PRP Treatment Preparation Guide
Getting Ready for Your Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment
7 Days Before Your Treatment
Medications to STOP (or discuss with your doctor)
- Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs):
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
- Aspirin (unless prescribed for heart condition)
- Diclofenac (Voltaren)
- Meloxicam (Mobic)
- Celecoxib (Celebrex)
- Supplements to avoid:
- Vitamin E
- Fish Oil (Omega-3 fatty acids)
- Flax Oil
- Ginkgo Biloba
- Ginseng
- Garlic supplements
- Green tea extract
- Ginger supplements
- Curcumin/Turmeric
- Glucosamine Chondroitin
- Aloe supplements
- Astaxanthin
IMPORTANT: If you take daily aspirin for heart conditions, consult your prescribing physician before stopping.
3 Days Before Your Treatment
Lifestyle Modifications
- Stop smoking (interferes with platelet function and healing)
- Avoid alcohol (thins blood and reduces treatment effectiveness)
- Maintain healthy diet focusing on:
- High-quality proteins (lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes)
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Minimal processed foods
Safe Medications
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is safe to use for pain relief
- Maximum dose: 3,500mg in 24 hours
- Continue all other prescribed medications unless specifically instructed otherwise
24 Hours Before Your Treatment
Dietary Guidelines
- Avoid high-fat meals (can make plasma cloudy)
- Eat light, nutritious meals
- Avoid excessive sugar (juice, soda, candy)
- No alcohol
Hydration Protocol
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water (64 oz)
- Continue hydrating throughout the day
- Avoid caffeine excess (limit to 1-2 cups)
Day of Treatment
Morning Preparation
- Exercise for 30 minutes before your appointment
- Light cardio (walking, cycling, swimming)
- Increases platelet count and circulation
- Improves PRP quality significantly
Pre-Treatment Eating
- Eat light meal 2-3 hours before treatment
- Avoid fasting (can cause dizziness during blood draw)
- Stay hydrated - drink 3 glasses of water 3 hours before
What to Wear
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Easy access to treatment area
- Short sleeves for blood draw
- Avoid tight clothing around injection site
Pre-Treatment Medication
- Take 650mg acetaminophen 1 hour before treatment
- Bring medication list including supplements
- Inform staff of any allergies (especially latex)
Real People, Real Results
Important Reminders
Blood Draw Information
- 90-120ml of blood will be drawn (about 4-6 tablespoons)
- Similar to routine blood test
- Processing takes 2 hours - you may leave and return
Quality Assurance
- Every PRP sample is tested for concentration and purity
- Treatment only proceeds if quality meets standards
- No charge if concentration is inadequate
Contact Information
- Questions or concerns: Call clinic immediately
- Emergency contact: (778) 475-3822
- Last-minute issues: Contact us as soon as possible
Medical Conditions to Disclose
Conditions Requiring Discussion
- Blood clotting disorders
- Current infections (any location)
- Cancer or cancer treatment
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Chronic diseases (diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune)
- Previous adverse reactions to injections
Blood Thinning Medications
If you take:
- Warfarin (Coumadin)
- Clopidogrel (Plavix)
- Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)
- Apixaban (Eliquis)
Must discuss with prescribing physician before treatment.
Optimizing Your PRP Quality
Factors That Improve PRP
- Regular exercise (especially cardio)
- Adequate hydration
- Healthy diet rich in proteins and antioxidants
- Good sleep (7-9 hours nightly)
- Stress management
- Avoiding smoking and alcohol
Plant-Based Nutrition Benefits
- Reduce inflammation naturally
- Improve cellular health
- Enhanced healing response
- Better treatment outcomes
Final Checklist
24 Hours Before:
- Stopped all NSAIDs and supplements
- Hydrated well throughout day
- Ate light, healthy meals
- Avoided alcohol and smoking
Day of Treatment:
- Exercised for 30 minutes
- Ate light meal 2-3 hours before
- Drank 3 glasses of water
- Took acetaminophen 1 hour before
- Wore comfortable clothing
- Brought medication list
- Confirmed appointment time
Your Treatment Journey
Questions to Ask Your Doctor
- How many treatments will I need?
- What results should I expect?
- When will I see improvement?
- Are there any specific restrictions for my condition?
- Can I continue my exercise routine?
- When is my follow-up appointment?
Contact Information
Questions about preparation?
Phone: (778) 475-3822
Email: office@drchrisspooner.com
Website: https://drchrisspooner.ca/
Emergency or urgent questions:
After-hours: (778) 475-3822
Following these preparation guidelines will help ensure optimal PRP quality and treatment outcomes. When in doubt, always contact our clinic for clarification.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment
Comprehensive Patient Information Package
What is PRP Treatment?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a cutting-edge, natural treatment that uses your own blood's healing power to treat musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain conditions. This innovative therapy concentrates the platelets from your blood, which contain powerful growth factors and proteins that promote healing and tissue regeneration.
