PRP and PRF injections

PRP/PRF Joint Injections

Your Own Platelets • Minimally Invasive • Physician-Led

A non-surgical option for selected joint and tendon pain.

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) and PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) are made from a small sample of your own blood. The platelets and growth factors are concentrated and injected into the targeted joint or surrounding tissue. For many people with early to moderate knee osteoarthritis, and some with tendon problems, this can ease pain and improve movement. It is a minimally invasive treatment with no surgery.

PRP/PRF injections at Valoura are evaluated, planned and performed by our board-certified physician at our clinic in Savoy, a short drive from Champaign and Urbana.

WHAT IT TREATS

Following physician evaluation, conditions we may treat include:

• ✓ Knee osteoarthritis
• ✓ Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
• ✓ Selected tendinopathies, such as tennis or golfer's elbow and rotator-cuff tendinopathy
• ✓ Other appropriate musculoskeletal conditions

A NOTE ON EVIDENCE

PRP for knee osteoarthritis has been studied in many clinical trials. Many report better pain and function than placebo or hyaluronic acid injections, but results vary between studies and between patients, and not everyone responds. PRP currently has a larger joint-specific evidence base than PRF. PRP and PRF do not regrow lost cartilage. Their use for joints is considered off-label, and we explain this at your consultation.

PRF AND PRP AT VALOURA

Both PRF and PRP are prepared from a patient's own blood and concentrate components involved in tissue repair and signaling. Differences in preparation affect their cellular composition, fibrin structure and handling characteristics. At Valoura, we use both PRP and PRF and select the approach based on the treatment area, procedure and individual patient.

PRP/PRF VS. CORTISONE

• ✓ Made from: PRP/PRF comes from your own blood; cortisone is a steroid medicine
• ✓ How it works: PRP/PRF is a concentrate of platelets and growth factors; cortisone reduces inflammation

Neither option is better for everyone. Which one is more suitable depends on your condition, your history and your goals, and your physician explains the options with you.

RESULTS TIMELINE

Typical Results Timeline

Every patient is different. These are typical ranges, not a promise, and your physician will set your plan.

• ✓ Soreness after the injection: usually 2–3 days
• ✓ Pain relief: usually gradual; timing varies by condition and person
• ✓ Number of injections: individualized – planned after your consultation
• ✓ Follow-up: individualized, based on the condition treated and your response

WHAT TO EXPECT

1. Consultation: your physician reviews your history, examines you and reviews any imaging.
2. Blood draw and preparation: about 15 minutes.
3. Injection: the treatment area is prepared and PRP or PRF is injected into the targeted joint or surrounding tissue. Ultrasound guidance may be used when clinically appropriate.
4. Aftercare: rest the joint for a day or two, then build up activity gradually.

WHO SHOULD WAIT

Please postpone or tell us if you:

• ✓ Have an infection in or near the joint
• ✓ Have a blood clotting or platelet disorder
• ✓ Take blood thinners (discuss first)
• ✓ Are being treated for cancer
• ✓ Have had a cortisone injection in the same joint recently (discuss timing)

This list is a guide only. Our physician confirms suitability at your consultation.

WHY PATIENTS FROM CHAMPAIGN-URBANA CHOOSE VALOURA

1. Physician-Performed Evaluated, planned and performed by our board-certified physician.
2. Honest About Evidence We explain what the research shows, and what it does not.
3. Autologous Treatment PRP and PRF are prepared from your own blood.
4. Clear About Limits We tell you when surgery or a specialist is the better option.
5. Individualized Follow-Up Based on the condition treated and your response.