Platelets are components of our own blood that have the ability to promote healing in an area of injury or pain. Platelet-rich plasma therapy, or PRP therapy, involves the injection of the patient’s own concentrated source of platelets in order to activate the regeneration of damaged tissue. PRP therapy does not involve surgery and is typically used to treat mild arthritis, muscle sprains, tears, ligament issues and tendon issues.
High-level athletes have used PRP therapy for many years in order to accelerate healing when dealing with pain or injury. Recent advancements in the field of regenerative medicine has made it possible to offer these innovative procedures to all patients who are a good candidate.
Many patients find this procedure appealing for it’s long list of benefits. Unlike steroid injections and surgery, the procedure includes little to no risk. Most patients find the procedure to be painless, with minimal downtime. While every injury and condition is unique, some patients have been able find relief in as little as one to two weeks after the injection.
The procedure begins by obtaining a small sample of the patient’s blood. The sample is then placed in a high-spinning centrifuge machine. The spinning separates the blood into different components. The components consist of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. A concentrated source of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is then injected into and around the injured or damaged tissue. The concentrated source of platelets promotes the natural healing of damaged ligaments, cartilage and tendons.
Additional injections may be needed in order to ensure complete tissue healing has occurred. The entire process takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes. Similar to stem cell therapy procedures, PRP therapy does not involve any manipulation to the blood that is obtained by the patient, other than the process of centrification. Most patients are able to return to their normal daily activities shortly after receiving the injection.
PRP therapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions and injuries associated with the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle, and foot.
Here is a list of common conditions and injuries we treat using PRP therapy: