We Specialize In
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

After a blood sample is obtained from a patient, the blood is put into a centrifuge which separates the blood into its many components. Platelet-rich plasma can then be collected and delivered to an injured area of bone or soft tissue, such as a tendon or ligament, via an injection. Ultrasound guidance can assist in the precise placement of PRP in a process that takes a total of 20-30 minutes. There may be soreness at the site of the injection that can last for a few days. Most people return to work and normal day to day activities immediately after the injection.

A local anesthetic is used. This results in minimal discomfort. Since PRP is prepared from your own blood, there is no risk of rejection or disease transmission and virtually no risk of injection.

There have been numerous clinical studies that show significant healing and long-lasting reduction in pain for a variety of injuries. Common injuries include tendon and ligament damage, disc degeneration, sports injuries as well as joint pain and arthritis, results are proving PRP to be an effective and natural alternative to steroid injections which temporarily help alleviate pain symptoms but do not heal the cause of your pain. In a small study involving knee osteoarthritis, PRP treatment was shown to be more effective than hyaluronic acid viscosupplementation treatments. PRP may eliminate the need for more aggressive treatments such as long-term medication or surgery,

No. A number of PRP concentrating devices are available commercially, each with varying cost, process and performance. Significant biological differences exist between PRP systems which may explain some variability in clinical outcomes, not to mention your own platelet count. It is, therefore, crucial to know what makes a good quality PRP treatment:

1. A therapeutic dose of platelets (over 1 billion platelets/mL)
2. A high dose of growth factors released at the site of injury
3. A high platelet yield which recovers over 80% of platelets present in your blood
4. A pure PRP treatment which removes most red and white blood cells

This clinic has opted to use the EmCyte™ PRP system which delivers all of the above characteristics for a clinically significant outcome. Cheaper devices that require small blood draws and/or use standard test tubes provide low-quality PRP which results in the need for repeat treatments and negative clinical outcomes. Not all PRP is created equally.

You may gain considerable to complete relief after the first PRP injection. In some cases, especially when the problem has been chronic, additional PRP injections may be necessary. Up to three injections are usually performed at 4-6 weeks apart, if needed

Both ultrasound and MRI images have shown definitive tissue repair after PRP therapy, confirming the healing process. The need for surgery can also be greatly reduced by treating injured tissue before the damage progresses and the condition is irreversible. PRP therapy does not provide immediate relief; instead, it sets in motion a repair mechanism that takes 2-3 weeks before pain relief is felt. A study in the American Journal of Sports Medicine showed the following results in patients with elbow tendinosis:

• 46% pain relief by week 4
• 60% pain relief by week 8
• 81% pain relief by 6 months

At the conclusion of the study, 93% of patients were completely satisfied with their PRP treatment and had avoided surgery.

There are many applications where PRP Therapy can be very effective. The following are the most common:

Knee

• Ligament sprains and tears (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL)
• Patella Tendonitis and Tendinosis
• Bursitis
• Osteoarthritis

Elbow, Hand and Waist

• Epicondylitis (Tennis and Golfer’s elbow)
• Ligament sprains and tears
• Tendonitis and Tendinosis
• Osteoarthritis

Shoulder

• Ligament sprains and tears
• Tendonitis and Tendinosis
• Acromioclavicular joint dysfunction and pain
• Osteoarthritis

Spine

• Ligament sprains and tears
• Tendonitis and Tendinosis
• Spinal Stenosis
• Osteoarthritis

Foot and Ankle

• Ligament sprains and tears
• Achilles Tendonitis and Tendinosis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Osteoarthritis

Hip

• Ligament and muscles sprains / tears
• Tendonitis and Tendinosis
• Trochanteric bursitis
• Osteoarthritis

Will my insurance cover this procedure?

While PRP has been used for decades, often in professional athletes who are looking to avoid surgery or prolonged recovery periods, its application in the treatment of pain is relatively new. Because of this, insurance companies do not currently cover PRP therapy.

The cost of PRP treatment varies depending on the procedure performed. Our office staff can assist you with payment options and any other questions you may have.