Platelet Rich Plasma – L.A. Beauty Skin Center

Is your skin tone simply not as healthy and smooth as on previous occasions? Have you noted fine lines and sagging skin around your eyes, cheeks and mouth? Are you conscious of the puffiness and dark circles below your eyes? The best recommended solution to these types of skin issues is Platelet Rich Plasma therapy. PRP is an advanced treatment technology that utilizes ingredients present in an individuals blood in order to regenerate their skin and revitalize collagen, leading to healthy, young looking skin.

Platelet Rich Plasma has a protracted history of being applied in dentistry, reconstructive surgery and orthopedic medicine. Today, it is also being used in other branches of medicine including dermatology, cosmetic facial rejuvenation and skin wound healing. Scientific studies ever since have proven that PRP generates new collagen when infused into the skin and recent studies reveal that PRP can ease sun damage as well as aging skin problems.

PRP is basically a natural product produced from your own body. Through a simple blood draw, a little amount of blood is drawn from an individual into a sterile tube. Using a unique centrifuge machine, the blood is spun down in order to take out and concentrate the stem cells, growth factors and platelets that are very important for tissue healing. This little amount of blood with a high concentration of platelets and growth factors is referred to as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP).

PRP is best known for its wonderful act of skin rejuvenation. When PRP is injected into particular parts of the skin, its high platelet concentration functions as a matrix that stimulates the growth of new collagen, revitalizes skin tissue and hence leads to a naturally smooth and firm skin. As a result, PRP treatment gets rid of wrinkles and creates a smoother skin feel and tone.

There is a huge difference between PRP therapy and other skin injections of fillers. Most fillers including Juvederm and Restylane are composed of solid material which fills skin lines and folds. They often last for short period of time and require repeated treatments to seal the area yet again. On the other hand, PRP fuels collagen growth for absolute facial rejuvenation instead of individual wrinkle enhancement. Platelet Rich Plasma therapy is recommended for faces that appear drawn, to soften below eye puffiness, enhance the overall skin tone, texture and tightness and seal skin areas where fillers are not able to reach. Fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane can be applied together with PRP given that the two forms of skin treatment actually serve different purposes. The fillers will fill particular wrinkles while PRP will enhance overall wrinkle improvement.

There is enough evidence to show that Platelet Rich Plasma can be used to treat several skin issues such as Diabetic foot ulcers, bedsores, thermal burns, hair loss, superficial and surgical injuries and skin graft donor sites. Others include facial rejuvenation and post-traumatic scars.

For optimal results, LA Beauty Skin Center is the best place to have your PRP cosmetic treatment. Improvement of the skin tone and elasticity will be visible immediately after treatment. To maintain your skin and face looking young, make follow-up PRP treatments at LA Beauty Skin Center.

Current Price

Full Face + micro needling $950

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Platelet Rich Plasma - L.A. Beauty Skin Center

Platelet-rich plasma: intra-articular knee injections …

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a natural concentrate of autologous blood growth factors experimented in different fields of medicine in order to test its potential to enhance tissue regeneration. The aim of our study is to explore this novel approach to treat degenerative lesions of articular cartilage of the knee. One hundred consecutive patients, affected by chronic degenerative condition of the knee, were treated with PRP intra-articular injections (115 knees treated). The procedure consisted of 150-ml of venous blood collected and twice centrifugated: 3 PRP units of 5 ml each were used for the injections. Patients were clinically prospectively evaluated before and at the end of the treatment, and at 6 and 12 months follow-up. IKDC, objective and subjective, and EQ VAS were used for clinical evaluation. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the significance of sex, age, grade of OA and BMI. A statistically significant improvement of all clinical scores was obtained from the basal evaluation to the end of the therapy and at 6-12 months follow-up (P < 0.0005). The results remained stable from the end of the therapy to 6 months follow up, whereas they became significantly worse at 12 months follow up (P = 0.02), even if still significantly higher respect to the basal level (P < 0.0005). The preliminary results indicate that the treatment with PRP injections is safe and has the potential to reduce pain and improve knee function and quality of live in younger patients with low degree of articular degeneration.

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Platelet-rich plasma – Wikipedia

Platelet-rich plasma (abbreviation: PRP) is blood plasma that has been enriched with platelets. As a concentrated source of autologous platelets, PRP contains several different growth factors and other cytokines that can stimulate healing of soft tissue. Platelet-rich plasma therapy is an old therapy and used extensively in specialities of dermatology, orthopedics and dentistry. Platelet rich plasma therapy utilizes growth factors present in alpha granules of platelets in an autologous manner. Main indications in dermatology for PRP are androgenetic alopecia, wound healing, face rejuvenation etc. For preparation of PRP, various protocols are used and no standard protocol exists but main principles essentially involve concentrating platlets in a concentration of 35 times the physiological value and then injecting this concentrated plasma in the tissue where healing or effect is desired.[1] As of 2016, no large-scale randomized controlled trials have confirmed the efficacy of PRP as a treatment for musculoskeletal or nerve injuries, the accelerated healing of bone grafts, or the reduction of androgenic hair loss.

PRP was first developed in the 1970s and first used in Italy in 1987 in an open heart surgery procedure.[citation needed] PRP therapy began gaining popularity[where?] in the mid 1990s.[citation needed] It has since been applied to many different medical fields such as cosmetic surgery, dentistry, sports medicine and pain management.[citation needed]

The number of peer reviewed publications studying the PRP's efficacy has increased dramatically since 2007.[2]

The efficacy of certain growth factors in healing various injuries and the concentrations of these growth factors found within PRP are the theoretical basis for the use of PRP in tissue repair.[3] The platelets collected in PRP are activated by the addition of thrombin and calcium chloride, which induces the release of the mentioned factors from alpha granules. The growth factors and other cytokines present in PRP include:[3][4]

As of 2009[update] there have been two PRP preparation methods approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.[5] Both processes involve the collection of the patient's whole blood (that is anticoagulated with citrate dextrose) before undergoing two stages of centrifugation (TruPRP) (Harvest) (Pure PRP) designed to separate the PRP aliquot from platelet-poor plasma and red blood cells.[5] In humans, the typical baseline blood platelet count is approximately 200,000 per L; therapeutic PRP concentrates the platelets by roughly five-fold.[6] There is broad variability in the production of PRP by various concentrating equipment and techniques.[7][8][9]

