Platelet‑Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is an innovative, non‑surgical regenerative treatment that uses your body’s natural healing power to address joint, tendon, ligament, and muscle injuries. At Iowa Ortho, our PRP treatments offer a minimally invasive alternative for patients seeking pain relief and tissue repair without surgery.
What Is PRP Therapy?
PRP is a concentrate of platelets, extracted from your own blood through centrifugation. The resulting serum is rich in growth factors and signaling molecules that stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation. When injected into the injured area, such as the knee, shoulder, hip, or tendons, the platelets promote healing and accelerate recovery.
How PRP Therapy Works at Iowa Ortho
1. Blood Draw
We draw a small blood sample, similar to a routine lab test.
2. Centrifugation
The sample is processed to concentrate platelets and growth factors.
3. Injection
The PRP is injected into the affected area (often under ultrasound guidance for precision).
4. Recovery & Results
Most patients return to daily activities immediately. Clinical benefits often appear within days to weeks, and improvements continue over several months.
Conditions Treated
PRP therapy is used successfully at Iowa Ortho for:
- Knee, shoulder, and hip osteoarthritis
- Tendon injuries (e.g., tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy)
- Ligament sprains and partial tears
- Muscle strains and soft‑tissue injuries
Benefits of PRP Therapy
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Non-surgical | A minimally invasive alternative with no incisions |
| Natural | Uses your own blood—low risk of allergic reactions |
| Reduced inflammation | PRP releases anti-inflammatory cytokines for pain relief |
| Pain & function improvement | Superior long-term benefit vs. corticosteroids & HA injections |
| Avoids surgery | May delay or reduce need for joint replacement in mild to moderate cases |
What to Expect During Recovery
Patients typically experience mild swelling or soreness at the injection site, which resolves quickly. Outcomes vary, but many begin to feel improvement within 4–6 weeks, with continued gains up to 12 months. Multiple sessions (2–3) may be recommended depending on condition severity.
Is PRP Right for You?
If you’ve tried conservative treatments—like physical therapy, activity modification, or NSAIDs—for several months without relief, PRP therapy might be a promising next step. Iowa Ortho’s sports medicine team can evaluate your eligibility and help build a tailored treatment plan.
Contact Iowa Ortho
Restore function and reduce pain naturally with PRP therapy. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how regenerative medicine can help you get back to your active life, without surgery.