PRP Injections
Musculoskeletal injuries are the most common cause of long-term pain and disability that substantially affects the quality of our everyday lives. Platelet rich plasma is a popular treatment for elite athletes and celebrities suffering with orthopedic injuries and conditions because it is nonsurgical.
Osteoarthritis and joint disorders are the second most common nonacute condition for which patients seek care. There is a high demand for nonsurgical therapies, like PRP, for cartilage – related conditions like osteoarthritis and some joint disorders involving the knee meniscus, tendon, and ligament defects.
When is PRP therapy beneficial?
PRP is a revolutionary treatment for sports-related injuries of the muscles, tendons and ligaments, and osteoarthritis. It augments standard of care treatment modalities. PRP therapy initiates wound healing, and tissue repair. In essence, it is biologically enhanced healing, using your body’s natural healing capabilities. PRP provides a long-lasting solution for pain and symptom relief of soft tissue and bone injuries and helps to restore function.
In addition to treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee, spine, hip, and shoulder, PRP therapy may be beneficial to treat rotator cuff tears, ACL injuries, back and neck injuries, tennis elbow, ankle sprains, plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, and ligament sprains.
What is PRP?
PRP is derived from your own blood which contains numerous growth factors and proteins that have been shown to initiate and promote healing. It does this by stimulating cell and blood vessels growth to facilitate the natural healing process.
Platelets are best known for their blood clotting ability, but platelets are a natural reservoir of hundreds of biologically active proteins called growth factors that play a key role in wound healing and tissue repair. When there is an injury or inflammation, platelets flood the area to stop bleeding, and heal damaged tissues.
How is PRP made?
PRP is prepared from a sample of the patient’s own blood. The blood is drawn and then placed in a centrifuge, which spins it to separate the different components. The concentrated platelets and growth factors are combined with the remaining blood and injected at the site of the patient’s injury or damage to accelerate the healing process.
PRP concentrates platelets and growth factors to increase potency more than 10x greater than normal. PRP harnesses the power of your body’s natural healing abilities to promote healing, and regenerate tissues that help you recover quickly.
How does it work?
PRP injections soak injured cells in the concentrated plasma and the numerous growth factors to enhance one or more phases of bone and soft tissue healing. Studies show that the increased concentration of growth factors catalyze the body’s repair mechanisms and shorten recovery time.
PRP therapy reduces inflammation, relieves pain, promotes repair, increases collagen production for firmer and more resilient cartilage, enhances blood flow to deliver nutrients that support healing, and recruits stem cells to regenerate tissues.
PRP therapy provides pain relief without the risks of cortisone injections, surgery, anesthesia, and a long recovery. Most patients can resume their work and activities immediately after treatment. In some cases, PRP therapy may offer an alternative to surgery. In other cases, it is used in rotator cuff surgery and ACL reconstruction surgery to augment healing.
The orthopedic surgeons at OANC are specially trained and proficient in the procedures and preparation of PRP. When you or a loved one has a painful sports or orthopedic injury or condition, schedule a consultation at our Chico office to discover all your treatment options.