In humans, PRP has been investigated and used as a clinical tool for several types of medical treatments, including nerve injury,[4] chronic tendinitis,[10][11][12]plantar fasciitis,[13]osteoarthritis,[14]cardiac muscle injury,[15] and androgenic alopecia,[16][17] for bone repair and regeneration,[18] in plastic surgery,[19]colorectal surgery[20] and oral surgery[21]

PRP has received attention in the popular media as a result of its use in treating sports injuries in professional athletes.[22][23][24][25]

The cost of a PRP treatment in the U.S. has been quoted as $1000 out-of-pocket expenses, as it is usually not covered by health insurance.[25]

PRP has been used experimentally in the treatment of empty nose syndrome[26]

As of 2016[update] results of basic science and preclinical trials have not yet been confirmed in large-scale randomized controlled trials. A 2009 systematic review of the scientific literature found there were few randomized controlled trials that adequately evaluated the safety and efficacy of PRP treatments and concluded that PRP was "a promising, but not proven, treatment option for joint, tendon, ligament, and muscle injuries".[27]

A 2010 Cochrane analysis on PRP use in sinus lifts during dental implant placement found no evidence that PRP offered any benefit.[21]

As of 2011, PRP use for nerve injury and sports medicine has produced "promising" but "inconsistent" results in early trials.[4]

A 2013 review stated more evidence was needed to determine PRP's effectiveness for hair regrowth.[28]

A 2014 Cochrane analysis for PRT use to treat musculoskeletal injuries found very weak (very low quality) evidence for a decrease in pain in the short term, up to three months and no difference in function in the short, medium or long term. There was weak evidence that suggested that harm occurred at comparable, low rates in treated and untreated people.[29]

A 2016 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials for PRP use to augment bone graft found only one study reporting a significant difference in bone augmentation, while four studies found no significant difference.[30]

Since 2004, proponents of PRP therapy have argued that negative clinical results are associated with poor-quality PRP produced by inadequate single spin devices. The fact that most gathering devices capture a percentage of a given thrombocyte count could bias results, because of inter-individual variability in the platelet concentration of human plasma and more would not necessarily be better.[6] The variability in platelet concentrating techniques may alter platelet degranulation characteristics that could affect clinical outcomes.[4]

Platelet-rich plasma is used in horses for treatment of equine lameness due to tendon and ligament injury, wounds, fractures, bone cysts, and osteoarthritis.[citation needed]

Some concern exists as to whether PRP treatments violate anti-doping rules.[3] As of 2010 it was not clear if local injections of PRP could have a systemic impact on circulating cytokine levels, affecting doping tests and whether PRP treatments have systemic anabolic effects or affect performance.[3] In January 2011, the World Anti-Doping Agency removed intramuscular injections of PRP from its prohibitions after determining that there is a "lack of any current evidence concerning the use of these methods for purposes of performance enhancement".[31]

According to the Baltimore Sun, Zach Britton had PRP injections in his left shoulder in March 2012, Orioles first baseman Chris Davis underwent two PRP injections to speed the healing and recovery of an oblique injury in April 2014, and Dylan Bundy had the procedure in April before undergoing Tommy John surgery in June 2014.[32]

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Platelet-rich plasma - Wikipedia

Connecticut & New England PRP Platelet-Rich Plasma …

What is PRP?

Maybe the acronym PRP is unfamiliar to you; its one of the newer sports injury treatments. We work with patients throughout New England and the Northeast and beyond by using PRP as one of our treatments. Our doctors are experts at using these treatments and can get you relief from your sports injury fast. Please read on to find out more about PRP available from Valley Sports Physicians & Orthopedic Medicine. You can also call us at (860) 430-9690 to learn more and schedule an appointment.

PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is a revolutionary new treatment for chronic sports and musculoskeletal injuries that is taking the sports medicine and orthopedic community by storm. Professional and recreational athletes alike credit PRP treatment for enabling them to get back in the game, and patients with joint arthritis are experiencing less pain and greater function.

Dr. Tortland has been performing PRP treatments since December 2007, making him among the firstand most experiencedphysicians in the country offering this treatment.

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.

Unlike many other practices, at Valley Sports Physicians all of our PRP injections are given under direct ultrasound guidance to insure accurate placement of the platelet concentrate in the damaged area. In fact, Drs. Tortland is anationally-recognized expert in musculoskeletal ultrasound.

The entire treatment, from blood draw, to solution preparation, to injection, takes 30-40 minutes. Before injections are given the skin and underlying tissue is first anesthetized to minimize the discomfort.

Currently there are over half a dozen companies making & selling commercial PRP preparation systems, of course with each company claiming that their PRP is the best! PRP products can vary widely in terms of platelet concentrations, the presence or absence of red blood cells (RBCs), the presence/absence of white blood cells (WBCs), and the volume of PRP created.

Some PRP is not much better than whole blood or platelet poor plasma, with very low platelet concentrations. Much of the commercial PRP is rich in RBCs, which have been shown to kill as many as 15% of synovial cells inside a joint. Many PRP products contain high amounts of inflammatory WBCs, contributing to increased post-injection pain.

At Valley Sports Physicians we spent a year researching and pioneering a new method of creating a high quality PRP, containing an average of 1.5 million platelets per microliter (well above the commercial PRP average), essentially free of RBCs, and containing helpful pro-growth WBCs while eliminating the inflammatory WBCs. Our method was validated via independent clinical laboratory testing. So you can be assured that the PRP product you receive from us is the absolute highest quality, purity, and effectiveness currently available. When youre spending hundreds of dollars on a treatment, you want to be sure that youre getting the best possible product!

In most cases, after the initial treatment, a follow up visit is scheduled 6-8 weeks later to check on healing progress. Some patients respond very well to just one treatment. However, typically 2-3 treatments are necessary. Injections are given every 8-12 weeks on average. In rare cases, such as more severe hip arthritis, PRP injections may be given once every 4 weeks for 2-3 treatments.

PRP treatment works best for chronic ligament and tendon sprains/strains that have failed other conservative treatment, including:

In addition, PRP can be very helpful for many cases of osteoarthritis (the wear & tear kind). PRP can help stimulate a smoothing over of the roughened and arthritic cartilage, reducing the pain and disability of arthritis. This includes:

Most insurance plans, including Medicare, do NOT pay for PRP injections.

