Regenerative Medicine: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PROCEDURES
Regenerative Medicine: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is an innovative approach to promote healing from a tissue and bone injury using the body’s own cells (autologous). PRP is blood plasma that is rich in concentration of platelet cells. Platelets are the “first responders” of the body to the injury location; contain growth factors, and other cell types called cytokines that start the healing process.
Several clinical trials have shown this therapy to be effective and safe to treat various forms of muscle, tissue, and joint disorders. PRP is used to target pain generating from arthritis or the shoulder, knee, elbow, and spine. It is also now commonly utilized to target soft tissue and fascia related pain in the neck, feet, and lower back.
PRP therapy is an FDA approved non-surgical treatment that is safely performed in an office setting without the need of sedation of anesthesia.
Benefits of treating chronic pain with PRP therapy may include:
- Pain relief from healing of underlying injury.
- Use of the body’s own cells. (autologous)
Avoidance of a major surgery.
Improved quality of life and increased ability to perform activities of daily living.
- Reduced need for oral medications for pain and avoidance of side effects such as nausea, vomiting, sedation and constipation.
(*: Results are not guaranteed)
How long does PRP therapy take?
The whole procedure takes about an hour. The patient’s blood is drawn into a tube and spun down in a special centrifuge machine. The plasma, which is rich in platelets, is collected and injected into the injured tissues under x -ray guidance or ultrasound guidance using universal sterile precautions. Patients are discharged from the office the same day and may resume their normal activities and return to work.
Do I have to take special precautions for this procedure?
All patients scheduled for treatment must follow the regenerative medicine protocol:
- Patients must stop NSAIDs 2 weeks prior to initiation of treatment and must not take 2 weeks after completion of treatment.
Patient must stop any corticosteroids or glucocorticoids. medications for 6 weeks
- Patient being treated with. immunosuppressants, or biologics should consult with the physician about their candidacy for regenerative medicine.
- Patients may be enrolled in structured rehabilitation therapy following some injections.
- Patient must inform if they are being treated or experiencing any symptoms that would suggest ongoing viral or bacterial infection.
- Patient must notify if they are taking blood thinning medications or anticoagulation medications.
Please ask your treating physician or their team member if you have any further questions or concerns.
How many treatments do I need?
In general, most patients require 2-3 treatments to have the maximum benefit from this therapy. These treatments are performed 1 week apart. It is also possible that patients may feel better after the first treatment and the subsequent treatments are performed only if absolutely needed.
Do Insurance companies cover the cost of regenerative medicine treatments?
No. Please note that regenerative medicine treatment options are not covered by insurance companies because they are considered “experimental.” However, there is ongoing clinical evidence and research that both shows its efficacy and superiority to conventional treatments such as cortisone (steroids) and Orthovisc/Synvisc injections for certain medical conditions.
We encourage you to do your due diligence with online research and ask any questions you may have about your candidacy for the treatment options available.
Just like any other treatment modality, it is not a slam dunk option for every patient. Several factors play a role in determining outcomes.