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PLATELET RICH PLASMA (PRP)

What is PRP?

PRP is a simple, natural technique that stimulates the body to repair the painful area when the natural healing process needs a little assistance. Platelet rich plasma requires your own blood which is centrifuged (spun) to isolate serum, platelets rich in growth factors and leukocyte rich plasma. This solution is injected into the treatment area to encourage your own body to repair.

HOW DOES PLATELET RICH PLASMA  WORK?

The basic mechanism of PRP is simple. PRP solution is injected into the affected ligaments or tendons, which leads to local inflammation. The localized inflammation triggers a wound-healing cascade, resulting in the deposition of new collagen, the material those ligaments and tendons are made of.   New collagen shrinks as it matures. The shrinking collagen tightens the ligament and makes it stronger.

Specifically, PRP causes fibroblastic proliferation. Fibroblasts are the cells that actually grow the ligaments and tendons.   By proliferating the fibroblasts, new, strong, collagen tissue is formed which are what are needed to repair ligament/tendon injuries common in sports or repetitive injuries.   The ligaments and tendons produced after PRP appear much the same as normal tissues, except that they are thicker, stronger, and contain fibers of varying thickness, testifying to the new and ongoing creation of tissue.

IS PRP SAFE?

Generally, Platelet rich plasma is an extremely safe procedure.   The risks are far less than taking aspirin or Motrin for a lifetime to temporarily alleviate chronic pain.   There is, of course, at least a slight risk involved in any medical procedure.   In PRP, the risks and side effects will vary depending on the area being treated, and the doctor will discuss these possibilities fully during the pre-treatment consultation.   As with any injections, there is always the discomfort of the needle stick, and the usual minor risks.

How many treatments does it take?

Each person’s response to PRP is varies. The average number of treatments ranges from 1-3 and some instances more.   These injections are usually preformed 4-6 weeks apart.   It can take up to six-eight weeks to have local healing and thus a clinical improvement.   Individual variation due to severity of injury, area, age, and other factors affect response time.

Soreness After PRP

A patient is generally sore for up to 1 week sometimes longer. This is because the injections have to go through some muscles to get to the ligaments and tendons. To help the muscle soreness resolve itself sooner, massage therapy and moist heat applied to the area is recommended. Gentle manipulation techniques, such as myofascial release, strain-counter-strain, or activator gun treatments, are helpful. Other modalities that improve circulation and assist the healing from Platelet-rich plasma include acupuncture, Rolfing, electrical stimulation, magnets, infrared heat, and ultrasound.   It is very important to avoid anti-inflammatory medications, as these may decrease the effectiveness of PRP.  At the Pain Prevention Center, we can provide these procedures at a reasonable and very competitive price.

Contact Us

13710 Olive Boulevard (Primary Office)
Chesterfield, MO 63017
Telephone: 314-469-PAIN (7246)

Fax: 314-469-7251
Exchange: 314-441-6965 (for after-hour Emergencies Only)

Hours:
Monday thru Friday
8:30 AM – 4:30 PM