What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a cutting-edge, non-surgical treatment option for musculoskeletal and spine pain and injury.
PRP utilizes a concentrated form of platelets derived from your own blood. These platelets contain powerful growth factors that accelerate your body’s natural healing process, leading to tissue repair and regeneration. By harnessing these growth factors, PRP therapy can effectively reduce pain and improve function in various musculoskeletal conditions, including joint, tendon, ligament, spine and other musculoskeletal injuries.
How PRP WorksJoint Pain
PRP therapy is particularly effective in alleviating joint pain, especially when PRP is used to treat osteoarthritis. When injected into a joint, PRP:
- Promotes healing by stimulating production of collagen, a building block of cartilage
- Reduces inflammation, decreases pain, and improves mobility
- Enhances lubrication within the joint, reducing friction and improving function
Spine Pain
PRP injections can also improve outcomes for spinal injuries and degenerative issues. Specifically, PRP therapy supports spinal healing by:
- Reducing nerve pain and inflammation related to disc herniations
- Restoring joint health and function in the spinal facet and sacroiliac joints
- Promoting the repair of damaged or degenerated discs
PRP Preparation Process
- Blood Collection: A small sample of your own blood is drawn, typically from a vein in your arm.
- Centrifugation: The blood sample is placed in a centrifuge, which rapidly spins to separate blood components based on their densities.
- Concentration: This process concentrates the platelets, which are rich in growth factors, in a solution with approximately 7-9 times the number of platelets compared to whole blood.
- Injection: The concentrated PRP solution is then precisely injected into the treatment site using advanced imaging guidance such as ultrasound-guided injections and fluoroscopy for accuracy.
- By using your own blood, we minimize the risk of allergic reactions or infections, making PRP a safe and effective treatment option.
How Effective Is Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy?
While PRP therapy has shown promising results for many patients, its effectiveness can vary depending on factors such as:
- The specific condition being treated
- The severity of the condition
- The patient’s overall health
PRP has demonstrated particular success in treating conditions such as osteoarthritis, hip “bursitis” spine injuries and more. As it utilizes your body’s own healing mechanisms, PRP is generally considered safe. However, as with any medical procedure, there can be potential risks such as infection, pain at the injection site, or in some cases, no significant improvement in symptoms.
Our process begins with an initial consultation to evaluate your condition and discuss treatment options. If PRP is recommended, we’ll guide you through the preparation process and schedule your injection appointment.