PRP Therapy FAQ: What are some myths about PRP therapy?

Knee Injections 

As a specialist in knee injections from a practice like the Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania can explain, platelet rich plasma, or PRP, is a therapy that has been around for over 30 years, but has only recently become one of the go to choices made by patients and doctors. The treatment is known to effectively treat musculoskeletal conditions, particularly those that involve muscle injuries, joint pain, connective tissue injuries, and so forth. It is also used to rejuvenate the skin, encourage new hair growth, and reduce acne.

Due to this treatment being relatively new to the American market, many people do not know about PRP, or are misinformed about how it works. The following are some of the most popular myths our PRP doctors know about. If you have further questions about PRP therapy and how it may help you, get in touch with a knee pain specialist today.

Myth 1: Platelet Rich Plasma Is a Complicated Procedure

Fact: Platelet Rich Plasma Treatments Take About One Hour

When you opt for PRP treatment, your blood will be drawn from the arm and placed into a centrifuge where it is spun and separated. The plasma will be placed into a syringe and then it will be injected into the area of your body being treated. PRP treatment is one of the simplest medical procedures, is non-invasive, and takes around one hour from start to finish.

Myth 2: PRP is Painful

Fact: There is Very Little Pain

Platelet rich plasma treatment is one of the least painful medical procedures that can effectively treat musculoskeletal problems. There are needles involved; therefore, you may feel a bit discomfort during the blood withdrawal and PRP injection. In some cases, such as hair loss treatment, a topical anesthetic is used. 

Myth 3: PRP is Dangerous

Fact: PRP is Known to Be Safe and Effective

Platelet rich plasma therapy is considered to be safe and effective. Your own blood is being used in the procedure which means there is little to no risk of reactions, side effects, infection, or complications. You also do not need to worry about a transmission of a disease or the body rejecting the platelets. Overall PRP is safe. However, there are some known cases of an infection developing at the site of the injection. This can typically be treated with antibiotics. In a very small number of patients involved in PRP research, their body did reject the PRP. Why this is happening is currently not understood by researchers, and when it did occur, there were no other symptoms. 

Myth 4: It Takes Several Treatment to Feel the Results

Fact: Improved Relief Is Often Noticed After the First Treatment

Most patients who undergo PRP treatment will notice a decrease in their symptoms after the first treatment. Depending on the symptoms and issue being treated, you may need 1-8 + treatments. It is certainly possible that you will notice an improvement after one or several injections. 

Myth: Only Older People Can Get PRP Therapy

Fact: People of All Ages Can Benefit from PRP

As a PRP doctor might explain to you, there is no minimum or maximum age to receive PRP therapy. In general, you should talk with your doctor to find out if you’re a candidate. Whether or not a person under 18 should receive the treatment will be based upon the doctor’s opinion and the childs’ symptoms.