top of page

PLATELET RICH PLASMA (PRP) THERAPY 

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP therapy) is used to enhance and accelerate soft tissue healing and reduce joint inflammation. It can be injected in the clinic setting as a way to promote quicker healing. Biologic treatments such as PRP are the next big wave in non-operative orthopedic treatment.

NEOS is one of the few practices in New England to offer this cutting edge treatment.

 

What is PRP?
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is made from your own blood. It consists of the portion of the blood that contains the platelets (as opposed to the portion that contains the red blood cells or other parts of blood). A standard blood draw is performed in the office setting. This blood is then spun down in a device called a centrifuge to separate out the plasma and platelet component of the blood, which contains condensed proteins and growth factors that help in tissue healing and pain relief. The PRP is then injected into the site of pain/injury similar to any other injection. PRP injections do not require any anesthesia or sedation. PRP is not stem cell therapy. 

 

What conditions does it treat?

  • Tennis elbow

  • Golfer’s elbow

  • Tendonitis including patellar tendonitis

  • Early knee arthritis (Note: PRP does not regrow cartilage or meniscus tissue, rather it helps with pain/inflammation symptoms resulting from arthritis.)

  • Trochanteric (hip) pain syndrome/bursitis

 

Who can benefit from PRP?
You must be reasonably healthy to benefit from PRP. If you are a smoker, inactive, have a poor diet, or have numerous chronic medical conditions, then PRP is not likely to be of benefit to you. No treatment, surgical or non-surgical, carries a 100% guarantee that it will work. PRP represents another option to recover from injury, stay active and potentially avoid surgery. Individuals with severe bone-on-bone arthritis or conditions that require a surgical repair may not be the right candidates for PRP. Dr. Ziegler will meet with you to discuss your injury/pain and decide if PRP would be an effective treatment for you.

 

Is PRP covered by insurance?
Unfortunately not. PRP has been around for many years, however, stronger evidence to support its use is still emerging. Although numerous studies have reported benefits of PRP in treating multiple orthopedic conditions, evidence is still mounting, and PRP is still considered experimental by insurance.

 

How much does PRP cost?
Since PRP is a self-pay procedure, this biologic treatment is offered at the best possible value with a very competitive rate. Please inquire further if interested. Payments must be processed with our billing department via cash, check or credit card prior to treatment.

 

What happens after the injection?
You may experience soreness at the site of the injection. This is not uncommon and there may be more soreness initially than you had prior to the injection! This is because of the healing process stimulated. We recommend avoiding strenuous activities or athletics for up to 3 weeks after the injection. You may resume your physical therapy if you are not having too much discomfort.

 

Want to know more about PRP? 
Just ask! We would be happy to provide more information and even a summary of the best available evidence from reliable sources.
 

bottom of page