Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is blood plasma that has been enriched with platelets. Platelets contain healing properties, which can accelerate the healing of tendons and ligaments in the musculoskeletal system.
Platelets for PRP are made from the patient's own blood. It is similar to a patient donating his or her blood before a surgical procedure. This is what the process entails.
In the musculoskeletal system, PRP is injected into and around the site of injury. This triggers the body's reaction to repair muscle, bone, and other tissue. The entire process, including preparation and injection, takes less than an hour.
PRP therapy can speed up soft tissue healing for injuries and conditions such as:
Many patients also experience a reduction in pain. Two to three injections of PRP are typically required to obtain optimal results and the injections are usually spaced at least three to four weeks apart.
PRP for the musculoskeletal system is safe. Because PRP contains white blood cells, your body's natural immune defense agents, infection is rare with PRP treatment. Typically, there is little to no downtime associated with the treatment. Some patients may experience light pain in the treatment area of the injection, but this typically disappears after a week.
If you are experiencing tendonitis; ankle sprains, ligament sprains; rotator cuff tears; or osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, and shoulder and want to treat these issues with little to no downtime or risk of injury, consider PRP for the musculoskeletal system.
We use special extraction kits, called the "Selphyl® PRFM System," which creates a higher quality PRP. Selphyl® produces a "fibrin matrix" which allows growth factors to last in tissue for up to 7 days, instead of the 7 hours typical of most PRP injections. As a result, greater potential collagen production, increased vascularization, and tissue regeneration is possible. For more information, please visit http://selphyl.com/how-it-works/selphyl-science/.
Please call us today at 603-583-4603 or email info@theaimclinic.com if you would like to schedule an appointment. We also offer a free 15-minute phone consult with Dr. Andrew Chevalier to anyone with questions before booking their first appointment.