Biologic Treatment

What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)?

PRP or “platelet-rich plasma,” is a treatment for chronic sports injuries or issues
associated with bone, cartilage, muscles and tendons. Patients involved in sports, have
active lifestyles, experiencing pain or those with joint arthritis, are experiencing less pain
and greater function from PRP injections.

Blood is mainly a liquid (plasma) that also contains components (red/white blood cells
and platelets) that have hundreds of proteins called growth factors. These growth
factors are very important in the healing and or pain management of orthopedic
problems. PRP is a concentration of growth factors and by injecting these growth
factors into damaged ligaments, tendons, and joints help reduce pain.

How is PRP provided to patients?
To do a PRP injection, first blood must be drawn from a patient (like getting a blood
test). The blood is put into a centrifuge to separate the platelets from other blood cells
and the concentration of platelets is increased. The resulting platelet rich plasma is then
used for treatment.

All of our PRP injections are given under direct ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate placement of the platelet
concentrate in the damaged area.

Will I get relief from a PRP injection?
The duration over which injections provide relief is variable. Research suggests pain
relief lasting between six and twelve months is common and 60-70% of patients
experience relief. There are still a group of patients who receive no benefit from PRP
injection.

What conditions benefit from PRP?
PRP treatments work best and most well studied for knee osteoarthritis conditions.

Other PRP treatment options include:
● Rotator cuff injuries
● Shoulder pain
● Tennis & golfer’s elbow
● Hamstring and hip strains
● Knee sprains
● Patellofemoral syndrome and patellar tendinosis
● Other chronic tendon and ligament problems