What are Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative medical treatment that uses your body’s own healing blood cells to repair injured tissue and reduce inflammation. Dr. Lehman draws a small amount of your blood, processes it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, then injects it into the targeted joint, muscle or tendon. These platelets release powerful growth factors that activate natural repair mechanisms, decrease inflammation and speed up recovery.

Benefits of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

PRP therapy offers a safe and effective solution for many joint and soft tissue injuries in one or a few office visits.

Benefits of PRP include:

  • Natural healing using your own platelets
  • Reduced joint inflammation and chronic pain
  • Accelerated tissue repair and recovery
  • Minimally invasive with low downtime
  • Prevents the need for steroid treatments and surgery
  • Effective for athletic and age-related injuries

Patients often report improved mobility, reduced discomfort, and faster return to activity

Conditions treated with
Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections

PRP injections are used to treat a wide range of orthopedic and sports-related injuries, including:

  • Osteoarthritis (knee, hip, shoulder and ankle)
  • ACL Ligament sprains and tears
    Achilles tendonitis
  • Patellar tendonitis
  • Hamstring tendonitis
  • Tennis elbow
  • Golfer’s elbow
  • Frozen shoulders
  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Overuse injuries and chronic inflammation

Our approach to Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

At Lehman Joint and Performance, every Platelet-Rich Plasma treatment is tailored to your needs. Dr. Lehman uses advanced ultrasound imaging to guide precise injections and maximise treatment success.

  • Personalised protocols for athletes and active adults
  • State-of-the-art equipment and on-site PRP processing
  • Focused on long-term results and functional recovery

Your specialist

Portrait of Dr Rick Lehman

Dr. Rick Lehman

Meet Dr. Lehman

Patient Testimonials

""

Dr Lehman was unbelievably attentive and spent an extended period of time explaining my injury. He is one of just a handful of doctors addressing a recently rediscovered ligament behind the knee. It is hard to see and for years went untreated. Overall I could not have had a better experience.

Jacob E.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection procedure

What to Expect During and After Your PRP Injections

Your journey starts with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Lehman. During this appointment, he’ll review your medical history, assess your symptoms, and perform diagnostic imaging if needed. The goal is to determine whether PRP therapy is the right solution for your specific condition.

If PRP is recommended, Dr. Lehman will begin by drawing a small amount of your blood, typically no more than what’s taken during a standard lab test. This sample is placed in a specialized centrifuge that spins the blood at high speed to separate and concentrate the healing platelets and plasma.

Once the PRP is prepared, Dr. Lehman uses real-time ultrasound guidance to inject the PRP directly into the affected joint, tendon, or soft tissue. This precise targeting ensures the treatment is delivered exactly where your body needs it most to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation.

After your injection, you’ll be monitored briefly before heading home the same day. Most patients experience mild soreness or swelling at the injection site. We recommend avoiding strenuous activities for 48-72 hours, but normal daily movement is typically fine.

Most patients begin to feel improvement within a few weeks as inflammation decreases and tissue regeneration begins. You may require 1–3 treatment sessions spaced several weeks apart for optimal results. Full benefits are often experienced over 4–6 weeks, with continued improvement in mobility and pain levels. Exosomes, peptides, stem cells can also be added depending on the level of injury.

Why choose Dr. Rick Lehman for Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment?

  • Nationally recognized leader in sports medicine
  • Over 30 years treating elite athletes and active adults
  • Experience with Olympic, NFL, NHL, and NCAA athletes
  • Customized, research-backed regenerative protocols
  • Dual clinics in Menlo Park, CA & St. Louis, MO for convenience
  • Accredited by leading Sports Medicine Associations
  • Trusted by champions, available to you

Frequently asked questions

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a concentrated component of your own blood that contains a high level of platelets, which are rich in natural growth factors. These growth factors help reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and accelerate healing. PRP is created by drawing a small amount of your blood, processing it in a centrifuge through a patented proprietary process, and then injecting the concentrated plasma into the affected area, making it a natural, non-surgical treatment option for joint pain, soft tissue injuries, and chronic inflammation.

Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy is an excellent option for individuals seeking a non-surgical solution to manage pain, support healing, and improve function. You may be a good candidate for PRP injections if:

  • You have joint or soft tissue pain that hasn’t responded to rest, physical therapy, or traditional treatments
  • You’re managing early to moderate osteoarthritis
  • You’re recovering from a sports injury, such as a muscle, ligament or tendon strain or tear
  • You prefer to avoid corticosteroids or surgery
  • You lead an active lifestyle and want to accelerate recovery
  • You have chronic inflammation or overuse injuries impacting mobility or performance

Dr. Lehman will evaluate your condition and overall health during your consultation to determine if PRP therapy is right for you. In some cases, additional or alternative treatments may be recommended to ensure the best outcome.

A typical PRP treatment session takes about 60 to 90 minutes from start to finish. This includes the initial consultation or check-in, the blood draw, PRP processing in the centrifuge, and the ultrasound-guided injection. Most patients can return home shortly after the procedure.