The level of discomfort of the treatment depends in part on the area being treated. For example, injections given into a joint often are minimally uncomfortable and in some cases painless. Injections given into tendons tend to be more uncomfortable. There is usually moderate pain for the next few days.

For the first week after the injections it is critical to avoid anti-inflammatory medications, including Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, Aleve, Celebrex, and Mobic. These will interfere with the healing response. Tylenol is OK. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication also for post-injection discomfort.

On average, most patients start to see signs of improvement anywhere from 4-8 weeks after treatment. This can be less overall pain, an ability to do more activity before pain sets in, and/or faster recovery from pain.

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 by your doctor before starting treatment. Because PRP uses your own blood, you cannot be allergic to it.

Studies suggest an improvement of 80-85%, though some arthritic joints, namely the hip, do not respond as well. Some patients experience complete relief of their pain. In the case of tendon and ligament injuries the results are generally permanent. In the case of joint arthritis, how long the treatment lasts depends partly on the severity of the condition. Mild arthritis may not need another round of treatments. More advanced arthritis, on the other hand, typically requires a repeat course of treatment, usually in 1-3 years.

The goal of PRP treatment is to reduce pain and to improve function. While there is some weak evidence that treatment occasionally does result in increased cartilage thickness, the important point to keep in mind is that the cartilage lining the joint surfaces has no pain fibers! For example, often we see patients with knee or hip arthritis where the joint that does NOT hurt has WORSE arthritis on x-ray! Pain from arthritis is very complex and involves far more than just how thick the cartilage is.

At Valley Sports Physicians the cost of PRP treatment is based on the level of complexity involved in treating a given area(s). Prices range from $700 to $1100 per treatment. If two joints or areas are treated at the same time, the cost is NOT double there is a slight increase.

The last 10 years has seen an explosion in research dedicated to investigating the potential benefits of PRP. One problem with PRP research, however, is that often investigators do not specify what the quality & character of the PRP used. See the discussion above, Not All PRP is the Same!

Below are some summaries from a few representative research studies:

Tennis Elbow:

Peerbooms et al in 2010 compared a single PRP injection to a cortisone injection for the treatment of chronic tennis elbow. 51 patients received the PRP injection while 49 received a cortisone injection. At one year follow up 73% of the PRP subjects were significantly better, compared to only 51% of the cortisone injection subjects. Of note was the observation that those receiving the cortisone injection felt better initially than the PRP group, whereas the PRP group progressively improved. Their conclusion: Treatment of patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis with PRP reduces pain and significantly increases function, exceeding the effect of corticosteroid injection. (Peerbooms et al. Positive effect of an autologous platelet concentrate in lateral epicondylitis in a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Am J Sports Med. 2010;38(2):255-262).

In a 2011 study by Hechtman & colleagues, 30 patients (31 elbows) with epicondylitis unresponsive to nonsurgical treatment (including steroid injection) for >6 months received a single PRP injection. Results: Patient satisfaction scores improved from 5.12.5 at 1 month to 9.11.9 (on a scale of 1-10) at 1-year follow-up. Only 1 patient reported no improvement after 6 months. Results suggest that a single platelet-rich plasma injection can improve pain and function scores, thus avoiding surgery. (Hechtman et al. Platelet-rich plasma injection reduces pain in patients with recalcitrant epicondylitis. Orthopedics. 2011 Jan 1;34(2):92.

Rotator Cuff:

In 2012 Rha & associates compared PRP treatment to dry needling for the treatment of chronic rotator cuff tendinitis. 39 patients were randomized to receive either 2 PRP injections 4 weeks apart, or 2 dry needling treatments, also 4 weeks apart. All treatments were done under ultrasound guidance. Conclusions: Autologous platelet-rich plasma injections lead to a progressive reduction in the pain and disability when compared to dry needling. This benefit is certainly still present at six months after treatment. These findings suggest that treatment with platelet-rich plasma injections is safe and useful for rotator cuff disease. (Rha et al. Comparison of the therapeutic effects of ultrasound guided platelet-rich plasma injection and dry needling in rotator cuff disease: A randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehab. 2012;27(2):113-122.)

Chronic Plantar Fasciitis:

Monto in 2014 looked at the effectiveness of PRP for recalcitrant plantar fasciitis. Forty patients (23 females and 17 males) with unilateral chronic plantar fasciitis that did not respond to a minimum of 4 months of standardized traditional nonoperative treatment modalities were prospectively randomized and treated with either a single ultrasound guided injection of 3 cc PRP or 40 mg DepoMedrol cortisone. Patients were evaluated at 3, 6, 12, and 24 month after treatment. Those receiving the cortisone injection felt better initially than the PRP group, but their improved waned and their pain returned completely to baseline by 12 months. Those in the PRP group, on the other hand, continued to experience gradual improvement and were markedly better at 12 and 24 months. Conclusion: PRP was more effective and durable than cortisone injection for the treatment of chronic recalcitrant cases of plantar fasciitis. (Monto RR. Platelet-rich plasma efficacy versus corticosteroid injection treatment for chronic severe plantar fasciitis. Foot & Ankle International. 2014;35(40):313-318.)

Hamstring Injuries:

A 2014 study by Hamid et al looked at effectiveness of PRP injections for Grade 2 hamstring injuries. 28 patients with acute hamstring injuries were randomly assigned to receive either a PRP injection in combination with a rehab program, or a rehab program only. The primary outcome measure was time to return to play, while secondary measurements included pain severity and interference with activity from pain. Results: Patients in the PRP group had an average return to play time of 27 days, while the rehab-only group took 42 days. The PRP group also had significantly lower pain scores throughout the study. (Hamid et al. Platelet-rich plasma injections for the treatment of hamstring injuries: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Sports Med. 2014;42(10):2410-2418.)

Patellar Tendinitis:

Volpi et al treated the affected knees of 8 athletes (10 knees) with chronic patellar tendinosis that had failed to respond to conservative treatment and who were considering surgical intervention. Patients received a single ultrasound-guided PRP injection into the damage patellar tendon. At follow up in 120 days all subjects reported an average 91% improvement, and MRI showed interval healing. (Volpi et al. Treatment of chronic patellar tendinosis with buffered platelet-rich plasma: a preliminary study. Medsport. 2007;60:595-603.)

