PRP (platelet rich plasma) injection?

Posted by lgerkin @lgerkin, Mar 3, 2021

Has anyone had PRP injections? I have upper hamstring tendonitis and recently had a prolotherapy injection, which hasn't seemed to help, so I'm looking at other options. I know they're expensive and not covered by insurance but if the success rate is high, it's something I might consider. Thanks!

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@lgerkin

Thanks Amanda! I just had a prolotherapy injection last month but the pain is getting worse, so I'm just doing some initial research on my own in case there is no improvement. My doctor did mention PRP as one alternative when we discussed treatment options a few months ago but he didn't go into detail since we decided prolotherapy made the most sense for now.

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I was told when prolotherapy tightened my 'lax' ligament on the first try that that was unusual.
Also, the treatment fix only became clear on the 10th day. Ask the Doctor before you do something else ....

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@windyshores

PRP was miraculous for my long-suffering daughter, both for SI joint and knee. After years of PT (and one surgery years back), relief in 24 hours as I remember. Her joints are loose and PRP tightens things up, I was told.

It works really well for some conditions.

This past week I mentioned it to an orthopedist and boy was he hostile about it! PRP was suggested by a rehab affiliated with a top hospital so for us, despite the fact that insurance thinks it is experimental, if felt mainstream.

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I’m sorry to hear your orthopedic doctor was hostile to PRP. Mine didn’t mind forwarding me to a colleague in his orthopedic group, who did the procedure!

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@marystaples1947

I’m sorry to hear your orthopedic doctor was hostile to PRP. Mine didn’t mind forwarding me to a colleague in his orthopedic group, who did the procedure!

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He said it was a money-making scam!

On this basis I probably won't go back to him. The physiatrist we know who does PRP has done many studies and is scrupulous in screening out people who won't be helped by PRP.

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I’m a 71 year old active female & have had tendonitis in both hips for 2 years. I’ve had steroid injections in the bursa’s, Tenex procedure & physical therapy. My sports medicine doctor suggests PRP therapy. My insurance does not cover it. Has anyone had good results with this? Thank you for any advice.

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@cadunkin

I’m a 71 year old active female & have had tendonitis in both hips for 2 years. I’ve had steroid injections in the bursa’s, Tenex procedure & physical therapy. My sports medicine doctor suggests PRP therapy. My insurance does not cover it. Has anyone had good results with this? Thank you for any advice.

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@cadunkin, I moved your question about PRP therapy for hip tendonitis to this existing discussion:

- PRP (platelet rich plasma) injection?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/prp-platelet-rich-plasma-injection/

I did this so you can read the experiences of and connect with members like @lgerkin @cobweb @marystaples1947 @lifetimepain @windyshores

You might also be interested in this Mayo story:
- Blood platelet therapy relieves Lynda Bird's hip pain: https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/patient-stories/blood-platelet-therapy-relieves-lynda-birds-hip-pain

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@cadunkin

I’m a 71 year old active female & have had tendonitis in both hips for 2 years. I’ve had steroid injections in the bursa’s, Tenex procedure & physical therapy. My sports medicine doctor suggests PRP therapy. My insurance does not cover it. Has anyone had good results with this? Thank you for any advice.

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Hello @cadunkin, I looked into a PRP injection before I had my right knee replaced but my surgeon told me my knee was too far gone with degenerative arthritis so didn't think it would help me. I have also had a steroid injection in my hip along with some recommended exercises I could do at home to help strengthen the hips. I may look into the PRP injection but I'm not quite there yet. I did find this great YouTube video that provides a good explanation of how a PRP injection can help along with a reference to a study.

-- PRP for Gluteal Tendinopathy, Hip Bursitis, and Hip Pain:

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@johnbishop

Hello @cadunkin, I looked into a PRP injection before I had my right knee replaced but my surgeon told me my knee was too far gone with degenerative arthritis so didn't think it would help me. I have also had a steroid injection in my hip along with some recommended exercises I could do at home to help strengthen the hips. I may look into the PRP injection but I'm not quite there yet. I did find this great YouTube video that provides a good explanation of how a PRP injection can help along with a reference to a study.

-- PRP for Gluteal Tendinopathy, Hip Bursitis, and Hip Pain:

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Thank you for the information! I have a torn rotator cuff and,surgery is not an option for me. I went through physical therapy which helped improve my range of motion, but this looks as if it may apply to a number of conditions.

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I've had prp twice and my trainer as well. I think we both learned we should have done more research on it before spending a fair amount of cash on it. And we still don't know what we don't know but it appears that adding stem cells into the mix may be more important in certain circumstances but adds more cost as well. I'm no expert but read Mayo, read Cleveland clinic info and more. Johnmacc

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Anyone had luck with prp injections in knee for torn meniscus & arthritis? Thanks for any information.

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@cadunkin

Anyone had luck with prp injections in knee for torn meniscus & arthritis? Thanks for any information.

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My daughter did 10 years of PT, taping, etc. etc. and PRP literally cured her overnight. For both SI joint and, later, the knee. But you need imaging and it doesn't work for everyone. I would think it would help you. Hope you find a good provider! For my daughter it was a miracle. She may need another one but it has lasted 6 years.

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