Most patients report only mild discomfort during the PRP injection. You may feel a brief pinch or pressure at the injection site, similar to a standard shot or blood draw. Because the procedure is minimally invasive and performed with precision using ultrasound guidance, any discomfort is usually short-lived and well-tolerated. Mild soreness or swelling afterward is normal and typically resolves within a few days.

Most patients begin to notice improvements within 2 to 6 weeks after their Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, as inflammation decreases and tissue healing begins. Results continue to build over time, with many people experiencing significant relief and improved function over the following 3 to 6 months. The exact timeline can vary depending on the condition being treated, its severity, and individual healing response.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is considered very safe because it uses your own blood, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions or rejection. Side effects are typically mild and may include temporary swelling, soreness, stiffness, or bruising at the injection site. Serious complications are rare, but as with any injection, there is a small risk of infection or injury to surrounding tissue. All procedures are performed by Dr. Rick Lehman himself, using sterile technique and ultrasound guidance to ensure precision and safety.

Most patients see noticeable improvement after just one Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment, but depending on your injury and its severity, a series of 2 to 3 sessions may be recommended for optimal results. Treatments are typically spaced several weeks apart, allowing time for healing between sessions. Dr. Lehman will create a personalized treatment plan based on your individual needs and response to therapy.

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Trusted by many

Rodney
6 months ago
He done my right shoulder after a bad wreck and that was in the early 90s until this day I've yet to have any pain he's the best orthopedic surgeon in st,Louis he takes care of the st.louis blue's hockey players he knows what he's doing,I'm going to try to get back to him now for my left shoulder after surgery my doctor here , well let's say 2yearsand2 months ltr I can't pick up anything with it I need a real pro ..
Darrell L.
11 months ago
It's been 28 years since I reluctantly followed the advice of the company nurse where I worked and made an appointment with Dr Lehman, which I had to drive an hour to see. It took a month and a half to actually get in to see him. My first visit, it seems more x-rays were taken than the previous 3 years being "cared for" by a butcher that I had been seeing because I destroyed my left knee in a motorcycle accident. Dr Lehman literally put his money where his mouth was when he convinced me to opt for reparative surgery, rather than complete knee replacement at the ripe old age of 25. Surgery was scheduled, again, it took a month and a half to get in.
Why did all of this take so long, you might ask... Because he IS that good! That's how many people are waiting to see him!
Thank you Dr Lehman for working your magic on me and affording me the quality of life that I have been able to enjoy for all these years.
Very regretfully, I have taken your help for granted and probably overworked it a bit too much, and now likely will have to have more work done. Even more regretfully, as I have relocated, it may no longer be feasible for me to return.
Kama T.
1 year ago
Dr. Lehman is one of the few doctors who puts your goals for mobility or athletic performance at the top of your treatment plan. I thought I would have to choose between 'bleeding edge of orthopedics' and 'decades of experience', but Dr. Lehman is the best of both. Thanks to him and his network of top therapists, I have come back from tough injuries and stayed strong enough to compete as an endurance athlete into my 50s.
Diane W.
2 years ago
Kevin B.
5 years ago
This office is one of the best offices in the country, HANDS DOWN!!!! The staff are very professional and can deal with a high volume of people!! Always getting people in to take care of their concerns!!! They are very detailed and so so kind!!!! Dr. Lehman is “The Best”, this man treats every single patient as if they were worth a million dollars to him!!!!! He deals with the general pubic and everyday working people the same way he deals with pro athletes!!!! What a Great Surgeon!!! His expertise is hard to match!!! My son is playing Division 1 football because Dr. Lehman repaired his knee!!!! Also, He just repaired my knee!! He and his staff ensured that I had a smooth prep, great surgery, and great follow up/discharge instructions. They made sure that me and my son got back to performing duties for life at high levels!!!!I highly recommend Dr. Lehman and his office. “WHAT A GREAT GROUP OF PEOPLE”.
jonathan S.
7 years ago
Dr Lehman is simply the best! You May have to wait awhile in his office but it is worth the wait to see the best!

He takes the time to explain things so you are comfortable and understand. I think this is why the wait. He is a genuinely sincere nice man. Who wants the best for you.

I am very active, he has always got me fixed back up!

You won’t find a better doctor or person!!
Byron S.
7 years ago
The office is great. it is obvious that doctor Lehman has done many famous athletes, the walls are covered with autographed shirts. The staff is competent and Karla is dedicated to her patients. A delight to work with
Shirley Y.
8 years ago
daniel R.
9 years ago
The quality of care & professionalism is worth my 250 mile Drive. I tore both rotator cuffs in September of 2016, at age 54, not good, but thanks to Dr Rick & Dr Shana, I'm back riding Harley's, swimming & playing golf . I'm feeling better than I did at 35! The Team at US Sport medicine will make you feel like an All American Superstar !!!
Much Mahalo

Heal faster,
train harder.

Book your consultation with Dr. Lehman today and discover how PRP injections can restore movement and enhance performance.