Sports Medicine

Sports Medicine 

Dr. Williams-Drueding is proud to offer her expertise in sports medicine to the Active Health DPC community, and to the greater King of Prussia area, through as-needed consultation visits. With nearly a decade of experience caring for athletes at every level—from weekend warriors and dedicated fitness enthusiasts to Division I collegiate athletes, professional competitors, and even Olympians—Dr. Williams-Drueding brings deep clinical knowledge and practical experience to each patient encounter. Whether you’re recovering from a new injury, struggling with recurring pain, or seeking a thorough evaluation to prevent future injuries, she provides personalized, evidence-based care to help you stay active, recover faster, and perform your best. Keep Moving!

What is that? How can it help Me?

Platelet Rich Plasma

At Active Health DPC, we believe in helping your body heal itself. One of the most exciting tools we use in sports medicine is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. PRP harnesses the power of your own blood to reduce pain, speed recovery, and get you back to doing what you love—whether that’s running, playing pickelball, or keeping up with your kids.




Ready for relief?

Injections:

PRP uses in Sports Medicine

PRP uses in Sports Medicine 

Harnessing Your Body’s Own Healing Potential

PRP therapy has become a trusted option in sports medicine for professional athletes and weekend warriors alike. It can be especially helpful for:

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Muscle strains – including hamstring and quadriceps injuries

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Ligament injuries – including sprains or partial tears

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Joint pain – including knee arthritis, hip pain, elbow pain, or shoulder pain

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Tendon injuries – such as tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, Achilles tendonitis, or rotator cuff injuries

Natural healing – uses your body’s own platelets, no synthetic chemicals
Non-surgical option – may help you avoid or delay surgery
Faster recovery – helps you get back to activity sooner
Reduced inflammation and pain – supports mobility and performance
Safe and well-tolerated – very low risk since it’s from your own blood 

Your comfort and safety are Dr. Williams-Drueding's priority. A typical PRP session involves:
1. Consultation: Answer any additional questions.
2. Preparation: Blood is drawn from your arm (similar to routine labs).
3. Processing: The sample is spun in a centrifuge to concentrate your platelets.
4. Injection: The PRP is carefully injected into the injured area, often with ultrasound guidance for precision.
5. Recovery: Return to full activity depends on what is being treated. Mild soreness may last a day or two.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of PRP?

What to Expect During PRP Treatment

Benefits

What to Expect

A little preparation helps you get the most out of your platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment.
In the days leading up to your injection, stay well-hydrated and maintain a healthy diet. Avoid anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin for at least 5–7 days before and after your procedure, as these can interfere with your body’s natural healing response.

If you take prescription medications, please review them with Dr. Williams-Drueding before your appointment.

On the day of your injection, eat a light meal and wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area.
You’ll receive detailed post-procedure instructions and follow-up care after your visit to ensure optimal recovery and results.

How to prepare for PRP

Prepare

PRP is a great choice if you’re struggling with a nagging injury, arthritis, or pain that hasn’t fully improved with rest, physical therapy, or medications. Because it uses your own blood, it’s considered safe and well-tolerated.
We’ll work together to decide if PRP fits into your personalized treatment plan. In many cases, it can be combined with movement therapy, nutrition strategies, and other recovery tools for the best results.

Is PRP Right for You?

right fit

If you're wondering

Additional questions

Knowledge is power

What is PRP therapy and how does it work?

What is PRP therapy and how does it work?

PRP therapy (Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy) is a treatment that uses a small sample of your own blood to promote healing. After the blood is spun in a centrifuge, the concentrated platelets are injected into the injured area. These platelets release growth factors that stimulate repair, reduce inflammation, and encourage faster recovery.

PRP therapy (Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy) is a treatment that uses a small sample of your own blood to promote healing. After the blood is spun in a centrifuge, the concentrated platelets are injected into the injured area. These platelets release growth factors that stimulate repair, reduce inflammation, and encourage faster recovery.

What conditions can PRP help treat in sports medicine?

What conditions can PRP help treat in sports medicine?

PRP is often used for sports injuries and chronic pain, including:
• Tendon injuries (tennis elbow, rotator cuff, Achilles tendonitis)
• Ligament sprains or partial tears
• Joint pain and arthritis (knee, hip, shoulder)
• Muscle strains (hamstring, quadriceps)
• Recovery support after injury

PRP is often used for sports injuries and chronic pain, including:
• Tendon injuries (tennis elbow, rotator cuff, Achilles tendonitis)
• Ligament sprains or partial tears
• Joint pain and arthritis (knee, hip, shoulder)
• Muscle strains (hamstring, quadriceps)
• Recovery support after injury

Is PRP therapy safe?

