Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP)
PRP, or “platelet-rich plasma,” is a revolutionary treatment for chronic musculoskeletal injuries that is gaining popularity in the sports medicine and orthopedic specialties. PRP can be used to treat sports injuries, allowing patients of all levels to get back in the game more quickly. It is also used to treat patients suffering from joint arthritis, allowing them to experience less pain and greater function. It can even be used to treats non-sport related injury and can help patients get back to work or daily activities faster.
HOW DOES PRP WORK?
Blood is made up of 93% red blood cells (RBCs), 6% platelets, 1% white blood cells (WBCs), and plasma. The goal of PRP therapy is to maximize the concentration of platelets and minimize the number of RBCs.
One of the essential functions of platelets is clot formation, but they are also very much involved in healing injury. Platelets are rich in connective tissue growth factors. Injecting platelets into damaged ligaments, tendons, and joints stimulates a repair process.
THE PROCEDURE
Dr. Carroll draws blood from the patient and places it in a special centrifuge. The centrifuge separates out the red blood cells, which are discarded. The resulting platelet and plasma concentrate is used for the PRP treatment. The treatment takes about 15-20 minutes and the treatment area is anesthetized to limit discomfort.
All of our PRP injections are given under direct ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate placement of the platelet concentrate. Dr. Carroll uses ultrasound, so patients of CTH will receive the safest, most-effective treatments possible.
WHAT CONDITIONS CAN BE TREATED WITH PRP?
PRP treatment works best for chronic ligament and tendon sprains/strains including:
- Rotator cuff injuries, including partial-thickness and full-thickness tears
- Shoulder pain and instability
- Knee sprains and instability
- Hamstring and hip strains
- Ankle sprains
- Tennis & golfer’s elbow
- Patellofemoral syndrome and patellar tendinopathy
- Ankle sprains
- Achilles tendinopathy & plantar fasciitis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Sports hernias & athletic pubalgia
- Other chronic tendon and ligament problems
PRP can also offer relief for many cases of osteoarthritis. This includes:
- Knee arthritis
- Hip joint arthritis
- Shoulder arthritis
- Other joint arthritis