Coastal Orthopedic Pain & Spine Center
TREATMENT
PLATELET RICH PLASMA INJECTIONS
Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that harnesses and amplifies the natural growth factors found in our blood cells to help heal damaged tissue.
WHAT ARE PLASMA AND PLATELETS?
Plasma is the liquid component of blood, primarily made up of water and proteins, which serves as a medium for red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to circulate throughout the body. Platelets, or thrombocytes, are blood cells that play a crucial role in blood clotting and contribute to healing and growth processes.
WHAT IS A PRP INJECTION?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is derived from a person’s own blood and is a concentrated form of platelets, which are essential for blood clotting. This concentration is injected into an injured or affected area to accelerate the healing of tissues such as tendons, ligaments, muscles, bones, and joints. One of the main benefits of PRP injections is their ability to reduce reliance on opioids or even over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. In fact, anti-inflammatory medications are generally discontinued during PRP treatment, as the platelet-rich plasma enhances the body’s initial inflammatory response, which is vital for healing.
HOW ARE PRP INJECTIONS PERFORMED?
To prepare for a PRP injection, one to a few tubes of the patient’s blood are drawn. The blood is then processed in a centrifuge to separate its components: red and white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. The platelets are concentrated to 2 to 8 times their normal levels. This concentrated platelet solution is mixed with plasma and injected directly into the injured area, often with the assistance of ultrasound imaging for precise guidance.
HOW DO PRP INJECTIONS WORK?
PRP injections activate the concentrated platelets, releasing growth factors that stimulate the body to produce more reparative cells, significantly enhancing the natural healing process.
WHAT INJURIES CAN PRP INJECTIONS TREAT?
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Soft tissue injuries​​​​​
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Minor Achilles tendon tears​
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Tendinitis - tennis elbow or golfer's elbow
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Partial-thickness rotator cuff tears and tendinopathy
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Knee, Hip, Shoulder osteoarthritis
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Low back pain
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Disc tears
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Disc herniations
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Facet arthropathy
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Sacroilliac joint dysfunction​
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DO PRP INJECTIONS HAVE SIDE EFFECTS OR RISKS?
Since PRP injections are derived from your own blood, the risk of rejection or reaction is minimal. As with any injection, there is a small risk of infection or bleeding.
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Learn more about PRP injections and regenerative medicine at Coastal Orthopedic Pain & Spine Center, call us at 727-526-8000 to schedule an appointment.