PRP injections are created by centrifuging a sample of your blood.   The platelets in your blood will settle in a layer that can be withdrawn into a syringe and injected back into you.

We currently use PRP to treat:

  • osteoarthritis to limit pain
  • tennis elbow
  • golfers elbow
  • patella tendinitis or jumpers knee
  • a few other conditions.

There is a TON of hype surrounding PRP. There is little doubt that stem cells and PRP will have a role in management of many orthopedic injuries.  Unfortunately,  of right now we do not have enough scientific research or proof to use it for issues other that the ones I mentioned above.  Much of the research performed on PRP shows that it doesn’t work for many problems such as rotator cuff tears.

In this video Dr Jeff Berg and myself discuss:

  • What PRP is
  • What PRP might help with
  • What PRP won’t help heal

Enjoy.

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.

5 comments on “Platelet Rich Plasma- PRP Injections- Video: When, Why and How”

  • Thank you Both Docs.
    I just had A PRP procedure done in Toronto Major (New Mega Hospital). On my Arthritic Hip n Some tendonopathy.
    It was done very professionally within One hour and 10 min total. ( Nurse n Ultra sound needed half hour prep Prior n 10 min Post procedure)
    Doctor needed no more than 10 min to Freeze, Guide with Ultra sound and Inject at lease 3 different places ( From What I felt!)
    Mostly painless, just that Dr said my Hip is very tight( needs to improve ROM).
    Was told not to drive home and REST for 5 days.
    Hip felt stiff n uncomfortable with some pain for next 12 hours.
    Hip was sensitive most of the night and part of next day (ie; Today) ( So far No More Pain Killers)
    Later on Today with Rest Hip has improved with some discomfort and Hoping that next few days further improvement will be experienced.( Staying Positive)
    PS: If I can log back to this site I can report further in weeks to come.

  • Thanks for sharing this video. I had PRP on my Rt hip first for minor gluteus minimus tears under the trocantor bursa. Easy out patient procedure, mostly painless, followed doc’s instructions 100%. (UC Davis Sports Med in Sacramento)

    Very successful! I can sleep on my Rt hip again pain free and hike. Same thing on Lt hip for the same. While it’s much better and I can hike pain free, it’s much tighter overall and less flexible. But that could be something else. Would be interesting to see what an MRI says! Overall glad I did it.

  • Hi Dr. Luks,

    I was wondering whether you have any information on using PRP injections for Meniscus repair with sutures. My OS mentioned that some studies have shown that some enzymes in the PRP injections actually inhibit Meniscus healing. Have you heard of this? He mentioned that bone bleeding may be a better alternative.

    Thanks!

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