 Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) is a promising technique to treat many orthopedic injuries. PRP accelerates the healing of tendon, ligament, muscle, and cartilage naturally without undue risk to the patient.PRP is merging the body's own ability to heal itself with cutting-edge technology.
Blood is comprised of red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Platelets not only control clotting of blood, but are known to release growth factors that promote the healing process. Growth factors influence the biological processes necessary for the repair of soft tissues. These proteins are natural components found in the blood stream and are considered a new frontier in treating injuries. They are often referred to as OrthoBiologics. Increasing the bioactivity at the wound site takes medicine closer toward enhancing the body to heal itself.
Obtaining and using PRP is a relatively simple process. The patient's own blood is harvested in the office. The blood sample is spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the rest of the sample. The platelet rich tissue sample is placed into a syringe. The platelet rich tissue sample is injected into the injured area under ultrasound guidance. Ultrasound guidance is imperative for proper placement into the damaged tissue. The process takes about twenty to thirty minutes total.
The healing process can take a few days to several months, depending on the injured structure.Iliotibial Band Syndrome (IBS), muscle tears, trigger points, rotator cuff tears, lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), and ankle sprains. Plantar fasciitis can show improvement in a few days. Achilles tendinosis can take weeks to months to heal. Many insurance companies cover the injections currently.
Ultrasound guidance is an in-office procedure to allow the precise placement of the needle to transfer the platelet tissue directly to the injured site.
OrthoNeuro Physicians providing this service:
Dr. Jeffrey Gittins
Dr. Mark Gittins |
