Looking for a regenerative treatment for knee pain from osteoarthritis? PRP treatment is here to the rescue. It is a therapeutic approach to relieve pain and promote healing. It is made from your own blood, which lowers the risk of complications. It is a relatively new treatment, so you need to consider some factors for finding the right PRP injection clinic. We are here to help. Read this article to learn about PRP injection clinics and factors to consider when choosing a PRP injection clinic. Visit the best Pain Management Clinic in Brooklyn at Doral Health & Wellness or log on to www.doralhw.org.
FAQs on PRP injection clinics
These FAQs (frequently asked questions) on PRP injection clinics will help you know the things you should look for when it comes to pain management through PRP therapy.
- What is a PRP injection, and when should you consider it?
Ans. A PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injection is a therapeutic treatment option for pain management and healing for a wide range of conditions, from musculoskeletal pain and injuries to cosmetic procedures. This injection contains platelet-rich plasma derived from your blood. Plasma, the liquid part of the blood, and platelets, a type of blood cell with growth factors promoting healing. Platelets are also known for their clotting abilities, triggering cell reproduction, and stimulating tissue regeneration in damaged areas. Healthcare providers make PRP by taking blood samples from the patient and putting them into a device called a centrifuge that spins too fast to separate blood components from the platelets and concentrate them within the plasma.
Generally, PRP injections contain 5 to 10 times more platelets than a normal blood sample would. It is directly injected into diseased or injured tissues so that growth factors in the platelets start working and improve the symptoms. It helps in faster wound healing and eases your pain.
Your doctor will recommend this therapy if you have functionally limiting pain and don’t respond well to other conservative treatments. It works well for musculoskeletal conditions that cause pain or loss of function, like tendon, ligament, muscle, and joint injuries, or degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis. It also helps you avoid surgery and/or accelerate post-surgery recovery. However, it is not a good option for people who have certain conditions like active infections, cancer, and platelet dysfunction disorders. So, make sure you discuss everything with your doctor before considering PRP injections for your pain management treatment.
- How many types of PRP injections are there?
Ans. There are four types of PRP injections available that are used depending on the type of injury or condition you have. It includes:
- Pure PRP: In this PRP injection, white blood cells are completely removed, and the substance contains a low fibrin matrix.
- Leukocyte and PRP (L-PRP): In this PRP injection, white blood cell count is maintained with a low fibrin matrix.
- Leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF): This injection has no white blood cells but a high fibrin matrix. Experts recommend this type of PRP to treat knee osteoarthritis.
- Pure platelet-rich fibrin (P-PRF): This injection maintains both white blood cell counts and has a high fibrin matrix.
- How to prepare for PRP injection?
Ans. Your doctor will guide you on how to prepare for PRP injections, and you can ask them any questions you have. Generally, they ask you to stop taking certain medications like blood thinners or NSAIDs or some supplements like omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, avoid the use of oral or injected steroids for 2 to 4 weeks before the procedure. Before the procedure, you should eat something to avoid feeling lightheaded after drawing blood. In case you have certain blood disorders, then you’re not a viable candidate for PRP injections.
- What should you expect during and after PRP injection?
Ans. During the procedure, you can expect some differences depending on what you’re getting treatment for, but most of the steps are the same. The doctor takes a blood sample from your arm’s vein. They put the sample in a machine that separates the plasma and platelets from other blood components. Then, depending on the area to be treated, sometimes doctors use imaging guidance like ultrasound to find the right spot to inject the PRP with a needle. They may use anesthesia before to numb the area. The whole procedure takes around 30 minutes, depending on the area being treated.
After the procedure, the injection site will get sore and/or bruised, which is normal. Your doctor advises not to wash the area for 48 hours after treatment, and to avoid using the area as much as possible. The soreness and inflammation subside in a few days. To manage the discomfort, you can use ice therapy or take over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen. For the next 2 weeks, you should perform light stretching to improve your range of motion. After 2 weeks, strengthening exercises under the supervision of the professional should be performed. The healing process may take over 4 to 6 weeks, so make sure you avoid anti-inflammatories and steroids because they interfere with this therapy.
