In PRP therapy, a patient’s blood is drawn, separated and re-injected into injured joints and muscles to ease pain. Platelets release special growth factors that lead to tissue healing and repair.

 

What is the procedure for PRP injection?

 

  1. Blood is drawn from the patient.
  2. Blood is placed into a centrifuge that spins and automatically separates red blood cells from the plasma.
  3. PRP is prepared for injection.
  4. Lidocaine injection numbs the area.
  5. Ultrasound can be used to show proper location of anesthetic. 
  6. The area is cleaned and sterlized prior to PRP injection.
  7. Cold free spray is used to numb the skin surface.
  8. PRP can be injected under ultrasound guidance

 The PRP procedure takes about 15 minutes.

 

Disclaimer:  this information is for your education and should not be considered medical advice regarding diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Some links on this page may be affiliate links. Read the full disclaimer.

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About the author:

Howard J. Luks, MD

Howard J. Luks, MD

A Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon in Hawthorne, NY. Dr. Howard Luks specializes in the treatment of the shoulder, knee, elbow, and ankle. He has a very "social" patient centric approach and believes that the more you understand about your issue, the more informed your decisions will be. Ultimately your treatments and his recommendations will be based on proper communications, proper understanding, and shared decision-making principles – all geared to improve your quality of life.

2 comments on “How is a PRP injection performed?”

  • Hi Doctor,
    Can PRP be administered with out local anesthesia ? From online reading, I have to come to find out that lidocaine and etc have side effects that are damaging to cartilage. If that is the case, then why is it used for PRP ?
    Thank you !

    • I do not inject lidocaine into the knee joint for a PRP injection… it is only used for the skin and the tissue underneath it.

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