Knee Arthritis:

Cerza & associates compared PRP injections to hyaluronic acid (HA) injections for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis in 2012. 120 patients were randomly divided into 2 groups. One group received 4 weekly injections of PRP, while the other group received 4 weekly injections of HA. Patients were evaluated at 4, 12 and 24 weeks after the 1st injection. Results: Treatment with PRP showed a statistically significant better clinical outcome than did treatment with HA. Of note was that patients with more severe arthritis (Grade III-IV) did not see improvement with HA, whereas severity of disease did not matter with respect to improvement with the PRP. (Cerza et al. Comparison between hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma, intra-articular infiltration in the treatment of gonarthrosis. Am J Sports Med. 2012;40(12):2822-2827.)

Gobbi et al also looked at the effectiveness of PRP for knee osteoarthritis. 50 patients were treated with 2 PRP injections, 1 month apart. 25 patients had previously undergone surgery for cartilage lesions. Results: All patients showed significant improvement in all measured scores at 6 & 12 months and returned to previous activities. No difference in improvement was found among various subgroups (prior surgery vs. no surgery, severity of disease, age). (Gobbi et al. Platelet-rich plasma treatment in symptomatic patients with knee osteoarthritis: Preliminary results in a group of active patients. Sports Health. 2012;4(2):162-172.)

Hip Arthritis:

Sanchez & co. looked at PRP for hip osteoarthritis in 2012. 40 patients with severe hip were included. Each subject received an injection of PRP into the affected hip once a week x 3 weeks. Patients were evaluated at 7 weeks and 6 months. 60% of subjects reported a positive response (characterized by at least a 30% improvement in symptoms). 40% of those who had a favorable response were classified as excellent responders. Conclusions: This preliminary non-controlled randomized prospective study supported the safety, tolerability and efficacy of PRP injections for pain relief and improved function in a limited number of patients with OA of the hip. (Sanchez et al. Ultrasound-guided platelet-rich plasma injections for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip. Rheumatology. 2012;51:141-150.)

Healing is a caloric-demanding task. The body expends energy trying to repair itself. It is important, therefore, to optimize your nutritional status, preferably before you undergo treatment. Ensuring adequate protein, eliminating (or at least significantly reducing) consumption of sugar and sugar-containing products, and adding healthy fats are essential components of a healing diet. Specifically, minimum protein intake consists of at least 0.5g protein per pound of body weight per day. For a 150 lb person thats 75 grams of protein daily, evenly divided among breakfast, lunch, dinner, and an evening snack. If you exercise your protein needs go up, to as much as 1.0g per pound of body weight daily.

As a general rule of thumb, 1 oz of chicken, beef, or pork contains 7 grams of protein, wheres fish has 5 grams per ounce. For a more complete discussion of protein requirements, see AuthorityNutrition.com.

Healthy fats include avocado, organic coconut oil, olive oil, organic peanut butter, organic butter, and organic raw (not pasteurized) milk. Contrary to popular belief, eating fat does NOT make you fat.

To get maximum benefit from the treatment, and to help prevent re-injury, a specially-designed rehabilitation and exercise program may incorporated into your treatment. This helps the newly developing connective tissue mature into healthy and strong tendon or ligament fibers. In addition, nutritional support, such as glucosamine, MSM, and increased protein intake can help the healing process.

PRP can be a very effective and relatively cost-efficient treatment alternative for persons suffering from painful musculoskeletal conditions. However, because it is still a relatively new treatment, there are many practitioners who are newcomers to the party. Therefore, it is important that patients choose a practitioner who:

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Connecticut & New England PRP Platelet-Rich Plasma ...

What is PRP therapy? | OrthoNC

PRPisPlatelet-Rich Plasmatherapy. Although an emerging technology and technique in sports medicine, it has been used since the mid-1990s in dental and oral surgery and to aid in soft tissue recovery following plastic surgery.

RP treatment recently gained widespread recognition in the sports world when Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers received PRP therapy prior to winning Super Bowl XLIII. Other high profile athletes include Tiger Woods who received four treatments following knee surgery and pitchers Takashi Saito and Bartolo Colon -- both recent examples of PRP success in Major League Baseball.

PRP therapy, which takes approximately twenty minutes to complete, begins with collection of 30 milliliters of the patients blood. The blood sample is placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the other components of whole blood. Doctors then inject the concentrated platelets into the site of the injury often using ultrasound guidance for accuracy. Platelets function as a natural reservoir for growth factors that are essential to repair injured tissues. The growth factors that the platelets secrete stimulate tissue recovery by increasing collagen production, enhancing tendon stem cell proliferation, and tenocyte-related gene and protein expression. These growth factors also stimulate blood flow and cause cartilage to become more firm and resilient. PRP activates tenocytes to proliferate quickly and produce collagen to repair injured tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and muscles.

You will feel a notable increase in pain in the days immediately following the injection. Pain intensity becomes less each day as functional mobility and general functional ability increase along with endurance and strength. You will notice gradual improvement 2-6 weeks after PRP therapy. Some patients report ongoing improvement 6-9 months after PRP therapy is administered. In some studies, Ultrasound and MRI images have shown definitive tissue repair has occurred after PRP therapy, supporting the proof of the healing process. By treating injured tissues before the damage progresses, surgical intervention may be avoided.

Injuries treated with PRP therapy include: rotator cuff, quadriceps, hamstring, Achilles tendon injuries and tennis elbow. Essentially any tendon or ligament injury except complete tears may be treated successfully with PRP. PRP therapy is exactly the treatment needed to reduce the downtime of the athlete while also reducing the chance for re-injury or perhaps the risk of a more serious injury that will result in surgical intervention or permanent disability.

Not necessarily. While many chronic conditions may respond to PRP therapy, obviating the need for a surgical procedure, it is impossible to predict which will respond and which will fail to do so. A chronic, incompletely healed condition is characterized by excessive scar tissue within the tendon/ligament. This may lead to impaired joint function or leave the tendon or ligament susceptible to re-injury or complete disruption. This inferior, or in some cases, aborted, healing process is due to poor blood supply to the injury site. Most tendons have a poor blood supply and often are the site of microscopic tears or chronic scarring. The body naturally has a difficult time healing these structures. PRP is thought to initiate a response that makes the chronic condition appear to be a new injury, and thus, provoke a new/renewed healing response. This new healing response is then augmented by the super-concentrated healing factors contained within the PRP. Therefore, with PRP therapy in combination with appropriate reconditioning, we may improve the chance of healing and diminish the opportunity for escalation of the injury. A positive result may lead to a decrease need for surgical intervention.

Unfortunately, there is no randomized, prospective, double-blind clinical trial that documents the efficacy of PRP treatment. For this reason, most insurance companies will not support (read: pay for or "cover") PRP treatment. Moreover a standard treatment regimen does not yet exist (i.e. Number of injections required, spacing between injections given in series, rehabilitation protocol during and after a series, etc); however, PRP is being used with regularity at the highest levels of sport and in the most highly compensated athletes in the world today. Claims of successful treatment are purely anecdotal; case reports abound of successful PRP treatment of almost any malady. Conditions that can be treated successfully with PRP therapy include the shoulder involving: rotator cuff tendinitis, impingement, bursitis, and bicipital tendinitis; In the wrist and hand involving: DeQuervains tenosynovitis, tendinitis, ligament tears; In the elbow involving: tennis elbow and golfers elbow; the hip involving iliotibial band tendinitis (ITB Syndrome), ilio-psoas tendinitis and bursitis, greater trochanteric bursitis, sacroiliac joint dysfunction; the knee involving: patellar tendinitis, partially torn or strained major knee ligaments (LCL/MCL); the ankle and foot involving: Achilles tendinitis, peroneal tendinitis, recurrent ankle sprains, and other foot or ankle tendinitis; neck and back involving: facet joint arthritis, rib problems. I believe PRP treatment is best reserved for incomplete, chronic degeneration and tears of extra-articular ligaments and tendons. I also believe that ultrasound guidance is essential to accuracy of placement and enhancing efficacy of the injection. More research is needed to determine the best use and protocol for successful application of this, admittedly, emerging technique.

Orthopaedic Specialists of North Carolina believes that implementing PRP therapy as a viable procedure may: decrease the progression of more serious injuries, decrease the overall time for healing, and ultimately decrease the overall need for surgical intervention. This promising adjunctive form of therapy holds the potential of healing previously problematic chronic injuries, provide a treatment option for debilitating injuries previously deemed untreatable, and serve as an alternative to surgical intervention.

Written by Dr. Mark W. Galland, Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine

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What is PRP therapy? | OrthoNC

Platelet Rich Plasma – Biocellular Renerative Medicine

OPTIMUM PLATELET CONCENTRATION LEVEL FOR PRP Outpatient PRP preparation systems exist with the ability to concentrate platelets from two to eight times. There is some controversy about what the optimum platelet concentration should be, but a level of at least 1 million platelets per L appears to be the magic number. Since the average patients platelet count is 200,000 +/- 75, a four to five times concentration appears to be the desired level. When levels are in the 5x range, the influx of adult stem cells has been noted to increase by over 200%. In 2008, Kajikawa et al concluded that PRP enhances the initial mobilization of circulation-derived cells in the early stage of tendon healing. Circulation-derived cells are defined as mesenchymal stem cells that have the potential to differentiate into reparative fibroblasts or tenocytes as well as macrophages. Under normal circumstances, circulation-derived cells last only a short time after tendon injury. The authors suggest this as one of the main reasons for the known low healing ability of injured tendons. If the circulation derived cells could be activated and their time-dependant decrease stalled with PRP, then the wounded tendon could more fully heal. One study found an increase in the circulation-derived cells with the PRP group, as well as increased production of types I and III collagen in the PRP group versus control. This finding of additional fibroblast proliferation and type I collagen production enhanced by increasing platelet concentrations concur with an earlier study by Lui et al. This provides evidence that PRP stimulates the chemotactic migration of human mesenchymal stem cells to the injury site in a dose-dependent manner - i.e., the more concentrated the platelets, the more stimulation.

PROLOTHERAPY VERSUS PRP The use of hyperosmolar dextrose (Prolotherapy) has been shown to increase platelet-derived growth factor expression and upregulate multiple mitogenic factors that may act as signaling mechanisms in tendon repair. Saline Prolotherapy can have a similar effect. An interesting study published in the January 2010 JAMA compared PRP versus saline injection (basically saline Prolotherapy) for chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Both groups improved significantly by Yellonel et al and the authors conclude there was no statistical difference between the improvement of both groups. Therefore, both PRP and Prolotherapy have been shown to stimulate natural healing and both can be effective and both should be considered in the treatment plan for connective tissue repair. However, PRP may be more appropriate in some cases. When PRP is used as a Prolotherapy formula for chronic or longstanding injuries, the PRP increases the initial healing factors and thereby the rate of healing. The Prolotherapy itself (irritation, needle microtrauma) is what is tricking the body into initiating repair at these long forgotten sites as well as the PRP, itself, which also acts as an irritating solution. This is especially important with chronic injuries, degeneration and severe tendonosis, where the body has stopped recognizing that area as something to repair. In these cases, PRP may be more appropriate, however this determination should be made by the physician on an individual basis. PRP can also be used preferentially over dextrose Prolotherapy in the case of a tendon sheath or muscle injury- areas occasionally but not typically treated with dextrose Prolotherapy where the focus is the fibroosseous junction (enthesis). It can also be used preferentially over dextrose Prolotherapy because of patient preference.

WHOLE BLOOD INJECTIONS VERSUS PRP Even before PRP, it was not unheard of to use whole blood as a Prolotherapy solution, especially where the patient was hypersensitive to other formulas. A 2006 study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine studied the use of whole blood with needling(irritation such as with Prolotherapy) and concluded that the use of autologous blood injection, combined with dry needling, appears to be an effective treatment for medial epicondylitis. Another study in that same journal in 2009 compared injections using whole blood, dextrose Prolotherapy, platelet rich plasma and polidocanol (a sclerosing agent), and concluded that there is evidence to support the use of each of these agents in the treatment of connective tissue damage. However, there are only three known studies using whole blood, all of which were prospective case series without controls and small patient numbers. PRP studies, on the other hand, are growing not only in number, but also in quality. When examining the physiology of how activated platelets signal repair cells, it seems logical that using PRP (with higher levels of platelets per unit volume) would be more effective than autologous blood although no study has yet directly compared the two.

