PRP Treatments

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments are an easy and effective way to relieve knee or shoulder pain. At Kentucky Joint Specialists, located in Louisville, Kentucky, knee and shoulder expert Jennifer Blackburn, APRN, FNP-C, and the team use PRP treatments to reduce inflammation and speed up the body’s natural healing process. Call Kentucky Joint Specialists today to request a PRP treatment consultation or make your appointment online.

What are PRP treatments?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a minimally invasive procedure used to heal or repair soft tissue injuries. 

There are many uses for PRP, but the Kentucky Joint Specialists team specializes in treating knee and shoulder pain. A series of PRP injections can reduce swelling, improve mobility, and help you return to your favorite activities. 

What conditions can benefit from PRP treatments?

The Kentucky Joint Specialists team uses PRP treatments to manage conditions that affect the:

Shoulders

Your shoulders connect your arms to your torso. They assist with daily activities like lifting and reaching.

Knees

Your knees are the joints where your upper and lower legs meet. They help you walk, run, and jump.

People regularly visit the practice to receive treatment of:

• Rotator cuff tears
• Arthritis
• Sprains and strains
• Cartilage tears
• Tendinitis
• Bone spurs

PRP provides a minimally invasive treatment option for sports, work, and auto accident injuries. 

What does PRP treatment involve?

PRP treatment is an outpatient procedure that takes 60-90 minutes.*

Your Kentucky Joint Specialists provider draws a sample of your blood. Then, they process the sample in a centrifuge –– a machine that separates the platelets and growth factors in your blood into a special serum (plasma). 

After creating the platelet-rich plasma solution, your provider transfers it to a syringe. Then, they use fluoroscopic guided imaging to inject the platelet-rich solution precisely into your knee or shoulder joint. 

The PRP solution triggers your body’s healing process at the cellular level. Specifically, it increases circulation to the treatment site, reduces inflammation, and triggers the production of healthy cells and new tissue. The number of injections you receive depends on the severity of your symptoms and the issue treated. 

After administering the injections, your provider removes the syringe, bandages the injection site, and provides recovery instructions.

Are PRP treatments painful?

PRP treatments are safe and usually well-tolerated. Before administering the injections, your Kentucky Joint Specialists provider cleans your skin and applies a topical anesthetic. 

Since PRP treatments use a solution derived from your own blood, there’s little risk of infection. You may experience redness, mild swelling, or bruising at the injection sites for a day or two, but any discomfort should resolve quickly. If your symptoms continue or worsen, contact Kentucky Joint Specialists immediately. 

How many PRP treatments will I need?

The number of PRP treatments you need depends on the issue treated and the severity of your symptoms. Some people experience significant relief after just one session, but the team usually recommends a series of at least three PRP treatments spaced one or two weeks apart.

Call Kentucky Joint Specialists today to see if you’re a candidate for PRP treatments, or make your appointment online.

*Individual results may vary.