Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an advanced outpatient treatment that is performed by Valley’s rehabilitation medicine and sports medicine specialists. PRP injections use a patient’s own healing mechanisms to provide relief from pain caused by sports injuries, tendinopathy, joint pain, osteoarthritis, and chronic health issues. They also enhance healing while minimizing the use of ongoing anti-inflammatory or opioid medications.
What are Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections?
PRP injections are a type of regenerative medicine, a specialty that uses the body’s own mechanisms to heal and/or improve itself. Regenerative medicine has been used by physicians for decades, but with expanding knowledge of molecular and cellular processes in humans, researchers are developing strategies to unlock the potential of innovative new treatments.
The Valley Approach to Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections
Valley’s PRP therapy is an evidence-based, nonsurgical treatment that enables patients to receive optimal pain relief near their home, without uncomfortable or inconvenient travel outside of northern New Jersey. PRP treatment is conveniently located at Valley Health System – Ridgewood Campus.
Patients benefit from Valley’s supportive PRP team of experienced physicians, phlebotomists, and medical assistants. The team uses the latest-generation diagnostic imaging and laboratory technology to produce superior treatment results.
What Conditions Can Be Treated with PRP?
PRP injections may provide relief for a number of musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions, including:
- Sports injuries, including rotator cuff tears, Achilles tendonitis, and meniscal tears
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Ligament tears and sprains
- Joint pain and osteoarthritis of the shoulder, elbows, wrists, hands, hips, knees, ankles, and feet
- Chronic pain from tendonitis, such as plantar fasciitis and tennis or golfer’s elbow
What to Expect From PRP Treatment
Preparing for Your Visit
An initial office visit is scheduled to determine whether the patient is an appropriate candidate for PRP. Patients will learn about the procedure and, if deemed a candidate, will schedule an appointment for the injection.
A PRP treatment visit generally lasts about one hour at VMG - Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, located at the Ridgewood campus. Patients are advised to dress comfortably for their appointment.
Step One: Blood Draw
PRP injections are prepared by first drawing a patient’s blood. While the blood is being prepared for the injection, the patient can relax in a recliner and read, watch TV, or use their portable devices.
The blood is then separated into its various components. This process takes about 20 minutes. The platelets – which are necessary for growth and healing – are separated and concentrated into two to eight times their normal number within blood plasma. Valley’s physicians use a double-spin protocol to get a significant concentration of platelets, which maximizes the treatment’s benefits.
Step Two: PRP Injection
When the plasma is ready, a board-certified rehabilitation medicine or sports medicine specialist uses ultrasound imaging guidance to inject the plasma into the area of injury in the patient.
The concentrated platelets release growth factors that stimulate and reproduce the cells that a patient’s body already produces to repair tissue and enhance the body’s natural healing abilities. Because the injections are created from a patient’s own blood, there is almost no risk of the body rejecting the treatment or reacting negatively to the injections.
After Treatment
When PRP treatment is complete, the patient is given individualized instructions and exercises to do at home to build up strength. Physical therapy may be prescribed. Depending on the area of the injection, the patient may be able to drive home.
Patients may experience discomfort, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, which can be managed by taking Tylenol/acetaminophen and using ice packs. There are virtually no PRP injection side effects. Most patients demonstrate a slow but steady recovery that can take up to three to six months.
Why Choose Valley for PRP Injections?
Patients who receive PRP injections at Valley benefit from:
A team that is highly skilled in preparing and delivering PRP therapy
A modern, state-of-the-art facility located at Valley’s Ridgewood Campus (the former site of The Valley Hospital)
Top-of-the-line diagnostic imaging and laboratory technology that produces superior blood preparation and results
An integrative treatment approach, which may include physical therapy and holistic therapies, to bring about optimal pain relief and healing
Advanced treatment close to home
Easy access to other Valley services, including physical therapy, cardiology, neurology, orthopedics, pain medicine, and other specialties if needed
Make an Appointment for PRP Treatment
An initial office visit must be scheduled so a physician can evaluate a patient for PRP injections. Call 201-612-4857 to make an appointment. Please note that PRP injections are currently not covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or private health insurance plans. Our staff can discuss various payment options with patients.
