Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

Understanding PRP Injections Available to You

Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections Near You in Hoover and Birmingham, Serving Central Alabama

Platelet-rich plasma injections are quickly gaining in popularity for a variety of applications. This innovative technique uses the patient’s blood in an injection to accelerate healing, helping them bounce back from injury or surgery. Southlake Orthopaedics offers these and other injection treatments at locations in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, Alabama, serving patients throughout Central Alabama. Get in touch today to find out how PRP injections can help you experience less pain, more living.

What Are Platelets?

Platelets are a component of blood that play a vital role in healing. Though they are best known for their clotting ability, they also contain what physicians call growth factors. These are special proteins that trigger cell reproduction, helping tissues regenerate or heal from damage.

3D concept image of blood cells in human vein or artery

What Are Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections?

Platelet-rich plasma injections, also called PRP injections, are a minimally invasive procedure used to help patients heal from an injury, medical procedure, or health condition. The physician takes a sample of the patient’s blood. The sample is processed in a machine that separates blood components, concentrating platelets in the liquid part of the blood. The sample is then injected at the injury site. This delivers a large amount of platelets directly to where they are needed most for healing.

What Do Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections Treat?

As new research has evolved, the uses of PRP has expanded. At Southlake Orthopaedics, they are most often recommended to treat tendon, ligament, and joint sports medicine injuries. Conditions treated with PRP injections include:

 

Physicians may also recommend PRP injections to aid with recovery from a major surgery. Platelet-rich plasma may be delivered to the surgery site to accelerate recovery and help patients get back to normal life sooner and lower risk of reinjury.

Dr. Whitehead examining teenage patient's elbow

What To Expect from PRP Injections

PRP injections require little preparation. Patients may need to stop taking certain medications, including blood thinners and anti-clotting agents. Physicians may also run a few tests to determine whether a PRP injection is appropriate for the patient.

The procedure itself is performed in the office, on an outpatient basis. This means patients are awake through the procedure, and they can go home the same day. It takes about an hour to perform the following steps:

  1. The physician sterilizes the skin around the blood draw site, usually on the upper arm.
  2. The physician draws one or more vials of blood.
  3. The physician places the blood samples in a medical machine called a centrifuge. The machine spins the vials rapidly to separate blood components by weight.
  4. The physician sterilizes the skin around the injection site. Local anesthesia may be used to numb the area, reducing discomfort.
  5. The physician injects the concentrated blood into the patient’s tissue.

 

After a PRP injection, patients may experience some pain and inflammation. This is because the injection stimulates a natural healing process, like what occurs after an injury. These symptoms last a day or two after treatment. It may take several weeks to notice the benefits of PRP injection, and some patients may need multiple injections to achieve the desired results. Other treatments, such as physical therapy, may be used alongside injections to stimulate healing in other ways.

Why Choose Southlake Orthopaedics?

Patients who have suffered an injury will receive a high level of care at Southlake Orthopaedics. We specialize in complete orthopedic care, serving patients at every stage, from testing to surgery to rehabilitation. We provide all services on-site, including testing, injections, and physical therapy, and even offer an orthotics lab. This allows you to receive all types of care at one convenient location.

Treatments are delivered by our team of multi-specialty orthopedic physicians. They work with patients to develop a fully personalized treatment plan that takes all factors into account. They also help patients understand the cost of treatment. Most insurance companies do not currently cover PRP injections, meaning patients are often responsible for the whole cost. By providing financial guidance, Southlake Orthopaedics helps patients make informed decisions about their care.

Find Pain Relief with PRP Injections Near You in Alabama

If you are struggling with a sports injury or overuse condition, now is the time to pursue less pain, more living. Southlake Orthopaedics employs advanced treatments like platelet-rich plasma injections to help patients recover from injuries, surgeries, and more. With locations near you in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, AL, we serve patients throughout Central Alabama. Contact us to learn more about PRPR injections or to schedule an appointment.