Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a regenerative medicine therapy becoming increasingly recognized as a non-steroid alternative to improving tissue healing and rehabilitation. The difference between corticosteroid injections and PRP is that steroids have strong antiinflammatory effects but are for temporary relief. Once this wears off, you will still have the injury. While PRP offers a potential for cure since it causes a major healing event by attracting your body's healing mechanisms to flood the area treated. It may take up to a month for the healing process to occur. Multiple treatments may be recommended depending on the severity of the injury.
PRP can be helpful in injuries to the neck, shoulders, back, elbows, wrists, fingers/toes, knees, ankles, feet as shown in the image above. Several clinical studies have demonstrated that PRP injections improve function and decreased pain caused by various soft tissue, ligament, and tendon conditions in many parts of the body. Studies are also showing benefits for osteoarthritis—especially in the knee. In a small study involving knee osteoarthritis.
Key Points to Remember:
- Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) comes from a patient’s own blood.
- Basic science studies show that PRP treatment may improve healing in many tissues, ligaments and tendon stability
- You must eat before the procedure.
- Anti-inflammatory medicines should be stopped before and after PRP treatment is given. Tylenol may be used for pain.
- Apply heat to the area is permitted NO ICE!
The process for producing PRP is straightforward. After obtaining a blood sample from a patient, the blood is put into a centrifuge, which is a tool that separates the blood into its many components. The PRP can then be collected and delivered to an injured area of bone, joint, or soft tissue. Once the activated platelets are injected into the abnormal tissue, growth factors are released that recruit and increase the proliferation of repairing cells called mesenchymal stem cells.
Prolotherapy - The difference between Prolotherapy and PRP is what’s being injected. In Prolotherapy, dextrose, or sugar water, along with anesthetics is injected to create inflammation in the painful tendon, muscle, joint, or ligament. In PRP, your own plasma, the part of the blood containing growth factors thought to promote healing, is injected.
cost:$350-$850 per treatment depending on the area. Ask us about discount packages or limited time special offers.