Platelet-rich plasma therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a cutting-edge technique that uses your body's natural healing abilities to speed injury recovery and reduce pain.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that harnesses and amplifies the natural growth factors found in our blood cells to help accelerate the body's natural healing process. PRP therapy utilizes a concentrated form of platelets from your own blood, which contain growth factors that speed repair and regeneration of damaged tissue and treat a variety of orthopedic conditions, including chronic joint pain, osteoarthritis, sports injuries, and sprains and muscle tears.
How does PRP therapy work?
To create platelet-rich plasma, clinicians take a blood sample from the patient and place it into a device called a centrifuge that rapidly spins the sample, separating out the other components of the blood from the platelets and concentrating them within the plasma (along with anti-coagulants). This concentration is injected to an injured or diseased part of a person's body to accelerate the healing of damaged tendons, ligaments, muscles, bones and joints.
A key advantage of PRP injections is that they can reduce the need for opioids, or even over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. In fact, use of anti-inflammatories should usually be ceased at the time of PRP treatment, because the platelet-rich plasma optimizes the initial inflammatory response involved with healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common uses for PRP therapy?
PRP is a common treatment option for symptoms of osteoarthritis, inflammation, and chronic joint/tendon conditions such as tennis elbow, jumper's knee, certain types of hip pain, and plantar fasciitis. PRP can also be used to treat...
PRP is a common treatment option for symptoms of osteoarthritis, inflammation, and chronic joint/tendon conditions such as tennis elbow, jumper's knee, certain types of hip pain, and plantar fasciitis. PRP can also be used to treat wounds and hair loss.
How well does PRP work?
When compared to other chronic tendon disorder treatments, clinical trials show that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) outperforms other types of treatments such as corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid. Corticosteroids can suppress your immune...
When compared to other chronic tendon disorder treatments, clinical trials show that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) outperforms other types of treatments such as corticosteroids and hyaluronic acid. Corticosteroids can suppress your immune system locally at the injection/pain site, whereas PRP will not. Corticosteriods may also weaken your collagen structures after multiple treatments. With PRP, there's no known disadvantage to receiving multiple doses.
Many people start to experience symptom relief a few days after their PRP treatment. For some, it can take up to six weeks for PRP to work depending on their condition. Treatment lasts a minimum of six weeks, to an average time of three to six months and at maximum, approximately one year.
What are the benefits of PRP therapy?
Some of the benefits associated with platelet-rich plasma therapy include: Enhanced Tissue Healing: The growth factors present in platelets help accelerate the healing process, promoting tissue repair and regeneration. Reduced...
Some of the benefits associated with platelet-rich plasma therapy include:
- Enhanced Tissue Healing: The growth factors present in platelets help accelerate the healing process, promoting tissue repair and regeneration.
- Reduced Inflammation: PRP therapy has shown promising results in reducing inflammation, which is beneficial for conditions such as osteoarthritis and tendonitis.
- Non-Invasive Procedure: PRP therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes the patient's own blood, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or rejection.
Is PRP treatment safe?
Yes. PRP treatment is generally considered to be safe, as PRP uses fractions of the patient's own blood and reintroduces them to the body with no additives other than an anti-coagulant. PRP simply removes the parts of the blood that...
Yes. PRP treatment is generally considered to be safe, as PRP uses fractions of the patient's own blood and reintroduces them to the body with no additives other than an anti-coagulant. PRP simply removes the parts of the blood that aren't effective in the treatment process and concentrates the beneficial parts. Since the procedure involves a blood draw, you should make sure you are hydrated and have eaten beforehand. After the procedure, you may experience some normal soreness and bruising at the injection site.
What happens during a PRP appointment?
During the PRP treatment process, a doctor will draw a small amount of blood for testing. The blood is then processed in a machine that separates and concentrates the platelet-rich plasma (PRP). These platelets (along with an...
During the PRP treatment process, a doctor will draw a small amount of blood for testing. The blood is then processed in a machine that separates and concentrates the platelet-rich plasma (PRP). These platelets (along with an anti-coagulant) are then injected back into your body during the same visit. The total visit on average takes 60 minutes.
Is PRP therapy covered by insurance?
Typically, PRP therapy is not covered by insurance. It is best to consult with your provider and insurance company to determine what the cost will be to you.