PRP Specialist

What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP)?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a type of regenerative medicine. It uses plasma, a component of your blood that contains growth factors, to encourage the production of new, healthy cells. The procedure is minimally invasive, requires no downtime, and provides rapid, long-lasting results.

What conditions can PRP treat?

At Martin Orthopedics, the team may use PRP to treat the following musculoskeletal issues, including:

• Arthritis
• Carpal tunnel
• Hand pain
• Fractures 
• Hip pain
• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Knee pain
• Meniscus tears
• Rotator cuff tears
• Shoulder pain
• Foot or ankle pain

You might also benefit from PRP following surgery to repair a torn ligament or tendon or as part of your sports medicine treatment regimen.

What does PRP treatment involve?

Treatment with PRP typically takes less than 60 minutes.  

At the beginning of your appointment, your Martin Orthopedics provider conducts a physical exam and asks about your symptoms, including when they first started and if any activities like exercise or sitting make them worse.

If your provider determines you can benefit, they carefully draw a sample of your blood. The amount of blood drawn depends on the injection site of the PRP.

Your provider places your sample into a centrifuge. The machine spins around rapidly and separates the platelets (or growth factors) from the rest of your blood. Your provider takes the separated PRP and prepares it for injection.

Your provider uses imaging, like ultrasound, to pinpoint areas for injection. They numb your skin with a topical anesthetic and administer a series of injections. When the PRP solution enters your body, it increases circulation to the area, encouraging healing.

Is PRP safe?

PRP is safe and usually well tolerated. Since it contains substances from your body, there’s very little risk of infection or an allergic reaction. Following your appointment, you might experience bruising or mild swelling at the injection site, but any discomfort should subside within a few days.

When do I experience the results of PRP?

Following PRP injections, some people experience immediate relief. For others, it takes several weeks or months. That’s because PRP is a cumulative treatment. Everyone’s body reacts differently to regenerative medicine. To ensure a positive outcome, carefully follow your provider’s instructions and attend each of your scheduled appointments.

To learn more about the benefits of PRP, make an appointment at Martin Orthopedics by calling the nearest office or scheduling online today.