Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an injection of your own platelets and growth factors, similar to stem cell treatment, extracted from your blood. The blood draw and injection are done at the same office visit, an outpatient clinical procedure.
PRP has shown great promise in stimulating repair of body tissues including tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Â PRP mimics the body's innate response to an injury by stimulating platelet activation. The activation of platelets plays a dynamic role in soft tissue healing. Research shows that PRP is superior to other injections in the treatment of osteoarthritis and healing of chronic tendinitis.
In osteoarthritis, PRP can enhance the body's normal healing response in an acute manner for a chronic condition. This can result in the development of new collagen, a benefit that other injections are unable to offer.
In tendinitis, the growth factors in PRP can signal the body to initiate a healing response in the local injected tissues. Healing is the first step in injured tissues regenerating their strength and function. It has been used extensively in professional athletes who seek hurried return to play. Star athlete success stories include: Kobe Bryant (NBA), Tiger Woods (PGA tour), Alex Rodriquez (MLB), Hines Ward (NFL) and Rafael Nadal (ATP).
If you have an injury or condition involving a tendon, ligament, joint or osteoarthritis, PRP may be a nonsurgical option for you.
Indications (including but not limited to):
- Osteoarthritis (Intraarticular)
- Tendinosis & Tendinitis
Process
- 3 Injections spaced 1 week apart x 3 weeks
- Can have injection series every 6 months
- Day of Injection
- Blood Draw
- Centrifuge x 5 minutes
- Ultrasound Guided Injection