PRP - Platelet Rich Plasma in Jacksonville FL

After identifying the tailored PRP solution needed to treat your condition, blood is drawn from your arm and run through a centrifuge which separates the blood into its components. Plasma, which contains the beneficial platelets, is collected and further refined, concentrating these vital platelets and healing molecules. The final, personalized PRP solution is then injected into the affected area (joint space, tendon, or ligament). Ultrasound guidance may be used to ensure precise delivery of PRP in certain cases.

PRP treatments are given in our clinic and take between 45 minutes to an hour, from pre-procedural prep all the way through to putting a bandaid on the injection site.

A tailored PRP formulation is prepared depending on your specific requirement. A routine blood draw is performed, and anywhere between 30mL and 120mL of blood is collected depending on what is needed to make the best PRP preparation according to your needs.

The blood is then carefully separated into its various components using centrifugation. The plasma is drawn off and is then further centrifuged in order to further concentrate the platelets, growth factors, and cytokines into a usable PRP treatment that is ready to be injected. The whole system is enclosed so that contamination of the sample is not a concern.

Patients are able to resume normal activity immediately following the procedure and may return to rigorous activities and sports within 2 weeks. Approximately 1 out of every 20 patients report an increase in pain and some swelling immediately following the injection, lasting up to several days. This is normal and results from the body’s natural inflammatory response flooding the region with healing factors. Please notify your physician if this increased pain does not resolve itself within three days. Your provider will discuss specific limitations and rehab protocols with you before leaving the office. Our clinical team will walk you through each step of your procedure, providing you with information and guidance to maximize your recovery.

Some patients experience pain relief shortly after their PRP procedure but it usually takes most patients about 2 weeks to start to experience relief from pre-injection pain levels. Ongoing improvement from that point is also very typical. The greatest benefit is typically reported at 4-6 weeks post-injection but can take up to 6-9 months.

To maximize recovery, we strongly suggest that you adhere to the guidelines recommended by your treating physician. This may include short-term reduced activity, formal physical therapy, &/or at-home exercises.

Your PRP results will vary depending on a number of factors. Our team will develop an optimized treatment and care plan specifically for your needs, ensuring the best possible outcome.

Your treatment plan is tailored to your needs and is created based upon the severity and duration of the injury or degeneration. Usually, one PRP treatment is sufficient for treating acute injuries. However, more severe conditions may need ‘booster’ shots after four weeks. Chronic conditions may require several PRP treatments. Your provider will evaluate your condition and outline the appropriate treatment course.

There are complementary treatments to PRP such as Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) and hyaluronic acid that may help maximize your results.

Healing that occurs from PRP therapy is usually long-term. However, if the etiology of the injury is not addressed (such as flat feet leading to knee or hip pain), then repeated wear and tear will continue to degrade the joints and/or tendons. For this reason, a comprehensive approach which includes PRP therapy, structured physical therapy, and other adjunctive therapies are recommended.

Pre-procedural restrictions are necessary to ensure a good quality of PRP with high platelet integrity AND to optimize your body’s response to the PRP injection. Please let your provider know what medications and supplements you are currently taking so that they may advise you appropriately.

Please adhere to the following guidelines:

• No cortisone injections within 30 days of PRP
• 14 days prior to PRP all oral steroids (prednisone, methylprednisolone, etc.) must be discontinued
• 5 days prior to PRP all NSAIDs and anti-inflammatory supplements must be discontinued BUT patients taking aspirin to prevent heart attack, stroke, etc. it should continue it
• 3 days prior to PRP patients must discontinue drinking alcohol and temporarily adjust their diet. Patients are directed to reduce intake of fat, sugar, and refined carbs in their diet to optimally concentrate their platelets. Patients must also increase
• water intake ( to at least 8 cups of water per day) to stay hydrated to facilitate blood draw. Also, patients must avoid diuretics like coffee, soda, and other caffeinated beverages
• 1 day prior to PRP patients are asked to abstain from heavy exercise or strenuous activity and drink at least 8 cups of water
• The day of the PRP Procedure we ask all patients to bathe and wash the area to be injected with soap & water and drink at least 8 cups of water prior to their procedure

Immediately after the procedure, keep your injection site clean & dry. Do not remove your bandage until after your shower on the day after your procedure. Patients are asked to change their bandage daily until a scab forms or the skin closes. Patients may shower the day following their procedure and at any time thereafter but no baths/pools/hot tubs for 7 days to mitigate risk of infection at the injection site. It is also recommended that patients abstain from anything that will inhibit the natural inflammatory response triggered by the PRP treatment. We therefore ask patients to not apply ice to the region of their procedure for the first 5-7 days. Some swelling & discomfort is normal and part of the inflammation/healing process. Patients are encouraged to use a heating pad to reduce pain if needed. Some studies show that using heat for 10 minutes 3x a day – regardless of pain level – enhances the PRP response. Patients may use Tylenol (acetaminophen) to reduce pain if needed. Additionally, patients are directed to abstain from using any prescription or over the counter anti-inflammatory medicines for at least 7 days after the procedure. Lastly, patients must forego alcoholic beverages for at least 5 days after the procedure.

The characteristics of the composition of PRP are critical to final outcomes. There are a wide variety of commercially available kits which deliver very different cellular products. The red and white blood cell counts, platelet yield and the ability to concentrate the product efficiently vary dramatically. Variances in these categories will result in altered healing and efficacy.

We offer the highest standard of Platelet Rich Plasma available today. As a group we use only the most advanced and scientifically proven equipment which includes:

1. A therapeutic dose of over 1 billion platelets per mL of PRP
2. A high dose of growth factors released at the site of injury
3. A high platelet yield which recovers over 80% of the platelets present in your blood
4. The purest form of PRP available, removing red blood cells and neutrophils prior to injecting, thereby reducing inflammation and a host of negative effects

PRP is ideal for patients who have not found an appropriate level of success in more conservative or traditional treatments, such as steroid injections, viscosupplements, physical therapy or bracing. PRP may also be an effective option for candidates that wish to attempt to delay or avoid a surgery.

Unlike cortisone or other injectable medications, PRP is a natural substance derived from your body, limiting adverse reactions. As with any injection, there is a minor risk of infection, bleeding and damage to local structures. To limit this, your provider will cleanse the area of injection and follow universal precautions.

PRP injections are usually well-tolerated with a topical anesthetic.

There have been numerous clinical studies that show significant and lasting reduction in pain for a variety of injuries. Common injuries include early to advanced arthritis, knee and shoulder pain. Multiple clinical studies have shown that when used in conjunction with lifestyle changes and strengthening therapies, the results are positive.

No, the PRP comes from your own body and is used immediately. Therefore, there is no risk of rejection and very low risk of infection (the same risk as any other injection). In addition, the aspiration is done under sterile conditions to mitigate any contamination with pathogens and the injection is done using aseptic, no-touch technique.

PRP can be highly effective in substantially reducing pain in patients with even advanced arthritis. Often, patients are able to delay total knee replacement for years with PRP therapy.

The cost of a PRP treatment varies based on the procedure performed. Our office staff can assist you with payment options and answer any other questions you may have.

Although PRP in musculoskeletal applications is well supported by clinical evidence, the broader use of PRP therapy in treating pain is still considered relatively new at this time. Because of this, PRP is not typically covered by commercial insurance companies or Medicare, and is provided as a cash pay procedure. Our office staff can assist you with additional questions.