Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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. By using your own blood plasma, rich in platelets and growth factors, PRP injections stimulate your 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 you to determine if you qualify for PRP for your specific condition, providing personalized care to help you regain 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 your 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 with 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. Regenerative treatments are not appropriate for every condition, and while they have helped many avoid more invasive procedures, sometimes surgery is the better option.

• 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, we are able to offer guarantees for certain treatment programs — something rarely found in this field.

In short, PRP at Iron Mountain Orthopaedics isn’t just an injection — it’s a precision-engineered, personalized regenerative treatment supported by science, image guidance, and accountability.

Generally speaking, PRP treatment is meant to minimize your downtime and help you resume the activities you love relatively quickly. For knee arthritis, resumption of activities can often occur very quickly with minimal additional interventions. For some conditions, however, after PRP treatment, you may 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 while healing is underway.

It is also often recommended that you refrain from taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin for a period before and after treatment, as these medications can interfere with your body’s natural healing process. Our orthopedic surgeon will discuss this with you during 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.

The results of PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy can vary depending on your specific condition and the severity of your injury or pain. However, many people experience noticeable improvements within a few weeks and often continue to see progress for several months after treatment. This timeframe allows the regenerative properties of PRP to take effect, stimulating your body’s natural healing processes.

It’s important to note that while you may see significant improvement relatively quickly, it may also take more time for the full benefits of PRP therapy to become apparent. Our orthopaedic surgeon will work closely with you to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed to support the best possible outcomes.

To learn 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 your specific condition, your response to treatment, and your overall health. Typically, you may require one to three PRP sessions, spaced several weeks apart, to achieve the desired outcome.

Our experienced orthopaedic surgeon will assess your 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 your individual case to determine if you qualify for PRP treatment and whether it is the best option for you. Factors such as your specific condition, overall health, and medical history will all be taken into account when considering PRP.

We encourage you to schedule 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 important to consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your current medications and any potential interactions with PRP treatment. While the specific medications you may need to stop can vary depending on your circumstances and the reason for PRP therapy, here are some general guidelines:

1. Blood Thinners:

   • Anticoagulant medications such as warfarin (Coumadin), heparin, and newer oral anticoagulants (e.g., rivaroxaban, apixaban, dabigatran) may increase your risk of bleeding during or after PRP injections and may also impact the healing process. Your healthcare provider may advise you to temporarily discontinue these medications prior to the procedure. It is critical to consult the physician who prescribed these medications to ensure it is safe for you to stop them.

1. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):

   • NSAIDs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin can interfere with your 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 help optimize results. 

1. Corticosteroids:

   • Corticosteroid medications such as prednisone, dexamethasone, and cortisone injections may suppress your immune response and interfere with the healing process promoted by PRP therapy. Your healthcare provider may advise discontinuing corticosteroids before undergoing PRP treatment to help optimize outcomes. 

1. Herbal Supplements:

   • Some herbal supplements, such as ginkgo biloba, garlic, ginger, and ginseng, may have blood-thinning properties or interact with PRP. It’s important to inform your healthcare provider of all supplements you are taking so they can advise whether you should discontinue them before treatment.

1. Other Medications:

   • Certain medications, such as immunosuppressants and antiplatelet agents, may affect your body’s ability to respond to PRP therapy or increase the risk of adverse reactions. Your healthcare provider will review your medications thoroughly and provide guidance on which, if any, should be stopped or adjusted before treatment.

It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations regarding medication management before undergoing PRP therapy to help ensure your safety and support the best possible outcomes. Additionally, be sure to inform your healthcare provider of any allergies, medical conditions, or previous adverse reactions to medications so your treatment plan can be tailored to your specific needs.

While discomfort during the injection is possible and may result in some increased discomfort for a short period after the procedure, most people report only minimal to moderate pain, which can be managed if needed. The procedure is generally well tolerated, and any discomfort is typically brief. We take steps 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 your individual case to determine if you qualify for PRP treatment and whether it is the best option for you. Factors such as your specific condition, overall health, and medical history will be considered when evaluating PRP.

We encourage you to schedule 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.