Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy: A Novel Approach to Treating Sports Injuries
10/22/2008
Dr. Katrina Vlachos, a board certified physiatrist specializing in the treatment of musculoskeletal ailments and Dr. Fred Nicola, a board certified orthopedic surgeon provide basic information on the benefits of PRP and who may be a good candidate for this alternative therapy to treat chronic tendonitis and other musculoskeletal injuries.
What is Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP)?
PRP is a treatment option that is currently being used to treat chronic tendonitis and other musculoskeletal injuries. PRP uses platelets, which are naturally found in our blood, to help speed up tissue healing. Platelets have been found to have growth factors that are naturally within them. When platelets release these growth factors, they accumulate at the injury site and facilitate tissue healing. In PRP, the platelets are concentrated in a special preparation and applied directly to the injured area to get a quicker healing response and improve outcome.
When was PRP developed?
The benefits of this technology were initially seen during open heart surgery in the late 1980’s and have now been applied to dentistry, orthopedics, and for general wound healing. In Europe, PRP has been used for years to treat injuries and to return athletes to their sports more quickly.
How is the procedure done?
PRP uses the platelets in your own blood to heal your injury. No foreign materials are injected. Fifteen minutes prior to the procedure, your blood will be drawn. The blood will be spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and specially prepared for the injection. Your skin will be cleaned and then numbed with a cold spray, and the PRP will be injected into the affected area. The procedure takes less than one hour and is performed on an out-patient basis.
Is it painful?
The injection may cause localized soreness during the injection and for a few days afterwards. This is a normal response and may be treated with ice. PRP actually causes an inflammatory response which helps to repair tissues. Anti-inflammatory medications should be avoided for at least one week after the injection to maximize the platelet response.
Am I a candidate for PRP?
PRP is not a first-line treatment. It is for chronic musculoskeletal injuries that have not responded to medications, physical therapy, cortisone injections or other treatments. The doctor will perform an evaluation to determine if PRP is the right treatment for you.
How do I Prepare for PRP?
A history and physical examination will be performed. The procedure will be done at a separate visit. Anti-inflammatory medications such as advil, aspirin, etc. shoulde be stopped for at least one week before the procedure and also for one week afterwards.
What are the risks?
Even though the procedure uses your own blood, there are still risks involved. If you have an allergy to lidocaine or a local anesthetic, make sure you let your physician know. The most common complaint is pain at the injection site. Other risks are related to the injection itself such as bleeding, infection, or local damage to the skin, and scarring.
What is the recovery like?
PRP is a revolutionary treatment that can enhance healing, but it does not give immediate relief. PRP is meant to give long-term relief and healing of injuries. Modification of certain activities and directed physical therapy are often used to enhance results. It may take up to 6 months or linger for full relief of symptoms to occur. Regular visits to your doctor will determinte when full activity may be resumed. Occasionally, PRP treatments are repeated if full relief does not occur.
Can PRP be done in joints?
There have been some studies showing that PRP can be effective for joints—especially arthritis. Sometimes x-ray guidance is necessary to perform the injection to make sure the injection is going in to the joint. The doctor will determine whether PRP is appropriate for your specific joint problem.
Is PRP covered by insurance?
Most insurance companies will provide partial reimbursement for the procedure. Pre-authrorization may be required.
PRP is not covered by Medicare.
PRP is not covered by Medicare.