Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP)
Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) is an emerging FDA approved treatment that allows for accelerated healing of tendon, muscle and cartilage injuries and conditions. It has been used extensively in professional athletes over the past several years, and was reported on by the New York Times on February 17, 2009.
PRP involves injecting concentrated portions of a patient’s own blood directly into an injured or affected area, thereby stimulating the body’s own healing mechanism. This is performed in the office, and involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s own blood, concentrating the platelets by spinning down the blood in a centrifuge, and then injecting the affected area. The whole process takes less than 15 minutes.
PRP can shorten healing time, possibly obviate surgery, and may be used in conjunction with surgery to accelerate rehabilitation.
Patient’s blood after it has been centrifuged. The yellow portion on top is the platelet-rich plasma that is injected into the affected area.
Possible Indicated Conditions
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Achilles Tendinitis
Runner’s Knee (Patella Tendinitis)
Rotator Cuff Strains and Bursitis
Partial Ligament Tears
Muscle Strains
Arthritis
