PRP Injections

What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy?

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.

How Is PRP Made?

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.

First, blood is withdrawn from the patient into tubes.

Next, the blood is placed in a centrifuge and is spun around.

The centrifuge process concentrates the red and white blood cells and platelets in different levels in the tubes. Blood plasma that is rich in platelets is taken out and is readied for the application process.

How Is PRP Used For The Musculoskeletal System?

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.

What Are The Expected Results Associated With PRP For The Musculoskeletal System?

PRP therapy can speed up soft tissue healing for injuries and conditions such as:

Tendonitis
Rotator cuff tears

Ankle sprains
Osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, and shoulder

Ligament sprains

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.

Is PRP For The Musculoskeletal System Safe? How Long Is The Recovery Time?

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.

Who Are Good Candidates For PRP For The Musculoskeletal System?

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.

What PRP System Is Used At The AIM Clinic?

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/.