Injection Therapy

PRP is created by taking a sample of a patient’s own blood, much like a typical blood draw for a lab test. The sample is then placed into a centrifuge, a machine that spins rapidly to separate the components of blood based on density. The spinning separates red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. The portion rich in platelets collected is the PRP.

The resulting substance is then injected into the specific area where it can both treat muscle & tendon injuries and enhance healing. The entire process takes about fifteen minutes and can be performed safely in either an office or surgical setting.

The use of PRP is common in various specialties, including cardiology, dermatology, urology, oral surgery, and of course, orthopedics. It is an effective and low risk option with decades of efficacy reported when used for the appropriate conditions and injuries.

PRP has produced solid results in patients with tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis), Achilles tendonitis, rotator cuff tendinitis, patellar tendonitis, arthritis, and plantar fasciitis. It can also be helpful with acute muscle injuries like strains or minor tears. This is not a complete list, so discuss your precise condition with your doctor to learn if PRP may be applicable to your situation.

PRP therapy is also used to enhance healing and speed the rate of recovery after surgeries like ACL reconstruction, Achilles tendon repair, and rotator cuff repair.

The number of treatments can vary and depends on the severity of the problem or injury. Some people respond within four weeks and only require one treatment. Other times a response can take up to six months and require multiple injections.

Because the injection is simply a platelet-rich version of a patient’s own blood cells, the therapy is very safe. The risk of allergic reaction or disease transmission is effectively zero. The only instances in which PRP is not recommended is in patients with a known blood disorder or active infection.

The price of a PRP injection is an important consideration, as the cost varies. As PRP therapy may be able to prevent an expensive surgical procedure or possibly enhance the speed of healing after surgery, some insurance providers will reimburse for PRP injections.

The procedure is minimally invasive, virtually painless and far less expensive than surgery. In addition, the potential to improve tissue healing and get patients back to their activities quickly and safely make this procedure attractive to both patients and physicians.

Cortisone is a naturally produced hormone released by the adrenal gland in your body during times of stress. A synthetic, injectable version of cortisone is available as a medication that can reduce inflammation, taking away pain and swelling in muscles, joints, and soft tissue.

Cortisone injections are given to patients with a variety of medical conditions including shoulder and knee arthritis, rotator cuff tendonitis, tennis elbow, and bursitis. These are the primary inflammatory conditions where an injection of cortisone would be used and are commonly performed in the physician’s office setting.

A cortisone injection can take between 2-7 days to become fully effective, but many patients report relief even more quickly. Depending on the severity of the condition, an injection may last anywhere between one month to ten years. Although cortisone can be administered to more than one area of the body, the general recommendation is that these injections are spaced out every four months per injection location.

Overall, cortisone injections are very safe. Occasionally, the steroid injection can be known to temporarily increase a patient’s blood sugar. For those patients with diabetes, we recommend 24-hour blood sugar checks after an injection. Too much cortisone may also damage tissue, which is why injections are spaced out every four months.

Usually, a cortisone injection completed by an experienced professional is equivalent to that of a typical blood draw. Each injection takes under 5 seconds to administer, and it is only one needle stick. Less painful areas for injections are the shoulder and knee, while more sensitive areas like the bottom of the foot have higher pain potential.

Cortisone injections are a safe and effective way to both decrease inflammation and reduce pain associated with common orthopedic conditions.