How PRP Works
- Blood Collection: A small sample of your blood is taken (similar to a routine blood test)
- Processing: Your blood is placed in a specialized centrifuge that separates and concentrates the platelets
- Injection: The concentrated platelet-rich plasma is injected directly into the injured area using ultrasound guidance for precise placement
- Healing: The concentrated growth factors stimulate your body's natural healing processes, reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair
What Conditions Can PRP Treat?
PRP therapy has been scientifically proven effective for:
Joint Conditions
- Knee Osteoarthritis (mild to moderate)
- Hip Osteoarthritis
- Shoulder Arthritis
- Ankle Arthritis
Tendon and Ligament Injuries
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
- Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
- Achilles Tendinitis
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Rotator Cuff Injuries
- Jumper's Knee (Patellar Tendinitis)
Muscle Injuries
- Hamstring Strains
- Quadriceps Injuries
- Calf Muscle Tears
- Chronic Muscle Pain
Benefits of PRP Treatment
Natural and Safe
- Uses your own blood, eliminating risk of allergic reactions
- No synthetic chemicals or foreign substances
- Minimal risk of infection due to antimicrobial properties
Non-Surgical Alternative
- Avoid the risks and recovery time of surgery
- Minimally invasive outpatient procedure
- Return to normal activities quickly
Proven Effectiveness
- 60-85% success rate for knee osteoarthritis
- 70-90% success rate for tendon injuries
- Long-lasting results (6-12 months or longer)
- Superior to cortisone and hyaluronic acid injections
Promotes Natural Healing
- Stimulates tissue regeneration
- Reduces inflammation naturally
- Improves blood flow to injured areas
- Enhances collagen production
The PRP Treatment Process
Step 1: Consultation and Evaluation
- Comprehensive medical history review
- Physical examination of the affected area
- Review of imaging studies (X-rays, MRI, ultrasound)
- Discussion of treatment goals and expectations
Step 2: Blood Collection
- Approximately 60-120mL of blood is drawn from your arm
- Similar to a routine blood test
- Takes about 5-10 minutes
Step 3: PRP Preparation
- Blood is processed in a specialized centrifuge
- Platelets are concentrated to therapeutic levels
- Quality testing ensures optimal concentration
- Process takes approximately 30-60 minutes
Step 4: Injection Procedure
- Treatment area is cleaned and numbed
- **Ultrasound guidance** ensures precise placement
- PRP is injected directly into the injured tissue
- Injection takes 10-15 minutes
Step 5: Recovery and Follow-up
- Brief monitoring period
- Post-treatment instructions provided
- Follow-up appointments scheduled
- Progress monitoring and assessment
Success Rates and Expectations
Clinical Results
- Knee Osteoarthritis: 70-85% of patients experience significant pain reduction
- Tennis Elbow: 80-90% success rate with functional improvement
- Plantar Fasciitis: 75-85% of patients show marked improvement
- Rotator Cuff Injuries: 65-80% success rate
Timeline for Results
- Initial improvement: 2-4 weeks
- Significant improvement: 6-12 weeks
- Peak results: 3-6 months
- Duration of benefits: 6-18 months
Factors Affecting Success
- Age: Younger patients typically respond better
- Severity of condition: Early-stage conditions show better results
- Overall health: Good general health enhances outcomes
- Compliance with aftercare: Following instructions improves results
Safety and Side Effects
Common Side Effects (Temporary)
- Mild pain or discomfort at injection site
- Temporary swelling or inflammation
- Minor bruising
- Stiffness in the treated area
Rare Complications
- Infection (extremely rare)
- Nerve irritation
- Allergic reaction to local anesthetic
Why PRP is Safe
- Uses your own blood components
- No foreign substances introduced
- Processed in sterile conditions
- Antimicrobial properties reduce infection risk
Who is a Good Candidate for PRP?
Ideal Candidates
- Adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Patients with mild to moderate arthritis
- Those seeking non-surgical treatment options
- Individuals who haven't responded to conservative treatments
- Patients wanting to avoid long-term medication use
Who Should Not Have PRP
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Patients with active infections
- Those with certain blood disorders
- People with metastatic cancer
- Patients with severely low platelet counts
- Those on blood-thinning medications (may need adjustment)
Cost and Insurance Information
Treatment Investment
- Cost varies based on condition and treatment area
- Package pricing available for multiple treatments
- Payment plans and financing options available
- HSA/FSA funds can often be used
Insurance Coverage
- Most insurance plans do not currently cover PRP
- Some plans may cover consultation fees
- Prior authorization may be required
- We provide detailed receipts for reimbursement attempts
Frequently Asked Questions
Next Steps
Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?
- Schedule a Consultation: Contact our office to discuss your specific condition
- Evaluation: Comprehensive assessment to determine if PRP is right for you
- Treatment Planning: Develop a personalized treatment plan
- Begin Treatment: Start your path to natural healing
Contact Information
Phone: (778) 475-3822
Email: office@drchrisspooner.com
Website: https://drchrisspooner.ca/
Address: 3005 39th Ave. Vernon, BC V1T 3C4
This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment.