Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a new cutting-edge therapy used to heal and regenerate soft tissues, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. With PRP treatments, the patient’s own blood is drawn and processed to extract platelet rich plasma. The PRP is then injected back into the affected area to enhance the natural healing process and reduce pain and inflammation. PRP is a concentrated source of healing factors.
PRP right for me?
If you have a tendon, ligament or joint problem and traditional methods have not provided relief, then PRP therapy might be a good alternative option. The procedure is less aggressive than surgery and will heal tissue with minimal or no scaring as well as, alleviates further degeneration of the tissue.
How does PRP work?
The treatment process takes approximately 15 minutes. A blood sample is drawn and centrifuged from which the PRP is extracted. When the PRP is injected into a damaged area it triggers a healing cascade effect. New collagen will begin to develop which causes tightening and strengthening of the tendons and ligaments.
What is Platelet Rich Plasma?
PRP is a natural blood plasma with concentrated platelets that contain bioactive proteins and growth factors which initiate and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration. These bioactive proteins expedite healing in connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and bone. It promotes regeneration, repairs and development of new blood vessels. This in turn, stimulates and increases wound healing.
Potential Benefits
In addition to returning to normal function, patients see significant improvement in their symptoms. This could eliminate the need for more aggressive treatments such as long-term medication and surgery.
What conditions can benefit from PRP?
PRP therapy can be performed on tendons and ligaments all over the body. Many conditions that can be treated which include (but are not limited to):
- Sports Injuries
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Rotator Cuff Tears
- Achilles Tendonitis
- Lumbar Disc Tears
- Jumpers Knee
- Arthritic Joints
- Tennis/Golfers/Pitchers Elbow
How often will I require PRP treatments?
Each patient responds differently to PRP therapy. This is dependent on underlying conditions. Most patients require two to three treatments. Each treatment is spaced approximately 8 – 12 weeks apart. There are no limits to the therapy and the side effects do not increase with the number of treatments. Physiotherapy is recommended between and after treatments to maximize the benefits of the PRP therapy.
How soon after can I get back to physical activities?
PRP therapy stimulates the growth and repair of tissues and does require some time (usually about one month) to heal. PRP has been shown to expedite the healing process in comparison to patients who have only had physiotherapy and medication.
PRP vs Cortisone
Cortisone injections often weaken the tissues and may provide temporary relief and decreased inflammation, but it is generally short lived. PRP therapy heals, thickens and improves tissue strength. Recent studies demonstrate harmful effects of cortisone to cartilage.