Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet-Rich Plasma, or PRP therapy is a treatment method that extracts and concentrates some of the body’s natural healing substances which are then injected into the target site. This concentrate contains various growth factors and bioactive proteins which promote tissue healing. PRP is precisely injected into the target using ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance.
During the procedure, a patient’s blood is collected, and it is centrifuged twice. The first time is to separate the red blood cells, and the second time is to concentrate platelets. It is the concentrated platelet fluid that has been proven to promote healing and repair in the appropriate clinical setting.
PRP injections use the patient’s own healing system to improve musculoskeletal problems.
This service is currently offered at our Insight Unity Square location.
Uses for PRP
There are many uses for a platelet-rich plasma injection, some of which include:
- Tendon injury
- Ligament sprain
- Muscle tears
- Post-surgical repair
- Mild to moderate osteoarthritis
Benefits
Specific benefits of PRP injection include:
- Alleviation of pain and improvement of function
- Faster recovery time
- Reduced need for medication such as anti-inflammatories and opioids
- Reduced need for surgery
- Low risk of side-effects as PRP is obtained from your own blood
How Do I Get a PRP Injection?
In order to receive a PRP injection, a referral from an MD (preferably an orthopedic surgeon, physiatrist, or sports medicine physician) is required.
Is PRP Therapy For Everyone?
Patients must have recent (within 3 months) imaging of the problem site. This would be an ultrasound or MRI for tendons/ligaments, or x-ray for joint arthritis. Imaging within 6 months will be considered acceptable as long as there have been no significant changes in symptoms since the imaging has been performed.
Patients should be enrolled in a physiotherapy program in anticipation of undergoing post-PRP injection rehabilitation.
Patients with any of the following are excluded from PRP injections:
- Corticosteroid injection to the same area within 3 months
- For tenotomy, patients who are receiving anticoagulation/antiplatelet therapy that cannot be stopped
- Thrombocytopenic or platelet dysfunction syndrome
- Patients who have an active cancer (particularly hematogenous or bone)
- Active infection at or around the injection target
- A target with a full thickness tendon or ligament tear
- Severe osteoarthritis
Side Effects
Platelet-rich plasma is autologous, meaning it comes from the patient’s body and is natural. Because of this, the injections carry few risks. However, because PRP does involve an injection, the following can occur:
- Infection
- Bleeding/bruising
- Pain at the injection site
- Tissue damage
Any potential risks, and steps taken to minimize them, should be discussed with your doctor. Additionally, if any side effects do occur, contact your doctor immediately.
Cost
This pain management injection is not covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP). The cost per injection is $395.
Pricing is subject to change without notice
For the most up-to-date information, please call our Central Booking department at 780-669-2222.
Duration
The process takes approximately 45-60 minutes.
Exam Prep
- Refrain from taking NSAIDs 2 weeks prior to and 2 weeks post-injection
- Continue low-dose aspirin if prescribed by a physician
- Cease anticoagulation/antiplatelet therapy (please obtain permission from your physician)
- Do not take vitamin E or fish oil for at least 3 days prior to injection
- Eat a small snack 1 hour prior to treatment (to minimize vasovagal reactions)
- Please arrive 15 minutes early, bring your requisition*, Alberta Health Care Card (or out of province health care card), and photo identification with you to your exam
- All Platelet rich plasma (PRP) consultations are conducted over the telephone only. You will receive a call for consultation.
- If you have had a steroid injection to the same area within the previous 3 months, please inform us prior to your scheduled PRP appointment.
* Your physician may have submitted your requisition on your behalf. To confirm, please contact your doctor’s office.
If you are COVID-19 positive or have traveled outside the country within the last 14 days & are required to be in a 14-day quarantine, please rebook your exam by calling us at 780-669-2222.
Did you know, patients who forget their requisition will likely have to defer their exam?