Krzyzanowski W. Treatment of Achilles tendinopathy with platelet-rich plasma. Int J Sports Med. 2010 Aug;31(8):577-83.

5 Filardo G et al. Nonoperative biological treatment approach for partial Achilles tendon lesion. Orthopedics. 2010 Feb;33(2):120-3.

6 Kon E et al. Platelet-rich plasma: intra-articular knee injections produced favorable results on degenerative cartilage lesions. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2010 Apr;18(4):472-9.

7 Kon E et al. Platelet-rich plasma: new clinical application: a pilot study for treatment of jumper’s knee. Injury. 2009 Jun;40(6):598-603.

8 Sánchez M et al. Intra-articular injection of an autologous preparation rich in growth factors for the treatment of knee OA: a retrospective cohort study. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2008 Sep-Oct;26(5):910-3.

9 Mishra A, Pavelko T. Treatment of chronic elbow tendinosis with buffered platelet-rich plasma. Am J Sports Med. 2006 Nov;34(11):1774-8.

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Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Musculoskeletal Pain Each year millions of people worldwide suffer from musculoskeletal pain. While most people get better over time, a significant number progress to chronic pain. The causes of musculoskeletal pain are varied. Muscles and tendons can be damaged through normal wear and tear or degeneration. Overuse and repetitive movements can also lead to pain.

Physician Information

Important information about your procedure