PRP therapy — platelet-rich plasma

1/6 What is it?

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. A small amount of blood is taken from your arm, spun in a laboratory centrifuge, and the platelet-rich fraction separated out.

That plasma is then injected into the joint or into the area of the problem tendon.

It is not a drug and not a substance brought in from outside. The material used comes entirely from your own blood.

2/6 Who is it for?

People with early or moderate joint osteoarthritis whose pain persists.

People with tendon and ligament problems, long-standing tendinitis and fasciitis.

People with heel pain — plantar fasciitis and heel spur — that has not responded to tablets.

As an alternative where a steroid injection is unsuitable or where repeating one is undesirable.

It is not suitable during active infection, in some blood disorders, or when the platelet count is low.

3/6 When to seek care

• Knee, shoulder or ankle pain has lasted months and tablets are not enough
• An X-ray reports wear or osteoarthritis, and the pain interferes with daily life
• Your heel hurts sharply on the first steps of the morning
• An elbow or shoulder tendon has been painful for a long time without settling

If a joint has suddenly become swollen, warm and red, the cause must be established first. That situation is not suitable for PRP.

4/6 Why it matters

In osteoarthritis the aim is to manage pain and keep the joint moving. A joint that keeps moving is better protected.

In some patients PRP helps reduce pain and makes daily activity easier. The result is not the same for everyone.

Because the preparation comes from your own blood, the chance of an allergic reaction is very low.

It cannot be claimed that PRP repairs damaged cartilage. The expected benefit is less pain and better function.

5/6 How it is done

1. Preparation. You may be asked to stop certain anti-inflammatory medicines a few days beforehand. Your doctor will tell you specifically.
2. Taking the blood. A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm, as for an ordinary test.
3. Preparation of the plasma. The blood is spun in a centrifuge and the platelet-rich plasma separated. This usually takes 15–20 minutes.
4. The injection. The skin is cleaned under sterile conditions and the prepared plasma is injected into the joint or tendon area.
5. Afterwards. A few minutes of rest. Avoid heavy physical loading that day.

The whole process usually takes 40–60 minutes. The number of sessions and the intervals depend on the complaint and are decided after the examination.

An immediate effect should not be expected. In some people the pain increases temporarily in the first few days.

6/6 Where it is done

The procedure is carried out in Baku, at StarLab Clinic. The blood is taken and the plasma prepared in the clinic's own laboratory.

Address: 20 Yanvar str. 88, 5th microdistrict, Baku, opposite the Qızıltac wedding hall.

To book: +994 55 550 55 69.

Only your own. No donor blood and no ready-made preparation is used.

The number depends on the complaint, the state of the joint and the response to the first session. An exact number is given after the examination; there is no figure that can be promised in advance.

Cortisone reduces inflammation quickly and usually acts soon. PRP works by a different mechanism and its effect appears more slowly. Which suits you depends on the state of the joint and on your complaint.

Most people return to their usual work the next day. On the day itself, heavy loading, long walks and sport are not advised.