What is platelet-rich plasma therapy?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a nonsurgical procedure that helps promote healing and relieves pain from damaged tendons, cartilage, or muscles. PRP therapy is also effective at treating chronic tendon pain and injuries as well as osteoarthritis: A degenerative form of arthritis that often attacks knee joints.
The healing properties of platelet-rich plasma are an ideal solution for athletes and others who desire long-term pain relief without the use of prescription drugs.
How does PRP therapy promote healing?
When you experience an injury, your body’s natural response is to send platelet cells to the damaged area. Platelet cells contain growth factors and the innate ability to promote healing. They also trigger your body’s repair process and enlist the help of your stem cells to relieve pain and heal the injury. PRP can help:
- Reduce inflammation
- Combat infection
- Promote healing after surgical procedures
What can I expect during the PRP procedure?
PRP therapy is an in-office procedure that takes 1-2 hours from start to finish.
First, Dr. Turok and the team at Comprehensive Neurology and Pain Center of Connecticut draw a small sample of your blood. The blood is then mixed in a centrifuge where your platelets are separated out from the other components in your blood.
Next, the doctor injects the platelet-rich plasma portion of your blood into the injured part of your body via ultrasound technology for guidance. That way, the PRP goes to the area where it can provide the most benefit.
Once the treatment is over, and after a short recovery period, you can resume your daily routine, but make sure to avoid any intense physical activity.
Dr. Turok recommends resting the injury or degenerative joint for the first six weeks after a PRP injection. After that, you typically begin physical therapy as the doctors monitor your progress. Most men and women resume all of their usual activities within the first three months after treatment.
Because the platelet-rich plasma comes from your own body, there’s no risk of an allergic reaction or transmissible infections.
What conditions does PRP therapy treat?
- Platelet-rich plasma therapy treats various musculoskeletal conditions and injuries, including:
- Tennis or golfer’s elbow
- Damaged wrist ligaments
- Rotator cuff tears
- Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)
- Osteoarthritis
- Achilles tendinitis
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries
- Knee injuries or joint degeneration
If you’ve tried other pain-relief methods for chronic musculoskeletal issues or injuries without long-term success, you may be a good candidate for platelet-rich plasma therapy. Learn more about this innovative, natural healing method by calling the office or scheduling a consultation online.
