Our team of board-certified pain relief and physical medicine & rehabilitation specialists use non-invasive, interventional pain management techniques to relieve pain and help you live a healthy, active life.
What is the procedure and how is it performed?
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a revolutionary new treatment that relieves pain by promoting long lasting healing of musculoskeletal conditions.
To prepare PRP, a small amount of blood is taken from the patient’s arm. The blood is then placed in a special centrifuge which spins and separates the platelets form the rest of the blood components. The entire process of preparing the PRP takes less than 15 minutes and increases the concentration of platelets and growth factors up to 600%. These platelets release special growth factors that lead to tissue healing. By using the concentrated platelets, we increase the growth factors up to eight times which promotes temporary relief and stops inflammation. PRP injections actually heal the area over a period of time.
After numbing the area of skin to be entered, a needle is guided into the area to be addressed using either ultrasound or fluoroscope. After certifying needle placement a combination of the PRP and local anesthetic is injected in to the joint, ligament or tendon to be addressed.
Because your own blood is used, there is no risk of a transmissible infection and a very low risk of allergic reaction. At MSPC, all procedures are imaged guided with the most modern and sophisticated equipment to ensure safety and accuracy of needle placement during injections.
How long does this procedure take?
The total appointment time takes approximately 30 minutes, including preparation, treatment and recovery time.
What should I expect after the prolotherapy?
The platelets work by causing an inflammatory reaction. If we somehow diminish this inflammatory reaction than we may significantly decrease the chances of having a good result. For this reason, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Aleve, Motrin, ibuprofen etc. are not recommended. This restriction should be in place for about 4-6 weeks. The use of omega 3-fish oil and other natural anti-inflammatory agents do not seem to work the same way as the NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) and are thus not restricted.
Initially, mild but temporary swelling and stiffness may occur. Some patients see noticeable improvement after the first sessions are completed, while others realize increasing improvement on each successive visit. Many of them are permanently cured. Not only do they enjoy simple pleasures again — a good night’s sleep, sitting through a movie, taking a walk — but many also return to physical activities such as competitive ballroom dancing and working out at the gym.
How many treatments do I need and how frequently may I have this?
Every patient is different. Every injury or pain is different, and it is difficult to forecast how many treatments will be needed. The number of injections performed depends upon the severity and the type of condition being treated. Age also seems to have an effect on the number of injections given. Typically, younger people generally need fewer injections for the same condition than a person who is older. The speed of healing is also related to how patients take care of themselves. Multiple treatments encourage additional tissue growth to restore and strengthen the affected area. An individual plan is devised with PRP therapy treatments scheduled every two to four weeks until the healing is complete, and you can return to normal activities without pain.
