PRP Therapy
The Orthohealing Center is a leader in PRP therapy
The Orthohealing Center’s pioneering doctors are at the forefront of PRP therapy, leading research and developing this technique to ensure patients receive the highest standard of care.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an innovative, all-natural treatment option
The Orthohealing Center is committed to delivering advanced and comprehensive PRP therapy to address tendon injuries and joint pain. This safe, nonsurgical treatment leverages growth factors and proteins derived from the patient’s own blood to promote healing and repair.
How does PRP therapy work?
Our blood is comprised of red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets-each play a crucial role in PRP therapy.
Platelets control bleeding and potentially contribute to pain relief and the healing of chronic injuries. In doing so, they release over 1,500 growth factors and proteins documented to facilitate wound healing and tissue repair.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy isolates and concentrates these platelets from the patient’s own blood, selectively injecting them into damaged areas. Plasma supports the treatment with its anti-inflammatory proteins.
Ongoing PRP-related research and collaborations with industry leaders have revealed that joints, tendons, muscles, and nerves each demand specific PRP formulations to yield optimal results. The Orthohealing Center incorporates customized protocols into our preparations for, and application of, treatments for specific regions and conditions. For example, our doctors may recommend a high dose PRP injection in combination with additional growth factors to maximize the intended goals and healing potential.
Symptoms treated with PRP therapy
Research on PRP therapy has extensively explored various musculoskeletal injuries. Controlled trials have demonstrated treatment efficacy in the following areas:
- Tennis elbow / lateral epicondylitis
- Gluteal tendinosis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Annular disc tears
The Orthohealing Center employs this innovative and minimally invasive approach to address a broad spectrum of conditions. Ongoing clinical trials and data analysis are essential to gain a deeper understanding of the ideal applications and suitable candidates for PRP.
Additionally, PRP therapy frequently serves as a complementary modality to orthopedic surgery. Some patients receive PRP injections post-surgery during rehabilitation, or even in the operating room.
What to expect during PRP therapy
Patients can anticipate a comfortable and professional experience during platelet-rich plasma therapy treatments. With thousands of successful PRP injections administered, our team of physicians ranks among the most seasoned in the world.
The process begins with a thorough physical examination and detailed imaging to indicate the region or regions for treatment. Following this, blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to isolate platelets and plasma proteins. The treatment area is then cleansed, and a topical local anesthetic is applied. (Oral nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is also available for anxious patients.)
Our empathic and experienced medical professionals use ultrasound images (or X-Ray Fluoroscopy in certain spine cases) when administering platelet-rich plasma directly into the specific area(s) of injury. This technology provides optimal visualization of the targeted treatment site(s) and thereby minimize the risk of trauma to surrounding structures. The number of PRP treatments and related physical therapy sessions recommended depends on the region and extent of the injury or damage.
A brief recovery period is expected after receiving PRP injections. It’s common for patients to experience some swelling and discomfort at the injection site. Although they typically resolve on their own after two or three days, the Orthohealing Center provides patients with instructions for the safe management of these symptoms.
Patients often experience PRP-related improvements within eight weeks of treatment. But individual results vary, based on the treatment area and extent of damage. Generally, symptom relief and healing increase for several months after the final PRP session.
Is PRP therapy right for you?
PRP therapy has been successfully performed on patients with osteoarthritis, tendon injuries, chronic pain, acute athletic injuries, and various other conditions.
Our physicians assess for the severity and stage of damage by conducting a thorough physical examination and taking detailed images. Ideal candidates for PRP injections have injuries or conditions that fall within the mild to moderate range. Alternative orthobiologic therapies may be recommended for extreme or advanced cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
PRP stands for “platelet-rich plasma.” Platelets are the body’s natural wound healers. Found in the blood’s plasma along with red and white blood cells, platelets contain proteins called growth factors. These proteins/growth factors play a key role in the healing process. With PRP therapy, a patient’s own platelets are isolated and then concentrated into an injectable solution used to stimulate the body’s natural reparative process.
If standard interventions such as physical therapy, cortisone shots, and pain medications have proven ineffective in addressing your joint pain, osteoarthritis, or persistent tendon discomfort, consider PRP therapy. Schedule a consultation with one of Orthohealing Center’s innovative physicians to determine if this approach is advisable for you.
The results of our peer-reviewed published research and substantial clinical expertise reveal that PRP is a frequently explored, viable option for individuals experiencing mild to moderate osteoarthritis. In cases of more advanced arthritis, our doctors may recommend other biologic treatment options.
