Joint Injections with PRP - Issaquah, WA

Get the same PRP treatments as professional athletes.

At Cascade Integrative Medicine in Issaquah, WA, we offer the same joint injections using Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy that professional athletes receive. PRP therapy involves injecting a concentrated form of your own blood into injured joints, thereby harnessing your body’s natural healing abilities to promote tissue repair. These joint injections help to alleviate joint discomfort, enhance mobility, and accelerate the healing process. PRP therapy is minimally invasive and can restore your quality of life by repairing joint damage that is otherwise slow to heal.

PRP injections accelerate healing of damaged joints

Runner with knee join pain_600

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection for joints is a type of regenerative medicine that have been used to promote healing joint tissue after damage or injury. By injecting concentrated platelets into the affected joint, PRP therapy may help reduce inflammation, stimulate tissue regeneration, and improve joint function. This therapy has been used in sports medicine to treat joint injuries, such as knee and shoulder sprains or strains, and to promote healing after surgery. PRP injections offer a more natural and potentially more effective alternative to traditional treatments, such as corticosteroid injections, which only provide short-term relief. However, the efficacy of PRP injections may vary depending on the severity and type of injury, as well as other factors such as the patient’s age and overall health. Our doctors offer free consultations to help you determine if PRP therapy is appropriate for your specific condition.

What types of PRP joint injections are available?

  • Knee: Used to treat osteoarthritis, injuries to ligaments of the knee, meniscus injuries, tendinitis, chondromalacia patella, or knee instability.
  • ShoulderUsed to treat rotator cuff injuries, shoulder osteoarthritis, bursitis, frozen shoulder, labral tears, or AC (acromioclavicular) joint injuries.
  • Elbow: Used to treat tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, elbow osteoarthritis, UCL (ulnar collateral ligament), bursitis, or epicondylitis.
  • Hip: Used to treat hip osteoarthritis, labral tears, trochanteric bursitis, hip tendonitis, hip instability, or avascular necrosis.
  • Wrist: Used to treat wrist osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, ligament injuries, or wrist instability.

What’s involved in the PRP joint injection procedure?

Joint into which PRP is injected

PRP injection into joints is a minimally invasive procedure that typically takes about 30 minutes to complete. Before the injection, your blood is drawn and processed to concentrate the platelets. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. Once the concentrated platelets have been prepared, one of our doctors will inject the solution directly into the affected joint. This may involve the use of ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate placement of the PRP injection. After the injection, you will be monitored to ensure that you do not experience any adverse reactions. Most patients are able to return home the same day and can resume their normal activities within a few days, although strenuous activity should be avoided for several weeks.

Although PRP injections are generally safe and well-tolerated, there may be some risks associated with the procedure, such as infection, bleeding, or nerve damage, and these should be discussed with your doctor. Additionally, it’s important to follow the doctor’s post-injection instructions carefully to optimize the benefits of the treatment.

The benefits of  PRP injection for joints

  • Reduced pain: PRP therapy may help reduce pain in damaged joints, particularly in cases of chronic pain or joint injuries.
  • Improved joint functionPRP injections may improve joint function by promoting tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation in the affected area.
  • Faster healing: By stimulating tissue regeneration, PRP injections may help speed up the healing process for joint injuries or after surgery.
  • Natural treatment: PRP therapy is a natural treatment that uses the patient’s own blood, reducing the risk of adverse reactions or rejection.
  • Minimally invasive: PRP injections are a minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in an outpatient setting, with little to no downtime required.
  • Potential alternative to surgery: In some cases, PRP injections may be an alternative to surgery, particularly for patients who are not good candidates for more invasive procedures.
  • Improved quality of life: By reducing pain and improving joint function, PRP therapy may help patients regain mobility and improve their overall quality of life.

How many joint injections of PRP are needed?

The number of PRP joint injections required can vary depending on the severity of the patient’s condition and the response to the treatment. In some cases, a single injection may be sufficient to provide relief and promote healing, while in other cases multiple injections may be necessary to achieve the desired outcome.

Typically, PRP injections are given as a series of two to three injections spaced several weeks apart, with the exact schedule determined by your doctor based on your individual needs. Some patients may require additional injections beyond this initial series to maintain the benefits of the treatment.

It is important to note that while PRP injections are generally safe and well-tolerated, the optimal dosing and frequency of injections can vary depending on the joint condition. Our doctors offer free consultations to help determine the appropriate treatment plan for your specific condition and needs.