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Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) recreates and stimulates the body’s natural healing process

Most people associate platelets with clot formation. While that certainly is an important function of platelets, they are also very much involved in injury healing. Human platelets are extremely rich in connective tissue growth factors. Injecting these growth factors into damaged ligaments, tendons, and joints stimulates a natural repair process.  In order to benefit from these natural healing proteins, the platelets must first be concentrated. In other words, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) recreates and stimulates the body’s natural healing process.  PRP is obtained by a blood draw just like you would have if you were donating blood.  

 

Treatment Options

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PLATELET RICH PLASMA

Blood is made of RBC (Red Blood Cells), WBC (White Blood Cells), Plasma, and Platelets. Platelets were initially known to be responsible for blood clotting, and in the last 20 years we have learned that when activated in the body, platelets also release healing proteins called ‘Growth Factors’ that stimulate repair.

The PRP procedure: a small amount of the patient’s blood is collected then spun in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets. Then the platelets are injected back into the injured site. Because PRP utilizes your own blood to heal, each patient is unique and a “one size fits all” approach is not ideal. Our skilled technique at delivering the PRP utilizing ultrasound guidance ensures positive outcomes.

 
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MEDICINAL SIGNALING CELLS

In some cases medicinal signaling cells (MSCs) can be used as a non-surgical treatment alternative to having a surgical procedure. Unfortunately, there are some cases where surgery is unavoidable. In cases where surgery is recommended, MSCs can be used as a supplement to help reduce the recovery time of the procedure and increase the chances of the treatment being a success.

The procedure is quick and generally painless. The cells are harvested from your own body with the use of local anesthesia.  

 
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PROLOTHERAPY

Prolotherapy has been used to treat painful conditions for decades. Prolotherapy uses the same physical process as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) to initiate and accelerate the body’s response to healing, however, Prolotherapy utilizes stimulus such as Dextrose, a concentrated sugar solution, in place of platelets to trigger healing. 

 
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NERVE RELEASE

 Often time’s nerve pain is caused by adhesions, compression or restrictions.  These problems are prone to occur where nerves cross soft tissue planes.  A common example of this is carpal tunnel syndrome where the median nerve dives under a thick band of tissue called the transverse carpal ligament.  A non-surgical nerve release called “Hydrodissection” can be used to free up these common nerve entrapments and restrictions. 

Hydrodissection uses ultra sound guidance to visualize the problematic nerve.  Once the restriction is isolated a small needle is placed next to the nerve and fluid is injected to free up the nerve.  The procedure is virtually painless and the effects are immediate. 

Common Questions About Regenerative Injections

FAQ Blog
Q: WILL MY INSURANCE COVER MY REGENERATIVE PROCEDURE?

A: At this time insurance companies will not cover the Prolotherapy, PRP, Adipose or MSC procedures for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions because they consider them to be experimental.

Q: WHAT ARE THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF Regenerative injections?

A: Regenerative injections are not a band aide or a “quick fix” but rather a long-lasting and potentially permanent reparative process if the area is not overused or re-injured after the treatment series, and especially if the patient commits to a rehabilitative program. The healing process is gradual and progressive, initially subtle during the early phases but usually significant and dramatic by the completion of treatment. More endurance, less pain, and better function will continue to be noticed over time.

Q: HOW Are regenerative injections ADMINISTERED?

A: Typically, regenerative injections are performed by injecting various soft tissue structures including ligaments and ligamentous joint capsules throughout the body. Traditionally, regenerative injections are to be injected into structures based on gross anatomic landmarks (also known as “blind injections” meaning without any image guidance). However, with the use of Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (MSKUS) for guided injections, more regenerative injections are being performed under MSKUS although not always necessary.

Q: HOW DO regenerative injections WORK?

A: They induce natural healing by stimulating the body’s innate ability to be well. These treatments skillfully use the body’s ability to create an inflammatory environment in specific regions, which causes a full-blown healing cascade ultimately leading to a stronger and more resilient structure.

More info on the PRP Procedure 

 
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How Does PRP Work?

Platelets are a specialized type of blood cell. Blood is made up of 93% red cells (RBCs), 6% platelets, 1% white blood cells (WBCs), and plasma. The goal of PRP is to maximize the number or concentration of platelets while minimizing the number of RBCs. Generally speaking, the higher the concentration of platelets, the better. Packed with growth and healing factors, platelets initiate repair and attract the critical assistance of bone marrow cells which results in healing of the injured tissue.

 
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How Often Are PRP Treatments Given?

The initial procedure takes approximately 1 hour, including preparation and recovery time and are performed in-office. A follow up visit is then scheduled 6 weeks later with Mike Nelson- PA, to check on healing progress. Some patients respond well to just one treatment. However, typically 2-3 treatments are necessary. Injections are given every 4-8 weeks on average.

 
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What Conditions Benefit From PRP?

  • Rotator cuff injuries, including partial-thickness and full-thickness tears

  • Shoulder pain and instability

  • Tennis & golfer’s elbow

  • Hamstring and hip strains

  • Knee sprains and instability

  • Patellofemoral syndrome and patellar tendinosis

  • Ankle sprains

  • Achilles tendinosis & plantar fasciitis

  • Knee, hip, and other joint osteoarthritis

  • Sports hernias & athletic pubalgia

  • Other chronic tendon and ligament problems

In addition, PRP can be very helpful for many cases of osteoarthritis (the "wear & tear" kind).

  • Knee arthritis

  • Hip joint arthritis

  • And other joint arthritis

 
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Are There Risks With PRP?

Anytime a needle is placed anywhere in the body, even getting blood drawn, there is a risk of infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. However, these are very rare. Other complications, though rare, can occur depending on the area being treated, and will be discussed with Dr. Chappell before starting treatment. Because PRP uses your own blood, you cannot be allergic to it.