
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
PRP therapy, or platelet-rich plasma therapy, is a revolutionary treatment offered at Iron Mountain Regenerative Orthopaedics that utilizes a patient's own blood to stimulate the natural healing process of soft tissue and joints. During the PRP therapy process, a small amount of blood is drawn from the patient and then spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma from other blood components. The concentrated PRP is then injected into the injured or affected area, promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation. This treatment is minimally invasive and can be an effective alternative to surgery or long-term medication for a variety of orthopedic conditions. With Iron Mountain Regenerative Orthopaedics expertise in PRP therapy, patients can benefit from personalized treatment plans that address their specific needs, facilitating faster recovery and improved overall function.
PRP, or Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy, can effectively treat a variety of orthopedic conditions including arthritis, tendonitis, ligament sprains, muscle strains, and other musculoskeletal injuries. At Iron Mountain Regenerative Orthopaedics, we utilize PRP therapy as a non-surgical treatment option to promote healing and alleviate pain for our patients. By using the patient's own blood plasma, rich in platelets and growth factors, PRP injections stimulate the body's natural healing process, resulting in improved function and reduced pain in the affected area. Our experienced and board-certified orthopedic surgeon and specialists carefully evaluate each patient to determine if they qualify for PRP for their specific condition, providing personalized care to help our patients regain their mobility and reduce pain.
Not all PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatments are created equal. The effectiveness of PRP depends on several critical factors — and at Iron Mountain Orthopaedics, we have refined each one to achieve consistently high success rates, even in challenging cases such as bone-on-bone arthritis.
Here’s what sets our approach apart:
Customized Dosing and Formulation: PRP is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. The platelet concentration, red and white blood cell balance, and total volume must be tailored to each condition and many offices unfortunately produce a low dose PRP, which has been shown in research to result in poor outcomes. We use high-quality processing systems and very high dose PRP and the appropriate balance of white blood cells to match the specific tissue type being treated — whether it’s tendon, cartilage, or joint.
Precision-Guided Delivery: Every PRP injection is performed under ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance to ensure accurate placement into the exact tissue or joint region that needs healing. Many clinics perform PRP “blind,” which can drastically reduce its effectiveness.
Candidacy and Integrity: We don’t offer PRP to everyone. If you’re not a good candidate — based on your imaging, joint condition, or response to prior therapies — we’ll tell you honestly and discuss better alternatives such as A2M, bone marrow concentrate (BMAC), or laser-assisted regenerative therapy. Unfortunately, regenerative treatments are not for everything - and while these have been revolutionary in saving many patients from more invasive procedures, sometimes surgery is the better answer.
Comprehensive Regenerative Plans with Measurable Outcomes: Our PRP is often part of a layered treatment plan designed to address the full healing process — from inflammation control to tissue regeneration. Because our protocols are data-driven and outcome-based with a high success rate even for "bone on bone arthritis," we are able to offer patients guarantees for certain treatment programs — something rarely found in this field.
In short, our PRP isn’t just an injection — it’s a precision-engineered, personalized regenerative treatment backed by science, image guidance, and accountability.
Generally speaking, PRP treatment is meant to minimize your downtime and resume the activities you love relatively quickly. For knee arthritis, often resumption of activities can occur extremely quickly with minimal additional interventions. For some conditions, however, after PRP treatment, it may sometimes be advised to avoid vigorous activities or heavy lifting for a period of time to allow the injection site to heal properly. Physical therapy may also be recommended for certain tendon conditions after treatment while healing is underway.
It is also often recommended to refrain from consuming anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin for a period before and after treatment, as these medications can interfere with the body's natural healing process. Our orthopedic surgeon will discuss this with you at the time of your initial consultation if you qualify for PRP treatment.
Light activities and normal daily routines can typically be resumed immediately following the procedure. It's important to consult with your orthopaedic surgeon at Iron Mountain Regenerative Orthopaedics for personalized guidance based on your specific medical history and treatment plan.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) involves using the patient's own blood to promote healing and reduce pain in orthopedic conditions. During a PRP treatment, a small amount of the patient's blood is drawn and placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets and growth factors from the other components. The concentrated PRP is then injected into the injured area, stimulating the body's natural healing process and promoting tissue repair. This non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure can be used for a variety of orthopedic conditions, including tendon injuries, arthritis, and ligament sprains. At Iron Mountain Regenerative Orthopaedics, our board-certified orthopedic surgeon can assess whether PRP therapy is a suitable option for your specific condition and provide personalized treatment plans to help you achieve optimal results.