Is PRP therapy safe?

Yes, PRP therapy is very safe. Since the treatment uses your own blood, the risk of allergic reactions or rejection is extremely low. The most common side effect is mild soreness at the injection site for a day or two.

Yes, PRP therapy is very safe. Since the treatment uses your own blood, the risk of allergic reactions or rejection is extremely low. The most common side effect is mild soreness at the injection site for a day or two.

How many PRP treatments will I need?

How many PRP treatments will I need?

The number of treatments depends on your condition and goals. Some patients notice improvement after just one session, while others benefit from a series of two to three treatments spaced several weeks apart. During your consultation, Dr. Williams-Drueding will create a personalized plan for your recovery.

The number of treatments depends on your condition and goals. Some patients notice improvement after just one session, while others benefit from a series of two to three treatments spaced several weeks apart. During your consultation, Dr. Williams-Drueding will create a personalized plan for your recovery.

How long does it take to see results from PRP therapy?

How long does it take to see results from PRP therapy?

Most patients begin to notice improvement within 4–6 weeks as the healing process takes place. Results continue to build for several months as tissue repair progresses.

Most patients begin to notice improvement within 4–6 weeks as the healing process takes place. Results continue to build for several months as tissue repair progresses.

Does PRP therapy work for arthritis?

Does PRP therapy work for arthritis?

Yes, PRP therapy can be helpful for people with joint pain from arthritis. The growth factors in PRP may reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and slow progression of joint damage. While results vary, many patients find relief and improved function after PRP injections.

Yes, PRP therapy can be helpful for people with joint pain from arthritis. The growth factors in PRP may reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and slow progression of joint damage. While results vary, many patients find relief and improved function after PRP injections.

There is very little downtime. You can usually return to normal daily activities right away. However, full return to strenuous exercise or heavy lifting can be a day or two after the injection to a few weeks to allow the area to heal, depending on what is being treated.

There is very little downtime. You can usually return to normal daily activities right away. However, full return to strenuous exercise or heavy lifting can be a day or two after the injection to a few weeks to allow the area to heal, depending on what is being treated.

Cortisone injections work by reducing inflammation and pain through a class of medications called steroids. They can be very effective in the right situations. However, steroids do not necessarily promote tissue healing and carry other potential side effects.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), in contrast, is derived from your own blood and promotes tissue repair by through growth factors. PRP also helps reduce pain and inflammation through various signaling agents, with a focus on long-term recovery.

Cortisone injections work by reducing inflammation and pain through a class of medications called steroids. They can be very effective in the right situations. However, steroids do not necessarily promote tissue healing and carry other potential side effects.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), in contrast, is derived from your own blood and promotes tissue repair by through growth factors. PRP also helps reduce pain and inflammation through various signaling agents, with a focus on long-term recovery.

Can I drive after my PRP injection?

Can I drive after my PRP injection?

Yes, in most cases you can drive yourself home after the procedure, unless your injection site limits mobility or you experience discomfort. If your hip or leg is injected, consider arranging a ride.

Yes, in most cases you can drive yourself home after the procedure, unless your injection site limits mobility or you experience discomfort. If your hip or leg is injected, consider arranging a ride.

Will I need to take time off work?

Will I need to take time off work?

Most people return to light activities within a day or two. If your job involves heavy physical activity, you may need to modify or reduce activity for a short period
—Dr. Williams-Drueding will guide you based on your specific situation.

Most people return to light activities within a day or two. If your job involves heavy physical activity, you may need to modify or reduce activity for a short period
—Dr. Williams-Drueding will guide you based on your specific situation.

Are there any risks or side effects?

Are there any risks or side effects?

Because PRP uses your own blood, the risk of allergic reaction or infection is very low. You may experience mild soreness or swelling for a few days, which is part of the normal healing process.

Because PRP uses your own blood, the risk of allergic reaction or infection is very low. You may experience mild soreness or swelling for a few days, which is part of the normal healing process.

Process for PRP

A consult visit. This is an evaluation of your current concern, review imaging, discuss what to expect with PRP.

First This

Receive the PRP.

Then This

Follow up to monitor your response and feel better.

Finally, This

“Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live.”

— Jim Rohn 

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