Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

What is PRP?

Our blood is composed of erythrocytes (red blood cells), mono leukocytes (white blood cells) and plasma. The platelets activate different pathways involved in various growth factors. In PRP procedures, your own plasma is processed to be platelet rich, and then injected into the damaged tissue to activate the regeneration process to promote tissue repair and accelerate healing in the damaged joints.
At Emirates Integra, PRP injections are used to treat conditions including knee injuries, osteoarthritis, shoulder injuries and rotator cuff tears, tennis elbow, severe hamstring pulls, damaged Achilles tendon, plantar fascia & quadriceps injuries.

How is PRP obtained from blood?

After your blood is collected, it is processed through multiple centrifugations to separate the plasma from the other components.
The peripheral blood after processing is composed of three main layers: red blood cells (RBCs), plasma, and mononuclear cells which have the white blood cells (WBCs).
The processed plasma is then injected into the injured tissue.

How does PRP help us?

Platelets can be considered powerful healers and PRP therapy magnifies this power. Joints normally have low blood supply due to decreased blood flow, resulting in decreased nutrients, platelets and enzymes.
This is why the regenerative activity is decreased in joints. PRP injections increase blood to the affected area, ensuring that a significant amount of platelets are present to stimulate the natural repair process.

What to expect on the day of the procedure?

On the day of the procedure, the nurses will collect blood from your arm with a syringe. The blood is then processed to obtain PRP. This process takes an hour and 20 minutes so we will schedule you for a nursing appointment before your actual procedure appointment time to allow enough time for the blood collection and processing.
Next, the PRP will be injected in the problematic area. This could be done with local anesthesia or without. The procedure can be painful during the insertion of the injection, as well as pain due to the injected PRP. However, this is a short term pain which will reduce gradually over the next few hours.
If you wish to be sedated during this procedure please inform your doctor or contact us by phone (04-3607089) or email (info@mydoc.ae), so we can book you in for a pre anesthesia consultation to evaluate your eligibility for sedation.

What happens after the injection?

PRP injections are an outpatient procedure that typically takes no more than an hour, depending on the number of injections. You won’t have to stay the night in the clinic.
The injection can also restart a healing inflammatory process, which is why patients are often given initial activity restrictions. Post injection, you should be applying cold packs for up to 20 mins. every hour for at least 3 hours to minimize the potential for any problems such as swelling and/or pain. Subsequent referrals to physical therapy are often made so that patients may be taught weight-bearing exercise in an appropriate fashion to rebuild strength and flexibility.
These injections are given in a series, typically one to three injections at intervals of seven to ten days for four to six weeks. Completing the series is extremely important for the effectiveness of the treatment. The next step is to make sure you are available at the time of your next injection. Your provider will inform you of the intervals for your injections and work with you to schedule the entire series before starting treatment. Your provider will need to meet with you to follow up on the progression of your treatment and evaluate the improvement.

Frequently ask questions

Do I have to fast on the day of the procedure?

No you don’t have to fast unless you are having sedation. You are asked to drink lots of fluids before the procedure to stay hydrated. Other than that, there are no other preparations needed. You can eat and drink as per normal.

What is the recovery time after the injection?

PRP injections require little to no recovery period. Occasionally, there may be pain for the first few hours after the procedure. Oftentimes, you’ll be able to return to work directly following the procedure. However, you are advised to minimize your physical activity for 24 hours post-injection.

Will I feel any pain if I have local anaesthesia but not sedation on the day of the procedure?

The procedure can be accompanied with some pain due to the injection at the problematic area. Infrequently, the injectate may also cause an increase in pain. The procedure can be performed under sedation which will significantly reduce your awareness of pain. Please refer to our Sedation Vs. Non-sedation patient education card if you would like to know more about the sedation process.

Is there a risk of graft rejection?

There is very little risk of contamination and infection that could cause rejection to the injection since it comes from your own blood.

How long does it take to recover after PRP injections?

On average, It takes approximately 6-8 weeks after the last injection to get better.

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Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

What is PRP?

How is PRP obtained from blood?

How does PRP help us?

What to expect on the day of the procedure?

What happens after the injection?

Frequently ask questions

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