PLATELET RICH PLASMA (PRP)
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is blood plasma that has been concentrated and enriched with platelets. As a concentrated source of your own platelets, PRP contains several different growth factors that may stimulate healing of tendons, arthritic joints, ligaments, and soft tissue. An injection of PRP to an injured site is intended to provide the tissue with healing growth factors that are otherwise difficult for the body to deliver due to poor blood supply. PRP is also showing promise for spinal conditions, including facet joint pain (arthropathy) and sacroiliac joint pain.
Platelet-rich plasma is a surprisingly quick procedure. First, we collect a small amount of your blood. Then we use a centrifuge to separate platelet-rich plasma from other components of that blood. With the help of ultrasound imaging, we then inject the concentrated platelets into the precise site of your injury.
Platelets contain growth factors that may be crucial for the repair of injured joints. These growth factors may also stimulate blood flow and cause adjacent tissues to become more resilient. The growth factors that platelets secrete have the potential to stimulate tissue recovery through collagen production, stem cell proliferation, and protein expression.
You may experience soreness at the collection and treatment sites for a few days following the procedure. Many patients begin to see improvement one to two months after treatment has been completed. Increased stability and strength are often reported along with a reduction in pain. Recovery time and outcome depend on many factors, including the structure being treated and the severity of the problem.