Request a consultation and visit the Orthohealing Center for a complete assessment of your condition and to determine the suitability of PRP injections.
Contraindications for treatment may include anemia, immune disorders, cancer, prolonged or active infections, certain blood disorders, and pregnancy.
Our peer-reviewed published research and substantial clinical expertise show that PRP therapy can be an effective treatment for tendinitis. More precisely referred to as “tendinosis,” this condition is characterized by thickening, scarring, and poor blood flow within the tendon. Affected patients typically experience tendon discomfort and limitations in activity after having already explored and exhausted conservative measures such as rest, activity modification, bracing, and physical therapy.
We continue to scientifically study and discover the many ways that PRP works. Research demonstrates that PRP potentially increases the body’s ability to heal by prompting a natural release of proteins. PRP contains over 1,500 proteins, also known as growth factors. These may reduce inflammation and support the healing of soft tissue injuries and arthritis. The process begins with a blood draw from the patient. Following this, unwanted white and red blood cells are removed to concentrate the platelets and plasma. This purified platelet rich plasma solution is then injected into the treatment area, precisely guided by an ultrasound or X-ray for clear visualization and to minimize the risk of trauma to surrounding structures. This approach is designed to stimulate the body’s natural ability to heal.
Standard PRP treatment sessions last one to one and a half hours, on average. This encompasses necessary time for the blood draw, the preparation of the platelet-rich solution, and the administration of local anesthetics and injections. In many cases, a comprehensive approach is taken to target multiple regions associated with the patient’s symptoms. This underscores the Orthohealing Center’s expertise in identifying and addressing various contributing factors to yield optimal outcomes. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is available to alleviate anxiety and reduce the need for local anesthetics which can potentially impede cells and tissue healing.
Four to eight tablespoons of blood is typical for each PRP treatment administered.
Although discomfort varies based on the treatment area and patient’s pain threshold, PRP-related symptoms are usually mild. The Orthohealing Center offers local anesthetics or nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to reduce the potential onset of pain. And we employ ultrasound guidance to precisely identify the site of injection and avoid sensitive structures. Our doctors are committed to providing the most effective and comfortable patient experience possible.
It is generally not advised for patients to operate a vehicle after receiving a PRP treatment. Patients should make advance arrangements for post-procedure transportation.
Outcomes vary, depending on the injection site and overall health of the patient receiving PRP therapy. It may take several weeks for the body to heal naturally and for the actualization of anticipated results. (Joints and muscles tend to heal quicker than tendons do, because of their increased circulation.)
The Orthohealing Center embraces a “less is more” philosophy to medicine. We encourage patients to lead active lifestyles, and minimizing procedure-related recovery time is one of our objectives. We treat patients with nonsurgical, noninvasive interventions whenever possible. However, as PRP therapy is not optimal for all conditions, some may necessitate minimally invasive surgery. In these cases, PRP may be administered to potentially enhance the reparative process.
Adverse reactions are unlikely to occur with PRP therapy because injections contain platelets drawn from the patient’s own blood. For two to three days post-procedure, patients may experience some inflammation and pain or discomfort at the injection site. As with most medical interventions, there are associated risks that should be discussed with your physician prior to undergoing treatment.
Downtime after PRP therapy depends on the extent of the damage, and the area being treated. The period for recovery is typically minimal, given that PRP is a natural, therapeutic intervention. As such, feedback from the body can communicate physical limitations and readiness to pursue specific activities. Most individuals resume their daily, non-rigorous routines after two days; patients may require more time before re-engaging in strenuous activities.
PRP therapy can be applied to most areas of the body. It is frequently injected directly into involved joints, muscle, tendons, ligaments, and nerves to potentially accelerate healing and reduce pain.
Exercise and activity have a meaningful, synergistic effect on our treatments. To optimize results, we typically recommend physical therapy/rehabilitation in combination with a manageable, customized home program with video demonstrations.
Conventional health insurance does not cover the cost of PRP injections, and fees are based on the personalized course of prescribed action. The Orthohealing Center offers hardship arrangements to serve people in need and extend patient access to cell therapy.
Contact the Orthohealing Center’s caring administrative staff to learn about financing options for PRP treatment.
Disclaimer: Our healthcare practitioners use products and perform therapies cleared for general use by the United States Food and Drug Administration, but specific indications for treatment have not been evaluated and reviewed by the FDA. You are encouraged to consult with your primary care physician prior to undergoing a cell therapy.
