Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment is a Pain Management Alternative method for non surgical management of soft-tissue, joint and musculoskeletal condition. It is a natural alternative to corticosteroid as blood from the patient's own body is utilized to promote healing. Blood contains Platelets and Plasma that promote healing. The doctor will draw your blood and place it in a centrifuge to separate the concentrated PRP from the red blood cells. The PRP is injected into areas of pain, tissue damage and injury to promote healing.

PRP takes about 6 weeks to feel the full effects and patients may feel some soreness after the injections as it is restarting your body's healing process. This procedure has been made popular in media due to the large amount of Professional Athletes utilizing this treatment. Injections are recommended in a 1, 2 or 3 series depending on the amount of damage to the area of complaint. After each injection a 6 week follow up is scheduled to determine if an additional injection is necessary.

The World Anti-Doping Agency has taken PRP off the list of prohibited substances. Professional and college athletic organizations (eg NFL and NCAA) allow their players to receive PRP treatment. PRP is used to return injured athletes back to the game quicker; it does not enhance their performance. Rather, PRP speeds-up the healing process and get patient back to baseline.

Billing considerations: Because PRP is a relatively new procedure only a few insurance companies cover it. This service however remain commonly used due to the fact that patients prefer the best treatment versus only what their insurance will cover. Only a few PPO insurance cover this service.

Equipment: The Single-Use Kits and Centrifuges are included in the charge. Ultrasound may be used to guide the needle within the joint capsule for best results.

Contraindications: For PRP injection are: Anemia; Hematologic Blood Diseases, Platelet Dysfunction; Blood Infections or Fever; Skin Infections; Malignancy; Allergy to Bovine Products if Bovine Thrombus is to be used.

Pre-injection guidelines: Be aware of and compliant with the following guidelines: (Discuss this with your doctor) No corticosteroids for 2 to 3 weeks before the procedure; Discontinue (NSAIDs) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at least week before PRP; No anticoagulation (eg Coumadin or Plavix) use 5 days before the procedure; Increase fluid intake in the 24 hours preceding PRP.

Procedure: The procedure is very simple. The Pain Doctor is an Expert and a uses standard sterile technique, a small amount of venous blood is obtained from your arm vein and is transferred into the centrifuge machine, processed, and the PRP is extracted from the centrifuge. The skin is cleansed around the injection site. With real-time image guidance (ultrasound) and sterile technique, the PRP is injected into the appropriate painful area. PRP injections go right onto the joints / ligaments / tendons for healing and support. Physicians must find the source of the pain and inject the PRP into the appropriate pain location.

Complications: There is 0% chance of catching a blood disease, as this is 100% the patient’s own blood platelets and plasma.