CORTISONE VERSUS PRP The use of cortisone in musculoskeletal injuries is controversial and the subject of various studies over the years. In February 2010, researchers in the Netherlands published the results of a well designed, two year randomized controlled blinded trial with a significant test group of 100 patients, comparing corticosteroid use to an injection of concentrated platelet rich plasma without ultrasound guidance. The PRP injection was given to the lateral epicondyle area of maximum tenderness, and a peppering technique was used in order to activate the thrombin release from the tendon- in this case endogenous thrombin is the activator for the injected platelet growth factors. The researchers indicate the importance of the inflammation phase the first two days post treatment) during which there is a migration of macrophages to the injured tissue site. Macrophages release additional growth factors, and there is increased collagen synthesis on days three to five. The conclusion of the Netherlands study was that PRP reduces pain and significantly increases function, exceeding the effect of the corticosteroid injection.

SAFETY ISSUES Like Prolotherapy, PRP therapy has low risk and few side effects. Concerns such as hyperplasia have been raised regarding the use of growth factors, however there have been no documented cases of carcinogenesis, hyperplasia, or tumor growth associated with the use of autologous PRP. PRP growth factors never enter the cell or its nucleus and act through the stimulation of external cell membrane receptors of adult mesenchymal stem cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, osteoblasts, and epidermal cells. This binding stimulates expression of a normal gene repair sequence, causing normal healing - only much faster. Therefore PRP has no ability to induce tumor formation. Also, because it is an autologous sample, the risk of allergy or infectious disease is considered negligible. Evidence also exists in studies that PRP may have an antibacterial effect.

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PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Injections – Dr. Thomas F …

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PRP is a concentration of platelet cells from your blood with growth factors and stem cells. This helps the healing process of chronic problems or injuries. These bioactive proteins initiate connective tissue healing and promote development of new blood vessels.

By the use of the Harvest Tech System we obtain approximately 9cc's from the vein in the patient's arm. Using the special reagent tube and centrifuge the blood is spun to obtain the plasma platelets and stem cells.

First, the area to be injected is numbed so the injection doesn't hurt. Once the plasma platelets are obtained and injected into the chronic painful area this increases the platelets and growth factors 500%. It can be used for chronic foot pain such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.

PRP injections are not covered by insurance. The charge is $675.00 per injection. It is expensive but it can avoid surgery that is both costly and disabling. You can use your health saving plan for this service.

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PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Injections - Dr. Thomas F ...

The 5-Steps Behind Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections

Post-traumatic arthritis. Tennis elbow. Hamstring tear. These are a few of thesports injuries that doctors are treating with platelet-rich plasma injections.

ButPRP injections are also proving effective treatments for those who suffer from knee arthritis and other non-sports related injuries.

If youve been reading my posts for long youve no doubt heard me talk about PRP therapy and its relation to sports medicine. One thing Ive never done, however, is explain the steps behind an actual procedure. I want to take that time right now to do that.

Step One: Consultation

The very first thing I do with the patient is consult with them. We talk about the injury, the cause, the level of pain, the history. I want as much information as I possibly can.

As a side note: Usually at this stage I discover that this is a last-ditch effort for the patient. Theyve exhausted all other approaches and want to avoid surgery. See my final thoughts to see why this important.

Step Two: Draw Blood

Next we draw blood from the patient. Usually about 20 to 60 ccs.

Step Three: Spin the Blood

We then take that blood and put it into a centrifuge. Thatcentrifuge spins the blood, separating it into three different layers: the platelet-poor layer, the buffy coat (which contains the platelets and white blood cells) and the red blood cells. Its that middle layer that will be injected.

Step Four: Anesthetize the Injury Area

While the blood is being spun, our next step is to clean the sight and numb the area around the joint.

Step Five: Inject the Plasma

The final step consists of actually injecting the plasma into the injured area. We use an ultra sound machine to guide the needle to make sure we are injecting the fluid in the appropriate place.

The entire procedure takes less than 15 minutes. Its an in-office visit and patients can usually drive themselves to and from our clinic.

Is PRP Therapy Safe?

Yes, little evidence exists to definitely prove that plasma injections can have a positive impact on healing, but in my own work and many of my colleagues Ive seen tremendous outcomes.

Patients with six-week old injuries recover more rapidly as do patients whove been suffering from a decade old injury. Age of injury or patient doesnt matter.

It is important that you explore all of your alternatives first because most insurance companies will not cover this procedure. However, if youve exhausted all of your options and the next step is surgery, investigating whether plasma injections are right for you is a good thing to do before surgery.

Dr. Rick Lehman is a distinguished orthopedic surgeon in St. Louis, Missouri and an articular cartilage reconstruction pioneer He owns U. S. Sports Medicine in Kirkwood, MO, and LehmanHealth. Learn more about Dr. Rick.

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The 5-Steps Behind Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) – Dr. Hal Brown

PRP, Platelet Rich Plasma, Vancouver

PRP, Platelet Rich Plasma Regenerative Injection Therapy, under ultrasound guidance, for the treatment of back pain, neck pain, tendonitis, shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers, hips, knees, ankles, feet, all joints of the body.

PRP Regenerative Injection Therapy, Platelet Rich Plasma

A new treatment for pain is becoming popular among orthopedic and pain specialists: the injection of platelet rich plasma PRP. Most everyone thinks of blood platelets as being responsible for blood clotting after injury which is true. What many people do not know is that blood platelets serve many other important functions. Blood platelets are responsible for bringing white blood cells to the injured area to clean up the remains of dead and injured cells, which is what most people believe is "chronic inflammation or tendonitis. This non productive stagnant "swelling" is called tendonosis and is not helpful for healing and must be resolved for recovery to proceed. Most importantly, blood platelets release growth factors that are directly responsible for tissue regeneration. PRP has also been shown to increase chondrocytes, the cells which grow into cartilage tissue. PRP has been used for years in surgical centers around the US and abroad to improve the success of bone grafting (especially in dental surgery) and also by cosmetic surgeons for speeding healing time and decreasing the risk of infection after surgery. More recently PRP is being used for the treatment of chronic pain. All joints, ligaments and tendon injuries can be treated, whether chronic or acute, including: tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocations, meniscal tears, osteoarthritis and chronic low back, neck pain and many more areas are are all being treated with the injection of PRP; the goal being to promote the regeneration of degenerated and/or torn or strained connective tissue, ligaments, tendons and joints. The reports are of great success at a magnitude greater than regular dextrose prolotherapy, and of benefit where prolotherapy effects have plateaued or not been sufficient.

