PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) injection

What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP)?

Natural, regenerative and restorative, these three poles form the basis of PRP, a rapidly expanding treatment. PRP is a revolutionary technique for transfusing a patient's own blood into a patient's own blood (autologous blood). PRP is essentially made up of two components: plasma and platelets, both of which contain proteins called "growth factors" that act as "messengers" for cell healing, reproduction and regeneration.

As a result, PRP plays a major role in stimulating the growth of new blood vessels, making it a formidable treatment for certain pathologies.

Initially reserved for top-level sportsmen and women to treat their joints, PRP, a regenerative medicine, is increasingly gaining acceptance and extending its field of action. All those suffering from injuries can benefit from it.

What is PRP infiltration?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection is a natural treatment for pain and musculoskeletal injuries affecting the whole body (knee, shoulder, ankle, elbow, etc.). Tendon injuries, muscle tears, osteoarthritis of the knee, shoulder or ankle... PRP Injections are used to treat a wide range of tendon, muscle and joint pathologies.

After producing platelet-rich plasma from a sample of the patient's blood, this substance is injected into the target area. The aim is to exponentially boost the concentration of specific bioproteins or hormones, known as growth factors, in a given area to accelerate the healing process.

How does PRP injection work?

Our doctors are experts in this field.

Performed on an outpatient basis, the procedure takes 15 minutes.

First, your doctor (or, in some cases, your nurse) will draw a small amount of blood (between 10 and 15 ml of blood, the equivalent of a teaspoonful) from your arm.

Next, he places the blood sample in a machine called a centrifuge to obtain a platelet concentrate, which is then reinjected. 

Finally, the radiologist injects the PRP into the injured site. He may use ultrasound to guide the specific areas to be injected.

After a rest period, you can go home. It should be noted that injection takes place without the use of anesthesia, so as not to diminish the effectiveness of the PRP.

Is PRP infiltration painful?

During injection, it's quite normal to feel a little tingling. You may even feel pain for up to 48 hours after the injection, accompanied by a feeling of stiffness. In this case, to relieve the pain, you can ice the affected joint and take Paracetamol.

If the pain persists, don't hesitate to consult your doctor.

When is PRP injection necessary?

If drug treatment, physiotherapy or cortisone injection prove ineffective, your doctor may suggest Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection to treat muscle damage.

If pain becomes chronic, severe or lasts longer than a week, consult a physician. It's important to consult a doctor if the joint's range of motion is reduced or if flexing the muscle becomes difficult.

In the event of shock or trauma, consult a doctor immediately after the injury.

Is PRP effective?

Don't be surprised if you don't see results in the next few days. In fact, the action time is slow. You need to wait several weeks to feel the benefits of the injection.

Platelet-rich plasma has been shown to significantly improve the healing process.

If for some, injection proves ineffective, injections can be repeated.

Side effects are very limited, as this is an autologous transfusion, in which your own blood is reinjected. Allergies and intolerances are not a problem.

Advantages of the treatment:

• Natural, allergy- and intolerance-free. No product manipulation, no chemical molecules are introduced into your body;
• A risk-free technique that can help you avoid surgery;
• PRP Injections reduce or even eliminate the need for analgesics and painkillers;
• Over 70% of improvement when injection is properly carried out;
• Rapid healing and recovery.