Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment designed to help your body heal naturally. At Orthopaedic Associates of Wisconsin, PRP injections are used to treat chronic tendon injuries, joint pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions when conservative treatments have not provided relief.
What Is PRP Therapy?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrated portion of your own blood that contains a high level of platelets. These platelets are rich in growth factors that play a key role in healing damaged tissue.
PRP is created by:
- Drawing a small amount of your blood
- Placing it in a centrifuge to separate components
- Isolating the platelet-rich portion for injection
Because PRP uses your body’s own healing properties, it is a natural and safe treatment option for many patients.
How PRP Injections Work
PRP injections are designed to stimulate healing in damaged tissues. Platelets help:
- Promote new tissue growth
- Improve blood flow to injured areas
- Reduce chronic inflammation
PRP is commonly used for chronic tendon injuries that have not improved with rest, bracing, medications, or physical therapy.
Conditions Treated with PRP
PRP injections may be recommended for:
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Patellar tendonitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Chronic joint or tendon pain
While PRP does not regrow cartilage, it may provide temporary pain relief for certain arthritic conditions.
What to Expect During the Procedure
PRP injections are performed in-office and typically take less than an hour.
During Your Visit
- A quick blood draw
- Processing the sample in a centrifuge (about 10 to 15 minutes)
- Ultrasound-guided injection into the affected area
Ultrasound imaging helps ensure precise placement of the injection for optimal results.
Recovery and Aftercare
After your PRP injection, your provider will guide you through a recovery plan.
Typical Recovery Timeline
- Resting the treated area for about one week
- Gradual return to stretching and light activity
- Progression to strengthening exercises over time
Patients are generally advised to avoid anti-inflammatory medications for three days prior to the procedure and 1-4 weeks after, as inflammation is part of the healing process.
Most individuals return to normal activity within a few weeks.
When Will You See Results?
Healing with PRP takes time. Most patients:
- Notice improvement within 1 to 2 months
- Experience full benefits after 3 to 4 months
In some cases, a second injection may be recommended for optimal results.
Why Choose Orthopaedic Associates of Wisconsin for PRP?
At OAW, PRP injections are performed by experienced orthopedic specialists using advanced imaging techniques. Our goal is to help you recover faster, reduce pain, and get back to the activities you enjoy.
With convenient locations including Pewaukee and Brookfield, expert care is always within reach.
Schedule Your PRP Consultation
If you are dealing with chronic pain or a tendon injury that is not improving, PRP therapy may be the next step.
Schedule an appointment with our team to find out if PRP injections are right for you.
Call us today or request an appointment online to get started.
