3 Myths About PRP Therapy, Debunked

In the expanding world of regenerative medicine, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has generated a lot of buzz — and for good reason. This injection-based treatment uses the platelets from your blood to support healing.

Applying a high concentration of platelets to a target area supplies the area with resources that stimulate and support your body’s natural repair capabilities. PRP therapy can help with arthritis, injuries, and more. 

Because platelet-rich plasma can make a difference for such a wide range of conditions, Dr. Jonathan Carlson offers it here at Hawai’i Pain & Spine on the Windward side of O’ahu in Kailua, Hawai’i. 

As one of the main joint injection therapy options, it can help heal injuries and soothe painful conditions.

In recent years, PRP has enjoyed the spotlight thanks to its adoption by athletes such as Tiger Woods and Tom Brady. In light of that, we wanted to clear up three myths we commonly hear. 

#1: PRP therapy is the same as a steroid shot

This treatment is injection-based, like a steroid shot. It’s also often used to address many of the same issues as corticosteroid injections, like knee pain and osteoarthritis. That doesn’t mean, however, that PRP therapy and steroid injections work the same. 

Steroids bring down inflammation in the targeted area. That can bring relief, but it’s usually short-term.

PRP therapy, on the other hand, works to help your body heal the area. When Dr. Carlson injects PRP into the painful area, the platelets deliver growth factors at the spot. Those growth factors stimulate new cell production, helping your body do what’s needed to heal the area. 

#2: One session is all you need

Some people get lasting relief with a single PRP injection. In many cases, though, repeat treatments are needed to support ongoing healing in the affected area.

When you see Dr. Carlson, he creates a treatment plan focused on the issue affecting you. As treatment progresses, he adjusts it as needed. 

#3: It didn’t work if you don’t feel immediate relief

Unlike steroid injections, which are usually mixed with a local anesthetic to deliver rapid relief, PRP therapy doesn’t immediately reduce pain levels. It takes time for your body to use the growth factors in the PRP for its healing work. 

Results from PRP therapy vary depending on your body and your injury or condition. Many people notice improvement in about six weeks. You should see your full results in 3-6 months. 

Platelet-rich plasma therapy can be a highly useful tool for supporting healing and reducing pain, but you must understand how it could work for you. 

To avoid myths and get a personalized recommendation about whether this treatment is right for your situation, visit Dr. Carlson. Call our office today to schedule your appointment.