Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy: What to Expect | Dr. Brian White
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an innovative nonsurgical treatment option used to activate healing in an area of injury and/or pain in the body. Unlike surgery or steroid injections, PRP therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that consists of only using a concentrated source of the patient’s own blood as the healing agent.
Many high-level athletes in the NFL, NBA, and other professional sports associations, have been known to use platelet rich plasma therapy to help relieve pain and injury. Thanks to recent advancements in regenerative medicine, we can now offer PRP therapy to all of our patients who are a good candidate for the procedure.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy
Before making an appointment for a PRP injection, you will first have a consultation with one of our doctors. Our doctors take an individualized approach for each specific injury and condition in order to determine the best treatment plan for your situation. If PRP therapy is the best treatment option for you, our office will schedule an appointment for the procedure.
Anti-inflammatories should not be taken for 3 weeks prior to the procedure and 3 weeks after the procedure. A PRP therapy procedure begins with one of our registered nurses drawing your blood. Approximately 60 cc’s of blood is drawn; about the same amount you would expect to give for a blood donation.
The blood is then spun in a high-spinning machine called a centrifuge. The centrifuge separates the blood into 3 components: red bloods cells, platelet rich plasma, and platelet poor plasma. The platelet rich plasma component includes growth factors that can promote healing and relieve pain. Therefore, only the concentrated source of platelet rich plasma is injected into the area of pain and discomfort.
Watch one patient’s story with platelet rich plasma therapy for knee pain.
Many patients report that the injection is painless and most patients are able to return to normal daily activities immediately after the procedure. Patients typically start seeing an improvement in their mobility and symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks. Depending on the severity of the injury or condition, more than one injection may be required.
A wide range of conditions and injuries of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle and foot can be treated using PRP therapy at the Orlando Center for Regenerative Medicine.
To schedule a regenerative medicine consultation with Dr. George White, Dr. Jason Pirozzolo, Dr. Brian White, or Dr. Anup Patel, call (407) 841-0001. Our center is conveniently located in the same building as our Orlando Hand Surgery Associates Downtown Orlando office at 801 N. Orange Ave., Suite 530, Orlando, FL 32801.