Platelet Rich Plasma Injections Prolo-Therapy

What is Platelet Rich Plasma?

Platelet Rich Plasma, or PRP is blood plasma with concentrated platelets. The concentrated platelets found in PRP contain huge reservoirs of bioactive proteins, including growth factors that are vital to initiate and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration. These bioactive proteins initiate connective tissue healing specifically bone, tendon and ligament regeneration and repair, promote development of new blood vessels, and stimulate the wound healing process.

How does PRP Therapy work?

To prepare PRP, a small amount of blood is taken from the patient. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins and automatically produces the PRP. The entire process takes less than 15 minutes and increases the concentration of platelets and growth factors up to 500%.

When PRP is injected into the damaged area it stimulates the tendon or ligament, causing mild inflammation that triggers the healing cascade. As a result new collagen begins to develop. As this collagen matures it begins to shrink causing the tightening and strengthening of the tendons or ligaments of the damaged area.

What are the potential benefits?

Patients may see a significant improvement in symptoms. This may eliminate the need for more aggressive treatments, such as long term medication or surgery as well as a return of function.

What are tendons & ligaments?

Tendons and ligaments, composed of collagen fibers, connect muscle to bone making it possible for you perform every day physical activities. Overuse or damage to tendons and ligaments over a long period of time causes the collagen fibers in tendons to form small tears, a condition called tendinosis. Damage most often occurs in the knee, ankle, sacroiliac joint, shoulder, elbow, wrist, biceps, calf, hamstrings and Achilles tendons and feet.

Ligaments are also composed of collagen fibers, connecting bone to bone i.e. joints: ankles, knees, shoulders, spine, etc., stabilizing the joint and controlling the range of motion. A damaged ligament is no longer able to provide support, weakening the joints and shifting the burden of support to muscles (and then to the tendons). Tendons and ligaments have poor blood supply, particularly where they connect to bone (entheses). Once injured (sprains or strains) they do not heal easily and the damage progresses with the stress of day-to-day activities. Medical intervention may be necessary.

What is Prolotherapy?

Prolotherapy has been performed for more than 50 years. It stimulates injured tissue to heal, thicken and become stronger. Injections of stimulant substances initiate a healing process. Healing may take several weeks and several injections may be necessary. Prolotherapy is often performed alone or in conjunction with PRP treatments.

What can be treated?

PRP injections can be performed in tendons and ligaments all over the body. Sports injuries, arthritic joints, lower back, sacroiliac joint, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, ACL tears, shin splints, rotator cuff tears, plantar fasciitis and iliotibial band syndrome may all be effectively treated with PRP.

How many treatments are necessary & how often is this therapy administered?

While responses to treatment vary, most people will require 1-3 injections. Each set of treatments is spaced several weeks apart. There is no limit to the number of treatments you can have; the risks and side effects do not change with the number of injections.

Is PRP right for me?

If you have a tendon or ligament injury and traditional methods have not provided relief, then Prolotherapy and PRP therapy may be the solution. The procedure is less aggressive and less expensive than surgery. It will heal tissue with minimal or no scaring and alleviates further degeneration of the tissues. There will be an initial evaluation with your doctor to see if Prolotherapy and/or PRP therapy is right for you.

Are there any special instructions?

You are restricted from the use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) one week prior to the procedure and throughout the course of treatments.

Initially the procedure may cause some localized soreness and discomfort. Most patients only require some acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help with the pain. Ice and heat may be applied to the area as needed.

At sometime after the procedure, patients may typically start a rehabilitation program with physical therapy. However, aggressive physical activity is discouraged.

How soon can I go back to regular physical activities?

PRP and Prolotherapy helps regenerate tendons and ligaments but it is not a quick fix. This therapy is stimulating the growth and repair of tendons and ligaments, and requires time and rehabilitation. Through regular visits, your doctor will determine when you are able to resume regular physical activities.

Does insurance pay for PRP?

With the exception of Medicare, some insurance companies, including workers compensation, may cover partial reimbursement after pre-authorization.