No longer reserved for professional athletes, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is fast becoming the treatment of choice for everyone!
What is PRP?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Platelets are the components of your blood that are best known for blood clotting. Blood is made up of 55% plasma, 45% red blood cells, and about 1% white blood cells and platelets. Platelets also contain hundreds of proteins called growth factors, which are important in the healing of injuries. PRP is the separation of those platelets and plasma from the rest of the blood, which results in a high concentration of the platelets within the plasma, hence, platelet-rich plasma.
Why PRP?
- Less side effects when compared to steroid injections and surgery
- Natural and organic; from your own body
- Speeds up and promotes healing
- Minimal to no down time and minimally invasive
How does it work?
Laboratory studies have shown that the increased concentration of growth factors in PRP can potentially speed up the healing process.
What are the indications?
The procedure can be used to treat tendon and/or ligament injuries.
Does insurance cover PRP?
No, insurances do not currently cover PRP as the procedure is not FDA approved, and is therefore considered investigational at this time.
The Procedure
Platelet-rich plasma injections are an office-based procedure. After check-in, the patient will have between 30-60cc of blood drawn into a special syringe. The syringe is then placed into a centrifuge, which will separate the PRP from the rest of the blood, yielding between 2-10cc. The separated PRP is then drawn into another syringe, which will be injected under ultrasound guidance into the affected area.
How long will the process take?
The entire process will take approx. 20-30 minutes.
What to expect post injection
Most commonly, patients may experience an increase of pain, which normally subsides to a dull ache, which could last up to 2-5 days.
How to Prepare
- No corticosteroids for two to three weeks prior to the procedure
- Discontinue NSAIDs one week prior to the procedure. Traditional NSAIDs include: Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen
- No anticoagulation use five days prior to the procedure
- Increase fluid intake in the 24 hours prior to the procedure
START HEALING AND GET BACK TO LIVING.
…because the key to healing is within you!
