Ortho | Platelet Rich Plasma Injections
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections promote healing after injury or surgery. The ACP Max™ Platelet-Rich Plasma System is a next-generation PRP device that allows doctors to take a larger blood draw, increasing platelet concentration and growth factors.
PRP injections are commonly used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
- Sports injuries
- Post-surgical healing
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- Chronic pain and inflammation
Overview of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are a cutting-edge treatment that promotes healing after injury or surgery. By utilizing the body’s own healing mechanisms, PRP injections enhance tissue repair and recovery.
Dr. Aaron Schwartz uses the ACP Max™ Platelet-Rich Plasma System for PRP injections. ACP Max is a next generation PRP technology device. It allows for a larger blood draw, resulting in increased platelet concentration and higher levels of growth factors. These enhanced PRP injections provide more effective healing for patients.
Benefits of PRP Injections with the ACP Max™ System
- Accelerated healing process
- Reduced recovery time after injury or surgery
- Enhanced tissue repair and regeneration
- Minimally invasive treatment option
During a PRP injection procedure, a small amount of the patient’s blood is drawn and processed using the ACP Max™ Platelet-Rich Plasma System. This system concentrates the platelets and growth factors, which are then injected into the injured or surgical site to promote healing.
Dr. Schwartz recommends the following video, shared courtesy of medical device company Arthrex, that illustrates how this unique system works.
A short video illustrating the ACP Max Platelet Rich Plasma System
Frequently Asked Questions about Platelet Rich Plasma
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. It is made from a small sample of your own blood, which is processed to concentrate platelets and plasma. The PRP is then injected into an injured or degenerative area to support the body’s natural healing response.
PRP may be considered for a variety of orthopedic and sports medicine conditions, including tendinopathies, ligament and muscle injuries, plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff problems, and osteoarthritis. PRP is not appropriate for every condition, so treatment is based on your specific diagnosis and goals.
Research suggests that PRP can improve pain and function for certain orthopedic conditions, although results vary depending on the condition and the individual patient. PRP is not a guaranteed treatment, and your physician can discuss the evidence and whether it is appropriate for your particular problem.
PRP and cortisone work differently. Cortisone can provide relatively rapid reduction in pain and inflammation, while PRP is intended to support the body’s healing response. For some conditions, PRP may provide more durable improvement, but the best option depends on your diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment goals.
Some soreness or increased pain for several days after the injection is common. Improvement typically occurs gradually rather than immediately and may continue over several weeks or months. Your physician will provide specific instructions regarding activity, medications, and rehabilitation.
PRP is prepared from your own blood, so allergic reactions to the treatment itself are uncommon. As with any injection, potential risks include temporary pain, bleeding or bruising, infection, nerve irritation, and failure to improve symptoms.
PRP is often considered an elective or investigational treatment by insurance companies and is usually not covered. HSA accounts may be used to reimburse the cost. Our office can provide information about the cost of treatment and available payment options before your procedure.
The number of injections varies. Some patients undergo a single injection, while others may be considered for additional treatments.
There is no universal PRP injection schedule that applies to every orthopedic condition. Your treatment plan should be based on your diagnosis, response to treatment, and available evidence.
PRP can be a useful treatment option for certain orthopedic and sports medicine conditions, but it is not appropriate for every patient or injury. A thorough evaluation can help determine whether PRP makes sense based on your diagnosis, previous treatments, activity level, and goals.