What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP)?
PRP is one of a number of regenerative medicine procedures. PRP contains a high concentration of your body’s own platelets to heal injured and damaged tissue. Platelets circulate in your bloodstream and are the part of the blood that causes clotting.
In addition to stopping cuts from bleeding, your platelets also contain specialized cells and growth factors that heal the injured tissue.
Dr. Smith creates the PRP for your injections from a sample of your own blood. When injected into your injured or damaged joint or tissue, PRP assists and speeds up the healing process to reduce pain and restore function.
Am I a good candidate for PRP injections?
Dr. Smith determines if you’re a good candidate for PRP injections during your consultation. Though she is an expert orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Smith uses nonsurgical treatments whenever possible.
Conditions that PRP injections can treat include:
- Arthritis
- Ligament and tendon injuries
- Tennis elbow
- Sports injuries involving the hand, elbow, and shoulder
Dr. Smith might also suggest using PRP injections following surgery to support the healing process.
What happens during PRP injections?
Dr. Smith reviews the details of your PRP injections at your consultation, so you know how to prepare for the procedure, what to expect during it, and what happens afterward.
First, she draws your blood into a few tubes, which are then placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets. After giving you a local anesthetic to prevent or lessen any pain, she injects the PRP directly into the diseased or damaged tissue.
Unless Dr. Smith says otherwise, you should be able to resume your usual activities after your PRP injections.
With PRP injections, improvements in pain and function will happen gradually over the coming weeks and months. Dr. Smith closely monitors your progress with regular follow-up visits and adjusts your plan as needed.
To learn more about PRP injections and how they benefit you, contact Regenerative Orthopedics Institute by phone or online today.
