Platelet Rich Plasma

PRP

Platelet Rich Plasma

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a non-surgical treatment utilized for a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries and pain. PRP is one of several types of Regenerative Injection Therapies (RIT), with dextrose prolotherapy and stem cells being two different types.

Initially described for use in oral and maxillofacial surgery, PRP is a refined product of autologous blood with a platelet concentration higher than that of whole blood. Platelets are essential in the injury response, as they release growth factors that initiate and modulate wound healing. Concentrating the platelets and growth factors to optimal levels improves the signaling and recruitment of your mesenchymal stem cells (MSC’s), which significantly helps to resolve your injured and painful areas.

The injection approach for PRP is nearly identical to dextrose prolotherapy; the difference is the injected solution.

Common Conditions Treated

• Cervical and Lumbar Degenerative Joint Disease (Osteoarthritis)
• Rotator Cuff Tears
• Ligament Tears
• Low back pain (facet syndrome, sacroiliitis, etc.)
• Cervical neck pain & instability
• Chronic headaches/migraines
• Plantar fasciitis
• Golfer and Tennis Elbow
• Runner and Jumpers Knee
• Meniscus Tears

Note: Some of the conditions listed above may respond more favorably to perineural injection therapy, prolotherapy, or stem cell therapy.

How PRP Works

PRP is a concentration of platelets and growth factors isolated from your blood. When this is injected back into an injured area, a new healing cascade is initiated, allowing your body a second chance to heal. As the platelets organize in the clot they release a number of enzymes and growth factors to promote healing and tissue responses including attracting stem cells to repair the damaged area. As a result, new collagen begins to develop. As the collagen matures it begins to shrink causing the tightening and strengthening of the damaged area.

To collect PRP, a small volume of blood is obtained, usually between 20-60cc. This sample then goes through a rapid spinning process that concentrates the platelets and other beneficial growth factors into a layer that can then be removed from the blood. Once removed from the blood, the PRP portion is injected back into your injured areas which then stimulates the new healing response. The entire PRP process including injection is usually completed within 60-90 minutes.

Similar to dextrose prolotherapy, PRP has a very safe profile, and side effects are rare.

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