When injuries from a work accident or car crash lead to chronic pain in tendons, ligaments, or joints, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy offers an innovative approach. At Advantage Healthcare, we utilize PRP to potentially boost your body’s natural healing processes. This therapy uses a concentration of your own platelets injected into the injured area to help reduce pain and improve function, particularly when other treatments haven’t provided lasting relief.
What Problems Does PRP Therapy Address?
PRP may be considered for persistent pain related to:
- Chronic tendinopathies (e.g., tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, Achilles tendinitis, rotator cuff tendon issues)
- Ligament sprains or tears (depending on severity)
- Certain types of osteoarthritis pain
- Other musculoskeletal injuries where healing has stalled
How Does PRP Therapy Work?
The process involves three main steps:
Blood Draw
A small sample of your own blood is drawn, similar to a routine blood test.
Concentration
The blood is placed in a centrifuge machine, which spins at high speed to separate and concentrate the platelets and growth factors.
Injection
The resulting Platelet-Rich Plasma is carefully injected into the targeted injured tissue, often using ultrasound guidance for precision.
These concentrated platelets release growth factors that signal your body to initiate or accelerate tissue repair.
What Are the Benefits of PRP Therapy?
- May stimulate natural tissue healing and repair
- Can reduce pain and inflammation in chronic conditions
- May improve function and mobility
- Uses your body’s own biological material, reducing risks of allergic reactions
- Minimally invasive procedure
Why Choose Advantage Healthcare for PRP Therapy?
- Experienced physicians trained in regenerative medicine techniques.
- Use of high-quality centrifuge systems for optimal platelet concentration.
- Ultrasound guidance used for precise injection placement.
- Considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PRP Therapy painful?
A local anesthetic is used at the blood draw and injection sites. You might feel some pressure during the injection, and temporary soreness or increased pain at the site for a few days afterward is common as the inflammatory healing response begins.
How many PRP treatments will I need?
This varies depending on the condition and individual response. Some patients benefit from a single injection, while others may need a series of 2-3 treatments spaced several weeks apart.
Is PRP covered by workers’ compensation or auto insurance?
Coverage for PRP can vary significantly and often requires specific authorization demonstrating medical necessity, especially after other treatments have failed. We can help explore authorization possibilities with your adjuster/carrier.
How quickly will I see results?
Since PRP aims to stimulate healing, results are typically gradual over several weeks to months, rather than immediate.
Explore Advanced Healing Options.
If chronic pain from tendon or joint injuries persists, PRP therapy might be an option. Contact us to discuss if PRP is right for your condition.