In brief
- Platelets carry growth factors that stimulate cellular repair, collagen synthesis, and new blood vessel formation.
- Temporary soreness, swelling, or stiffness at the injection site for the first few days is productive inflammation: a sign the repair process has begun.
- Avoid anti-inflammatory medications for the window before and after the procedure so the platelets can do their work.
- Noticeable improvement typically begins between 4 and 6 weeks and can continue to build for several months.
Understanding the procedure
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection therapy is an advanced, regenerative treatment designed to harness and accelerate your body's natural healing mechanisms. Instead of temporarily decreasing inflammation like steroid injections, PRP uses a highly concentrated dose of your own blood platelets to actively repair damaged, degenerated, or chronically inflamed structures throughout the body, spanning musculoskeletal tissues, spinal anatomy, and cellular hair restoration.
How it works
Platelets contain a high concentration of bioactive proteins and signaling molecules known as growth factors. When injected into targeted tissues, they stimulate cellular repair, collagen synthesis, and new blood vessel formation. PRP modulates the local inflammatory environment, transitioning chronic, non-healing conditions into active, productive recovery.
Where we use it: the musculoskeletal system, to repair micro-tears, wear, and chronic inflammation in joints, tendons, and muscles; spinal discs, delivered directly into the disc to address discogenic pain; epidural injections, bathing irritated nerve roots in growth factors to treat radicular pain (sciatica) at its source rather than masking inflammation; and the scalp, to stimulate natural hair density and growth. By promoting structural repair at the cellular level, PRP addresses the root cause of mechanical and degenerative decline and can delay or prevent the need for surgery.
Before your procedure
Medication holds
Our office will tell you which medications to hold and for how long, following the same blood-thinner guidelines as our other procedures.
Anti-inflammatories
To ensure the platelets can trigger the healing response, you must avoid anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or meloxicam) for a specific window before and after the procedure. Our office will tell you the exact window.
Fasting, sedation, and your ride home
- If you are receiving sedation, nothing to eat or drink for six hours before your appointment. Essential morning medications may be taken with a small sip of water only.
- We offer light or deep sedation. The level is decided by the physician and anesthesia team based on the procedure and clinical need.
- Any patient receiving sedation must be accompanied by a responsible adult driver to take them home.
Where to go
Procedures are performed at one of three facilities: our clinic at 1925 Hospital Place, ACOM at 6449 Central Park Blvd, or Hendrick South at 6399 Directors Pkwy, Suite 100. Your appointment paperwork tells you which one. Please arrive early for registration and pre-procedure preparation.
Procedure day
- Natural processing: blood is drawn and processed in a centrifuge to separate platelets and plasma, creating a concentrated PRP sample.
- The entire process takes about 30 to 45 minutes, including blood collection and injection, though the duration depends on many variables.
- The injection occurs in a comfortable, sterile environment, with local numbing to reduce discomfort from the temporary pressure sensation.
Benefits
- Accelerated tissue regeneration through growth factors that stimulate cellular repair.
- Versatile: joints, tendons, muscles, spinal discs, nerve roots, and hair restoration.
- Durable, long-term structural preservation that can delay or prevent invasive surgery.
Recovery
- The healing phase: temporary localized soreness, swelling, or stiffness at the injection site for the first few days is normal and is a sign the repair process has begun.
- Avoid anti-inflammatories: NSAIDs must be avoided for a specific window before and after the procedure.
- Results timeline: noticeable functional improvements, pain reduction, or structural changes typically begin between 4 and 6 weeks and can continue to build for several months.
Afterward: what to expect
- The healing phase. Because PRP initiates an active, natural healing cascade, it is normal to experience temporary localized soreness, swelling, or stiffness at the injection site for the first few days. This productive inflammation is a sign that the repair process has begun.
- Anti-inflammatories. Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, meloxicam) for the window before and after the procedure that our office specifies, so the platelets can trigger the healing response.
- Results. Unlike immediate structural blocks, cellular regeneration takes time. Improvement typically begins between 4 and 6 weeks and can continue to build for several months.
Call us right away if you notice
- New or worsening leg weakness, numbness, or foot drop
- Sudden loss of bowel or bladder control
- Fever above 101.5°F, chills, or drainage at the site
- A severe headache that worsens when sitting or standing
This guide is the same information as the printed handout from Abilene Pain. It is general information and does not replace the instructions your care team gives you at your visit. Your care team: Nicolas Pugh, MD · Adrianne Anders, NP · Ted Chaka, PA.