What is PRP - Platelet Rich Plasma ? Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP is blood plasma with concentrated platelets. The concentrated platelets found in PRP include growth factors among the huge reservoirs of bioactive proteins that are vital to initiate and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration. These bioactive proteins increase stem cell production to initiate connective tissue healing, bone regeneration and repair, promote development of new blood vessels and stimulate the wound healing process.

While a normal concentration of platelets circulating in your blood is 200,000 per micro liter, the platelet count in Platelet Rich Plasma can exceed 2 million platelets per micro liter. To be considered PRP the platelet count must be 4x or greater above baseline.

Normal Platelet Count

Concentrated Platelet Count

How is Platelet Rich Plasma made?

The process of creating Platelet Rich Plasma begins by drawing 20 - 60 cc of blood (500 cc is taken in blood bank donations).

The blood is then put into the Harvest SmartPReP2 Platelet Concentrate System and spun down separating the red blood cells, plasma and concentrating the platelets.

Heres how it works:

All injuries result in tissue damage. The bodys natural response to injury is an organized process of regeneration and remodeling of damaged cells, ultimately returning the injured tissues to their normal state. Collectively this process is known as the healing cascade. This healing cascade is primarily controlled by bioactive tissue growth factors found in platelets. With PRP prolotherapy, these growth factors are concentrated and injected directly into the site of injury.

Growth Factor Biology

The response of living tissue to injury forms the foundation of all surgical practice:

Bioactive proteins replace, repair, and regenerate tissue. These proteins are natural components found in the body and are considered by many to be a new frontier of clinical treatment. Increasing the bioactivity at the wound site takes medicine one step closer toward its ultimate goal of naturally accelerating the body's normal healing process.

The bioactive proteins carried by platelets are already being used succesfully for hemostasis, wound sealing, and wound healing in surgical disciplines such as: oral and maxillofacial, orthopaedic, neurology, otolaryngology, cardiovascular, vascular, general, plastic and reconstructive, non-healing wounds, and pediatrics.

Why use your own platelets?

Platelets are tiny cells that are critical to healing. They are the bodys primary source of bioactive tissue growth factors, including CTGF (Connective Tissue Growth Factor) PGDF (Platelet Derived Growth Factor), TGF- (Transforming Growth Factor-beta), EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor), IGF (Insulin Growth Factor), bFGF (basic Fibroblast Growth Factor), and VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor. By concentrating these growth factors and injecting them at the site of injury or degeneration,, the body's own stem cells are drawn to the injured area and differentiate to cause regeneration of new healthy and robust ligaments, tendons and cartilage..

PRP provides a fibrin matrix graft. : Fibrin matrix provides the scaffolding for new collagen to form along damaged ligaments and tendons. With a fibrin matrix graft, even severely damaged tissues can re-organize and heal.

PRP concentrates Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).

MSCs are multi-potent stem cells that can differentiate into a variety of cell types during tissue repair processes. Cell types that MSCs have been shown to differentiate into include collagen secreting cells, bone forming osteoblasts and cartilage forming chondrocytes. Together these cells have the potential of rejuvenating tissues damaged by injury, degenerative changes, and osteoarthritis.

What does it do?

The PRP process concentrates fibrin, mesenchymal stem cells, and platelets so that each cubic millimeter of solution contains 1.5 to 2 million platelets, resulting in up to a five-fold increase in platelets and bioactive growth factors. Because it is so concentrated, PRP acts as a potent tissue growth stimulant, amplifying the natural process of tissue repair and healing. Studies show that PRP induces the production of new collagen by the fibroblasts, bone and cartilage cells at the site of the injection, rebuilding the joint cartilage and strengthening injured ligaments and tendons. This new collagen is naturally incorporated directly into your existing cartilage and ligaments, making them thicker, stronger and more elastic.

How Does PRP Regenerative Injection Therapy Compare With Cortisone Shots? Occasionally a single cortisone shot may give someone significant relief. Usually however, cortisone shots provide temporary relief and stop inflammation, but may not provide long term healing requiring ongoing injections. The problem is that cortisone is catabolic to tissues, meaning that its use will promote degeneration and wasting over time and with continued use.. PRP therapy is healing, regenerative and strengthening these tendons and ligaments and in some cases thickening the tissue up to 40%.

How Does PRP Regenerative Injection Therapy Compare With Hyaluronic Acid Injections?

Hyaluronic Acid injections ( Synvisc, Hyalgan, and Orthovisc and more) are very effective at increasing comfort and range of motion in injured joints. It does not, however, provide a mechanism of regeneration and it is necessary to continue injections about every 3 months to maintain benefit. PRP is regenerative, which means it stimulates the body to actually grow new ligaments, tendons and joint tissues which will last and function like normal healthy tissues.

How Does PRP Regenerative Injection Therapy compare with regular Dextrose Prolotherapy?

Clinical and anecdotal experience is demonstrating that using PRP as the regenerative injection method creates a much more profound healing effect and results in improved results in less treatments. Prolotherapy is a very effective and useful therapy, but PRP is especially useful when regular prolotherapy has provided positive results, but recovery has not been ideal. In these cases PRP is often the treatment that will resolve these less responsive or more injured areas.

Frequency Of Treatments While responses to treatment vary, most people will require 2 to 6 sets of injections of PRP. Each set of treatments is spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.Usually positive development is evident after 2 treatments. Often satisfactory results may occur even sooner, but cannot be predicted with certainty.

The American Journal of Sports Medicine; May 2013

Treatment of Partial Ulnar Collateral Ligament Tears in the Elbow With Platelet-Rich Plasma

This study gives positive evidence for the use of PRP in sports injuries.

Drs. Luga Podesta and Lew Yocum, demonstrated that 30 of 34 athletes (88%) had returned to the same level of play without any complaints. The average time to return to play was 12 weeks. As well, real physical changes inside the elbow were observed.

Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that PRP is an effective option to successfully treat partial UCL tears of the elbow in athletes.

Articles

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy Literature Reviews

By Gary B. Clark, MD, MPA

Visions of Regenerations to Come

Published in the Journal of Prolotherapy

Mayo Clinic research identifies optimal treatment sequence for "tennis elbow"

The study included 34 patients with a wide range of tendon and soft tissue injuries, from rotator cuff tendinitis to plantar fasciitis, an inflammation on the bottom of the foot....patients received an injection of concentrated platelets from their own blood. The platelets release growth factors into the area to start the healing process. Researchers found maximum benefits tended to occur within four months after the procedure. More than 70 percent of patients had better use of their tendons, and 76 percent reported improvement in pain. In addition, researchers found some indication of tendon healing, which was detected with sophisticated ultrasound imaging.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections as an effective treatment for early osteoarthritis.

