Platelet-Rich Plasma, or PRP, is a revolutionary orthobiologic treatment that utilizes the healing components in your blood to repair damaged tissues and alleviate pain. Your blood is composed of several key elements, including red cells, white cells, plasma, and platelets. While commonly known for their role in clotting blood, platelets are also a rich reservoir of powerful proteins called growth factors. These growth factors help with signaling and stimulating the body’s natural healing process, recruiting stem cells, and facilitating the regeneration of new tissue.

PRP therapy concentrates these platelets and their growth factors to a level that is 5 to 10 times greater than what is found in normal blood. When this concentrated plasma is injected directly into an area of injury or chronic degeneration, it supercharges the body’s repair process. It works to reduce inflammation, stimulate the growth of new, healthy tissue, and ultimately heal the root cause of pain, rather than just masking the symptoms.

The PRP treatment process is a safe and simple procedure performed right in our office during a single appointment. It involves three key steps:

1. The Blood Draw: The process begins with a simple blood draw, much like you would experience during a routine physical. A small sample of your blood is collected from your arm into a sterile tube.
2. The Centrifuge Process: This blood sample is then placed into a specialized medical device called a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins the blood at a very high speed, a process which separates the blood into its different components. This spinning process isolates and concentrates platelets within the plasma, creating Platelet-Rich Plasma.
3. The Injection: Once the PRP is prepared, the physician will precisely inject it into the targeted area of injury. To ensure the injection is delivered to the exact location of damage, we use ultrasound guidance. This allows the physician to see the tendon, ligament, or joint in real-time and place the PRP where it will be most effective.

The entire process typically takes less than an hour. Following the injection, you can return to your daily activities with some minor restrictions, which our team will review with you.

PRP therapy offers a compelling alternative for patients who have not found success with traditional treatments like rest, physical therapy, or corticosteroid injections. It is an ideal option for individuals seeking a less invasive alternative to surgery. You may be a great candidate for PRP if you suffer from:

• Chronic tendon injuries like tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis, or rotator cuff tears.
• Mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, or shoulder.
• Acute ligament and muscle injuries.

The advantages of PRP are clear. First and foremost, it is a highly safe procedure because it uses your body’s blood, virtually eliminating the risk of allergic reactions or disease transmission. It is a minimally invasive treatment that promotes proper tissue healing, offering the potential for lasting results and a significant reduction in pain. This enables patients to regain function, enhance their quality of life, and return to their favorite activities.