The results of PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy can vary depending on the individual patient, their specific condition, and the severity of their injury or pain. However, many patients experience noticeable improvements within a few weeks, though often continue to see improvements even months after the treatment. This timeframe allows for the regenerative properties of the PRP to take effect, stimulating the body's natural healing processes. It's important to note that while some patients may see significant improvement relatively quickly, others may require more time for the full benefits of PRP therapy to become apparent. Our orthopaedic surgeon will work closely with each patient to monitor their progress and adjust treatment plans as needed to ensure the best possible outcomes. To find out more about what to expect in your specific situation, schedule an initial consultation and we will go through everything with you.
The number of PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy sessions required for optimal results can vary depending on the specific condition being treated, the individual patient's response to treatment, and their overall health. Typically, patients may require one to three PRP sessions, spaced several weeks apart, to achieve the desired outcome depending on the condition being treated. Our experienced orthopaedic surgeon will assess each patient's unique needs and create a personalized treatment plan that may include a specific number of PRP sessions to effectively promote tissue repair, reduce pain, and improve overall function.
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma), may not be suitable for everyone. Our orthopaedic surgeon will assess each individual case to determine if the patient qualifies for PRP treatment and if it is the best option. Factors such as the specific condition being treated, overall health, and medical history will be taken into account when considering PRP. We encourage you to come in for an initial consultation with our board-certified orthopaedic surgeon to determine the most effective and appropriate treatment plan for your orthopedic needs. If you are not 100% satisfied with your initial consultation, you owe us nothing - that is our guarantee to you.
Before undergoing Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, it's crucial to consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your current medications and any potential interactions with PRP treatment. While the specific medications to stop may vary depending on individual circumstances and the reason for PRP therapy, here are some general guidelines:
Blood Thinners:
Anticoagulant medications such as warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, and novel oral anticoagulants (e.g., rivaroxaban, apixaban, dabigatran) may increase the risk of bleeding during or after PRP injections and potentially impact the healing process as well. Your healthcare provider may advise you to temporarily discontinue these medications prior to the procedure. It is critical to check with your physician who prescribes these medications to ensure they are safe to temporarily stop.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin can interfere with the body's inflammatory response, which is essential for the healing process stimulated by PRP therapy. Your healthcare provider may recommend discontinuing NSAIDs for a period before and after PRP injections to optimize the therapeutic effects.
Corticosteroids:
Corticosteroid medications such as prednisone, dexamethasone, and cortisone injections may suppress the immune response and interfere with the healing process promoted by PRP therapy. Your healthcare provider may advise discontinuing corticosteroids before undergoing PRP treatment to avoid potential interactions and optimize outcomes.
Herbal Supplements:
Some herbal supplements, such as ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginger, and ginseng, may have blood-thinning properties or interact with the components of PRP. It's essential to disclose all herbal supplements you are taking to your healthcare provider, who can advise you on whether to discontinue them before PRP therapy.
Other Medications:
Certain medications, such as immunosuppressants and antiplatelet agents, may affect the body's ability to respond to PRP therapy or increase the risk of adverse reactions. Your healthcare provider will review your medication list comprehensively and provide guidance on which medications, if any, should be stopped or adjusted before PRP treatment.
It's crucial to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations regarding medication management before undergoing PRP therapy to ensure your safety and optimize treatment outcomes. Additionally, be sure to inform your healthcare provider of any allergies, medical conditions, or previous adverse reactions to medications to help tailor the treatment plan to your individual needs.
While discomfort during the injection is possible and can result in some increased discomfort for a short period after the procedure, most patients report only minimal to moderate pain, which can be managed with medication if needed. The procedure is generally well-tolerated and any discomfort is typically relatively brief. We to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible throughout the entire treatment process. If you have any concerns about pain or discomfort, please don't hesitate to discuss them with our team during your consultation.
PRP therapy, or Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy, may not be suitable for everyone. Our orthopaedic surgeon will assess each individual case to determine if the patient qualifies for PRP treatment and if it is the best option. Factors such as the specific condition being treated, overall health, and medical history will be taken into account when considering PRP. We encourage you to come in for an initial consultation with our board-certified orthopaedic surgeon to determine the most effective and appropriate treatment plan for your orthopedic needs. If you are not 100% satisfied with your initial consultation, you owe us nothing - that is our guarantee to you.