The New York Yankees star third baseman Alex Rodriguez gets PRP

Texas Rangers' 2nd basemanIan Kinslersaid he had PRP injection

"I feel 100 percent ,and it's the first time I can say that in a long time," Kinsler said

Tiger Woods discusses PRP Platelet Rich Plasma

VIDEO:

Tiger woods held a press conference a the Augusta Masters today to address concerns of his medical treatment among other issues that have been circling in the media. Tiger clarified that he has never used performance enhancing drugs (PEDs). However Tiger did confirm that he received 4 injections ofPRP Platelet Rich Plasmato his knee ligament (LCL) following a slow post operative recovery from ACL repair. Woods also received treatment for his Achilles tendon which he tore & adversely affected his driving distance . He claims that the treatments were successful & he feels strong.

While Tiger Woods has been surrounded bydisappointments of his family & fans of infidelity, it appears that he has not violated any medical laws or restrictions in sport.PRPhas been used to treat many athletes & even more weekend warriors. We are conducting several studies including a 10multicenter clinical trial on tennis elbow as well as a pilot knee arthritis study that was submitted for publication.

So hopefully the bright side of all this media frenzy will be the attention placed on an emerging therapy PRP. In no way is this a panacea but it appears a safe alternative to cortisone. More studies will emerge soon, some pro and some con to best determine which patients and injuries will be proper candidates for PRP.

Research In PRP Regenerative Injection Therapy:

Platelet Rich Plasma - PRP Matrix Graft by David Crane, MD and Peter A.M. Everts PhD

PRP Articles

Globe and Mail: Injured? Heal yourself with your own blood

Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (JAAOS). Early outcomes of PRP appear promising

PRP Prolotherapy used successfully for professional athletes

PRP keeps Hines Ward and Troy Polamalu of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the game

PRP used by figure skater Patrick Chan, Canadian Olympic Team, B.C. Lions

Takashi Saito, Dodger Pitcher, regains career after PRP elbow treatment

Houston Astro's Picture Doug Brocail recovers from hamstring injury with PRP and continues his season

PRP news show video of Doug Brocail

Sports Groin Injuries:

Efficacy of Dextrose Prolotherapy in Elite Male Kicking-Sport Athletes With Chronic Groin Pain Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 2005; 86: 697-702 Conclusions: " marked efficacy for chronic groin pain in this group of elite rugby and soccer athletes."

Stem Cell Prolotherapy in Regenerative Medicine Background, Theory and Protocols

Donna D. Alderman, DO, Robert W. Alexander, MD, DMD, FICS, Gerald R. Harris, DO, Patrick C. Astourian, MS, PA-C

Journal of Prolotherapy

Mesenchymal Stromal Cell (MSC) Prolotherapy

The next advance in Regenerative Medicine

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Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) - Dr. Hal Brown

Platelet Rich Plasma Injections – Sports Medicine Specialists

WHAT IS IT

Platelet Rich Plasma or at is affectionately called Blood Spinning is the newest procedure in the Sports Medicine Physicians arsenal. While this procedure has been used in the dental field for many years it has only become available as an office procedure in Sports Medicine over the last couple of years.

The procedure initially involves taking a specific amount of blood. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge and spun down into layers. The platelet poor plasma is withdrawn and we are left with a small portion of platelet rich plasma. We then have a concentration of platelets which is 3-5 times the concentration in normal blood. This small concentration is then injected into the injured area.

There are three main types of cells in blood. Red blood cells carry oxygen to tissues. White blood cells fight infection. The third type of cells are platelets. While we mostly think about palettes function in stopping bleeding they play a very important role in healing damaged tissue. Platelets are full of intrinsic growth factor (more than 30) and other morphologic hormones that stimulate healing of damaged tissue. All of these factors are important in the role of cell replication, angiogenesis, fibroblasts, neovascularization and collagen production. All these activities contribute to the repair of tendon, skeletal muscle and bone.

The concept if the PRP injection is to stimulate the body to potentiate a healing response. PRP has been shown to recruit reparative cells. PRP is injected in an inactivated form and once injected into the body it is activated by collagen within connective tissue. The PRP then releases its growth factors and cytokines. These in turn stimulate local stem cells. The PRP also inhibits excess inflammation which causes scar tissue. The end result is healing of tissue to its as normal as possible physiologic state.

PRP can be used both in acute and chronic conditions. In the acute phase it can get an athlete back on to the playing field faster with better and quicker healing of tissues. In chronic conditions it is used to jump start the body to heal tissue that the body has failed to heal and the healing response has stalled?

PRP is can be utilized on any muscle or tendon but the following are the most common parts injected.

As PRP as an office procedure is fairly new the research on its effectiveness is just starting to appear. The difficulty is that there are several different types of methods to prepare the PRP and they all vary on their concentration of platelets and other components that are to be injected. That being said there are now several papers indicating a very promising response to treatment. Those of us in the fields who are most experienced have all seen (although not in all) excellent results.

A small amount of blood is withdrawn from your body (20-60 ccs). This blood is mixed with an anti-coagulant and then placed in a special centrifuge and double spun. The platelet poor plasma is withdrawn leaving a small concentration of platelet rich plasma. This amount (3-10 ccs) is injected into the injured tissue. This is almost always done under the control of ultrasound guided injection to ensure we are placing their PRP exactly into the injured tissue. This is usually followed by an injection of a prepared thrombin clot which acts liked a matrix to hold the PRP fluid in the injured area.

Unlike cortisone injection where you may have an immediate response from the anti-inflammatory effect the PRP injection is stimulation a proper healing response within the bodies tissues. The healing response works over 6-8 weeks so it may be 8-12 weeks before you feel the total effects of the injection. Depending on the area injected and the severity and chronicity of the problem one or two subsequent injections may be necessary. A good program of physical rehabilitation is required to full rehabilitate the body back to full functional capacity.

As this is a medical procedure generally not covered under extended health insurance plans unless you have a discretionary component of your plan to use as you desire.

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Platelet Rich Plasma Injections - Sports Medicine Specialists