Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections
What is (PRP) Platelet Rich Plasma Injections?
Platelet Rich Plasma Injections (PRP) is a new and exciting treatment. PRP is becoming increasingly popular because of its effectiveness in treating various sports injuries, as well as, osteoarthritis. PRP is viewed as a very “natural” treatment that is derived from your own blood, and does not involve the injection of any medication. Every year, more and more research studies have been completed and have increasingly shown the effectiveness of PRP.
PRP is a procedure in which a sample of your blood is put into a special centrifuge which separates your blood into different components. The part of the blood that contains the platelets also has a high concentration of Growth Factors. These Growth Factors are then injected back into your body part that is injured to promote healing.
The Growth Factors in PRP work to promote healing by helping your body to produce “collagen” which is a building block for musculoskeletal tissue such as bone, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. They also promote the growth and development of the actual cells that make up this musculoskeletal tissue, thereby helping with the healing process. These Growth Factors also stimulate new blood vessel formation and help in the development of “stem cells” which form the basis of new tissue growth. The Growth Factors contained in PRP also have an anti-inflammatory effect.
Some common conditions in sports medicine that are treated with (PRP) platelet rich plasma injections include:
- Tendonitis, tendinopathies (e.g., “Tennis elbow”, patellar tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff injuries, etc.)
- Knee Osteoarthritis, Hip Osteoarthritis and other joints
- Articular cartilage injuries, meniscus tears
- Other tendon, muscle and ligament injuries
Over the past 5 years, there has been a lot of research showing the effectiveness of PRP for treating osteoarthritis (especially OA of the knee). PRP tends to have a long lasting effect (between 1 to 2 years). Research indicates that you can expect decreased pain and improved function for daily activities and exercise.
There has also been a lot of research showing the effectiveness of PRP in treating and healing tendon injuries. PRP is especially good at healing chronic tendinopathies such as lateral epicondylitis (“tennis elbow”), patellar tendonitis (“jumper’s knee”) and plantar fasciitis (heel).
One of the main benefits of PRP injections is the potential for regeneration of articular cartilage. Because osteoarthritis involves degeneration and loss of articular (surface) cartilage in the joint, there has been a lot of excitement in the medical community surrounding PRP because of the potential that it can slow or possibly reverse this degenerative process.
Research showing its regenerative potential is still in the early stages, but there have been some very positive results so far and expectations remain very high for long term benefit from PRP injections for treating OA.
Besides the possible complications that can occur with any injection, (click here), PRP has been shown to be very safe, and is not known to have any specific side effects because the injection involves your own body tissue.
In summary, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a new type of injection that is safe and effective in treating various sports injuries and osteoarthritis. In addition, PRP may have a regenerative effect in building new cartilage and hopefully slowing the degenerative process of OA.
Why Choose Us
Comprehensive
GRSM Injection Clinic physicians are committed to providing high quality comprehensive assessment and medical care to ensure that injection therapy is appropriate for you.
Education
A very important part of treating your sports injury or osteoarthritis is understanding as much as possible about your condition or injury, and then being well-informed about the treatment options available to you.
Leading Edge Technology
GRSM Injection Clinic physicians are specially trained to do ultrasound-guided injections to maximize accuracy and effectiveness of injections.
Regenerate...Heal the Tissue
These injections harness your body’s own tissue (e.g., growth factors, hormones, stem cells) to power the healing and regeneration of the injured body part.
Safety and Comfort
The GRSM Injection Clinic uses rigorous methods to ensure your safety when to come for an injection.
Evidenced-based Treatment
The GRSM Injection Clinic bases its treatment methods on objective research-based evidence.
Book an Appointment
If you would like to take the next step to making an appointment with the doctor or would like more information, please complete our online form and we will be in touch or call our office at 519-622-4529.