Platelet Rich Plasma Injection (PRP)

A plateletrich plasma (PRP) injection uses your body’s natural healing properties to repair damaged and injured tissue. At Kai Sports Medicine in Little Silver, New Jersey, Zachary Perlman, DO, offers PRP injections to help his patients get back to their active lives. Dr. Perlman takes a patient-centered and holistic approach to care, offering innovative treatments that benefit your whole health. Call the office today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about the platelet rich plasma injection. 

What should I know about a platelet rich plasma injection?

A platelet rich plasma (PRP) injection is a type of precision medicine that harnesses your body’s natural healing powers to support the repairing of damaged tissue. PRP injections are made from a sample of your own blood and contain a high concentration of platelets.

Platelets are tiny blood cells you may know best for their ability to stop cuts from bleeding. In addition to blood clotting, platelets also contain specialized proteins that initiate the regeneration of new cells to repair the damage. 

A PRP injection delivers a high amount of platelets directly into the damaged or injured tissue to support the healing process. 

Can a platelet rich plasma injection help me recover from my sports injury?

Dr. Perlman conducts a thorough evaluation when you come in with concerns about a sports injury to determine the best treatment for you. 

Before recommending PRP injections, Dr. Perlman may start with medical treatments such as physical therapy and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

If your injury fails to improve with conservative care, or your condition is chronic, Dr. Perlman may suggest a PRP injection. He uses PRP injections to treat many musculoskeletal injuries and conditions including:

• Tendon injuries
• Tennis elbow
• Sprains and strains
• Arthritis

He may also suggest a PRP injection following surgery to help you heal faster. 

What happens during a platelet rich plasma injection?

Dr. Perlman thoroughly explains what you can expect before completing your PRP injection. He takes a sample of blood from your arm and spins it in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the rest of the blood cells. He adds the platelets to the plasma to make the PRP.

Dr. Perlman cleans the area of your injection with an antiseptic agent and administers a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. He then injects the PRP into the tissue.

You remain at Kai Sports Medicine for a set period of time so Dr. Perlman can monitor you before sending you home. You can resume your usual activities afterward.

When can I expect results from a platelet rich plasma injection?

Results following PRP injections vary. It takes time for your body to heal damaged tissue. Dr. Perlman schedules regular follow-ups to monitor your progress and may provide additional injections as needed.

Call Kai Sports Medicine or schedule an appointment online to find out how a platelet-rich plasma injection can benefit you.