What was your injury that was treated with prp?
Trochanteric bursitis. I picked up the injury while training for a triathlon. Rather than stopping, I continued to train for a further 6 weeks, and completed the triathlon itself!
Did you try any other therapy before you opted for prp treatment?
I had 3 cortisone shots, and saw a physical therapist. The pain continued.
Why did your physician decide to utilize prp for this injury?
I actually brought the subject up, as I had been research “unorthodox” therapies.
What medical facility did your physician perform this treatment? Hospital? Physician clinic?
The Spine Institute, Santa Monica, C
Did your physician have you follow a specific protocol the night before your prp treatment?
Not really. I was told to hydrate as much as possible in the morning, and make sure I ate a proper breakfast. In addition, since I’m terrified of needles and there are several involved in the process, I was prescribed 10mg of diazepam. I took that about 30 minutes before we started.
Do you remember how much blood was drawn from you? After they drew the blood, how long did you have to wait before the platelet rich plasma was ready for use on your injury?
I believe 30cc, but not entirely sure. There was a 15 minute wait.
What did the physician do to prepare the injury site for injection?
Local anisthetic.
Did the physician use ultrasound as a guide to place the platelet rich plasma?
No.
How did the injection feel? Explain. And do you remember how long the prp treatment took? If you had pain, how long did the pain last? Any swelling?
It was a strange sensation. Not really painful, but definitely uncomfortable. It was like there wasn’t enough room inside for the fluid being injected. I can’t recall how long the prp treatment took. I had the treatment last Thursday, and only really stopped feeling sore yesterday. I do continue to have some pain where the injury is/ was. No swelling.
How long did the entire visit take?
About 2 hours.
After treatment, did your physician wrap the treatment site? If not, what did he do post treatment?
No. A band-aid was applied.
What was your physicians post prp treatment protocol for you? Restrictions? Rest? Exercise? Stretching? Pain medication? Any specific directions you had to follow?
Rest, ice, ibuprofen. I was asked to have someone else walk my dog for a couple of days. I have a follow up scheduled for 2 weeks after the prp therapy, and before then just to take things easy.
How much was the prp treatment?
$1500
Did the treatment work for you? If so, when did you start feeling better? How soon could you be back to playing your sport?
It’s too soon to tell. I understand I might require a second treatment, but I’m hopeful I’ll be able to compete in triathlons before the end of the summer.
Other comments or thoughts about your prp experience?
Well, given my fear of needles, it was probably unwise to watch videos of the process online. It only added to my anxiety. However, the prp therapy was far less traumatic than I expected.