In case you experience severe pain or bleeding, then contact your doctor.
- How long do the PRP injection effects last?
Ans. The effects of PRP injection can vary depending on the injury, medical condition, body part, type of PRP injection, and overall health of the person. For some, it may last for 6 months to a year or even longer. During this time, your symptoms begin to improve for several months. Besides temporary pain relief, it also improves your overall condition over time. You can discuss your expectations of pain relief with your doctor before the injection.
Things to consider when choosing a PRP Injection Clinic
There are some critical factors you should consider before choosing a PRP injection clinic for treatment:
- Your budget:
When it comes to PRP therapy, many insurance plans don’t cover it because of its complex nature, requirement for accurate diagnosis, and equipment need, which makes it expensive. So, before choosing a PRP injection, make sure you discuss treatment pricing, insurance acceptance, and other payment options. Make sure you also take into account other expenses like traveling or time off work. Sometimes, you may need multiple PRP treatment sessions, so if you undergo PRP treatment, then try to make sure the clinic is close to your home.
- Your reason for seeking treatment:
If you’re an athlete who was injured or even if you have chronic joint or muscle pain, you should go to a sports injury clinic with a board-certified physician specializing in sports injuries and musculoskeletal conditions and experienced in giving PRP treatment. Otherwise, if you’re someone who’s experiencing hair loss or skin conditions, then you should look for a cosmetic clinic.
Depending on the problem you are seeking treatment for, you may feel more comfortable working with a specialist in that particular field. This is something for you to decide.
- Your rapport with your doctor:
Find a physician in your area that you’re comfortable working with, because if they are someone who makes you feel comfortable during treatment and discussing medical history, you’ll be able to voice your concerns freely. Studies show that the majority of patients who feel their doctors are compassionate, comforting, and have an empathetic personality are easy to get along with. So, if you find this in a clinic, make sure to discuss your treatment options with them.
- Your diagnosis:
When you explain your situation to your physician, make sure they understand your symptoms and your medical history by listening to you. Sometimes, different diagnoses lead to different treatments, even when the pain is in the same area. For example, someone suffering from a sports-related meniscus injury and someone with early-onset fibromyalgia may need two different approaches to treat it. Your doctor may individualize your treatment to you and your situation and not recommend the maximum number of treatments possible.
- The clinic’s reputation:
PRP treatment is a complex process that requires specialized knowledge and expertise, which means not every physician is necessarily skilled in this treatment. That’s why you need to do proper research into the background of the clinic you plan to choose. To do that, you can simply check their reviews on Google search and examine their patient testimonials, staff achievements, and credentials.
- Protocols and processes they follow:
PRP is a relatively new treatment in which methods are not standardized, and the proper procedure is not known to many patients. That’s why some practitioners may try to get away with cutting corners and not following protocols. So, if you’re seeking PRP treatment from somewhere, make sure to ask about the clinic, the physician, and the procedure, and check their details.
- According to protocols, your blood should be handled by a doctor or qualified nurse, not by anyone else.
- The clinic should strictly follow health and safety guidelines at every stage of the procedure.
- The FDA recommends that platelet-rich plasma should be separated and used within 4 hours of being collected.
- If a clinic offers industry gold standard treatments like ultrasound-guided injections, then it is a good sign.
Choosing a PRP injection treatment is a big decision for your pain management. Make sure you choose the right PRP injection clinic by following the above-mentioned points and get better outcomes in pain relief.
If you need help with PRP therapy, visit our pain management clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now!!!! If your pain needs professional assistance, visit our pain management clinic in Brooklyn today or call to get a consultation. Our location at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11212 is well-served by public transportation, including many bus routes, and the subway line. Visit our website at https://doralhw.org/department/pain-management/ or contact us on +1-718-367-2555 for additional details.
