How Many PRP Injections Are Needed To Ease Shoulder Pain? (2024)

FAQs

How Many PRP Injections Are Needed To Ease Shoulder Pain? ›

As for PRP injections for the rotator cuff and other tissue injections, I usually recommend doing two, and I spread them apart by about a month.

The number of PRP injections needed for shoulder pain depends on the severity of the problem and the patient's reaction to treatment. Typically, a series of two to three injections is recommended, with intervals of several weeks between each session.

They have been shown to help reduce pain and improve mobility and strength in the shoulder. The effects tend to develop over several weeks as the healing factors are released and your tissues regenerate. Most people experience significant pain relief and improved function after one injection.

Depending on the area being treated and the extent of the damage, some patients may need 2 – 3 injections. For those who suffer from chronic pain, it may be 6 – 9 months before full benefits from PRP therapy are seen since it encourages the body to regenerate and stimulate the healing process.

As a general rule we advise that patients aged over 40 have a course of three treatments, each spaced one to two months apart. Younger patients may require only one session, but as every person is different it is wise to treat each as an individual.

The success rate varies depending on the condition being treated and the patient's health history. However, studies have shown that PRP treatment can have a success rate of up to 90%.

PRP Injections Typically Offer Many Months of Relief

But many studies suggest that the relief offered by PRP injections can last six to nine months. That relief does not happen instantly, however. After a treatment, it can take several weeks for the healing factors to do their repair work.

The differences in treatments are seen in the fact that initially, cortisone works better than PRP. According to numerous papers, long-term, PRP works better than cortisone.

The pain associated with PRP injections is generally considered manageable and short-lived, with minimal long-term side effects.

When we inject the PRP into your shoulder joint, the platelets go straight to work, encouraging your body's healing processes and rallying those growth factors to increase regenerative capability. PRP therapy takes less than an hour, and may be repeated several times during your recovery from a rotator cuff injury.

What is the downside of PRP? ›

PRP Therapy Risks and Side Effects

After the procedure, you may experience some soreness and bruising at the injection site. Because PRP injections are made up of your own cells and plasma, the risk of an allergic reaction is much lower than with other injectable medications like corticosteroids.

Also known as the “vampire facial,” platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has received so much attention that it may seem as if we've finally found the fountain of youth. Despite the hoopla, there's little evidence to show that it works — or doesn't work.

PRP and tendon injuries

PRP can be especially effective in treating chronic injuries related to overuse and “wear and tear,” like golfer's elbow, tennis elbow, and tendonitis types.

PRP results

Most people experience maximum benefits by about six weeks after their injection.

Multiple PRP therapy sessions are required to achieve the desired hair regrowth. Most patients undergo 3 distinct sessions, each occurring at 5-6 week intervals. To maintain the therapy results, patients are recommended to go for single effective sessions every 4-6 months.

After the initial treatment, a follow up visit is scheduled 3-4 weeks later to evaluate healing progress. Some patients respond very well to just one treatment. However, 2-3 treatments may be necessary in some injuries. If multiple injections are given, injections are typically given every 3-4 weeks.

Hence, PRP therapy is a customised treatment set according to the specific goals of the patient. Generally, patients have to undergo three to four sessions at intervals of 5 to 6 weeks, during which the density and thickness of the hair gradually increase.

Most patients will require a minimum of three PRP treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart for initial hair growth. After this initial course, maintenance treatments are recommended every 6-12 months to sustain the results.

The first few days following the injection is known as the inflammatory phase. Some people may feel an increase in pain during this time. It may take 6-8 weeks to assess the body's response to the treatment. Full recovery may take 3-6 months, with tendon injuries usually requiring a longer recovery time.