About PRP Therapy Process

PRP therapy is an all natural treatment that speeds up and promotes healing. There is minimal downtime and fewer side effects compared to surgery or steroid injections. PRP involves taking blood from a vein in the arm and placing it into a special centrifuge. The platelets are separated from the rest of the components of the blood. The platelets are combined with a special substrate to enhance the effects. This is then injected into the injured or painful area. Once healing takes place, over the course of a few weeks, the pain should lessen. PRP therapy can help treat the conditions below.

• Tendonitis

• Tennis and golfer’s elbow

• ACL, MCL and meniscal tears

• Arthritic pain

Learn more about PRP

How do I know if I am a candidate for PRP?

A consultation is required before any treatment may take place. The consultation includes a comprehensive review of your complaints, medical history and a thorough examination will be conducted. Diagnostic studies will be reviewed and/or ordered at the time of the consultation to determine the cause of your complaint(s). Once a diagnosis is established, we will discuss treatment options with you including if you are a candidate for PRP. Often, other non-surgical treatments may be tried first. PRP is often just one element of a comprehensive treatment program.

How many injections will I need?

This is no universal answer to this question. Typically 1 to 3 injections. Much of this depends on the chronicity and location of your problem. Some patients can successfully be treated with one injection while others require multiple injections over a time period to eliminate or reduce pain to an acceptable level.

How long does PRP take to perform?

Depending on the number of areas being treated, most procedures will be completed in 30 – 45 minutes.

How do I know if PRP has helped me?

The answer to this is simple. PRP does not “mask” your pain and other symptoms like pain medication. If PRP has helped you, you will notice a difference in your overall pain level and function. Many patients will see an increase in overall pain levels initially, but as the healing process occurs, symptoms are expected to resolve gradually over the course of 4 to 6 weeks on average. Much depends on the patient’s overall level of health, age, diet, and activity levels. For some patients, repeat treatments may be needed.

How long does the effect from PRP last?

This is different for everyone. Much depends on the underlying disease process and whether there have been a recurrent injury to the affected area. It is impossible to predict if and when further treatments will be needed for a specific condition. In some cases, patients do come back months or years later for repeat PRP injections.

What are the possible side effects?

As with any type of injection, there is a small risk of infection, injury to blood vessels and risk of bleeding. There is a small risk of injury to a tendon or ligament when injected. While not truly considered a side effect, many patients will experience increased pain or discomfort for a temporary period following the treatment. If you have been ill or running fever, it is advisable to discuss this with the physician before considering this type of treatment.

What is the success rate of PRP?

The success rate of PRP therapy varies considerably. Much depends of the condition being treated, health status of the patient, age, and treatment protocol. Success is also highly subjective and dependent on the patient’s perception. Success rates reported in the literature have been largely anecdotal. PRP success in the treatment of tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) has been reported in up to 80-90% in some studies, Achilles tendonitis 70-80%, and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) 60-70%.

PRP therapy at Naperville Rehab Clinic

Our experienced team of medical professionals at Naperville Rehab Clinic are here to help patients to alleviate pain and recover from their injuries. Our medical professionals have special training and certification in the art of clinical hypnotherapy, acupuncture, postural correction, and golf/sports injuries. We use the non-surgical method to diagnose and treat conditions such as low back pain, sciatica, disc bulging/herniation, stenosis, headaches, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck pain, hip, knee and ankle pain, shoulder, elbow and wrist pain as well as other related neuro-musculoskeletal conditions.

To start on your path to optimal health and wellness, call us at (630) 961-1888 or contact us to request an appointment. We accept most insurances and consultations are free for new patients! Our office is conveniently located in Naperville at 1750 N. Washington Street, Suite 112C.