1. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an injection therapy that uses a concentration of your own platelets to accelerate healing of injured, degenerated or painful ligaments, tendons, joints and muscles.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an injection therapy that uses a concentration of your own platelets to accelerate healing of injured, degenerated or painful ligaments, tendons, joints and muscles. Platelets are a specialized cell involved in injury healing. Platelets control bioactive growth factors that initiate the healing of connective tissue.
To prepare PRP, a small amount of blood is taken and processed in the lab in our clinic. The processing concentrates the platelets and growth factors and the final product is customized based on what is being treated (for instance a joint or a tendon). There are many PRP systems on the market and at FIT we use the Arthrex Angel system.
How does PRP differ from Prolotherapy?
Prolotherapy increases your own circulation to an area, which then brings in platelets and other growth factors through blood flow.
PRP involves concentrating platelets from your own blood and injecting those platelets directly into the injured or painful area.
The following conditions generally respond favorably to PRP:
- Chronic joint pain
- Arthritis
- Torn meniscus
- Sciatica
- Herniated discs (not severe)
- Low back pain
- Rotator cuff injuries/tears
- Tennis/Golfer's elbow
- Labral tears (hip/shoulder)
- Sacroiliac pain
- Joint instability
Unsure if you would be a good candidate for PRP? Book an complimentary 15 min discovery call with Dr Breckon or book an intial consultation.