Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a treatment that uses a concentrated portion of your own blood to promote healing and tissue repair. Your blood contains platelets, which are rich in growth factors that help regenerate cells and reduce inflammation.

• A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm (similar to a lab test).
• The blood is placed in a centrifuge, which spins to separate the platelets from other blood components.
• The concentrated platelets (PRP) are collected and injected directly into the injured or painful area.

PRP is used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal and soft tissue conditions, including:

• Tendon injuries (e.g., tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy)
• Joint pain and arthritis (e.g., knee osteoarthritis)
• Muscle injuries and chronic strains
• Ligament sprains
• Plantar fasciitis
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Sports injuries
• Some cases of hair loss and skin rejuvenation (cosmetic use)

• Reduce inflammation
• Promote healing of tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints
• Improve pain and function
• Delay or prevent the need for surgery

• Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) for at least 5–7 days before and after the injection, as they can interfere with the healing response.
• Stay hydrated and eat a light meal beforehand.
• Tell your provider if you take blood thinners, have any infections, or have a bleeding disorder.

• The skin is cleaned and numbed with local anesthetic.
• PRP is injected into the affected area using ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance, if necessary.
• The entire process takes about 45–60 minutes.

What to Expect:

• Mild swelling, soreness, or aching for 2–3 days is normal.
• You may begin to notice pain relief within 2–4 weeks, though full results can take several weeks to months as healing continues.
• PRP is a natural repair process, so improvement is gradual.

Activity:

• Limit strenuous activity for the first few days.
• Avoid high-impact exercise for 1–2 weeks, or as instructed.
• A return-to-activity plan or physical therapy may be recommended.

• Some patients respond after 1 injection, while others may need a series of 2–3 treatments, spaced several weeks apart.
• The number of injections depends on your condition, response, and treatment goals.

PRP is generally safe because it uses your own blood. However, possible side effects include:

• Mild to moderate pain or swelling at the injection site
• Bruising
• Rarely, infection or nerve irritation
• No improvement in symptoms (in a minority of cases)

Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy is a safe, natural, and minimally invasive treatment designed to support healing and reduce pain by using your body's own growth factors. It's an exciting option for many orthopedic and soft tissue injuries when conservative treatments haven't been effective.

Patients trust Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah because we offer:

• Board-certified pain management specialists
• Advanced imaging guidance for precise PRP injections
• Personalized treatment plans for optimal healing
• Comprehensive care before, during, and after the procedure

Our goal is to help you find natural, effective solutions for your pain and injury recovery.