Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, uses a concentrated solution of platelets from a patient’s own blood to harness the body’s healing mechanism through the aid of growth factors. PRP refers to the potion of plasma autologous blood that contains a platelet concentration above the baseline. PRP does not contain stem cells.
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At this time, unfortunately, PRP is not covered by most insurance plans. Please call us at (818) 817-6377 ext. 1 to get more information on pricing and whether or not your insurance covers this service.
Benefits of PRP include, but are not limited to:
- PRP offers a minimally-invasive, low risk and long-lasting alternative to cortisone injections and surgery
- Viable, long-term strategy to treating chronic injuries and degenerative conditions
- Wide variety of clinical applications including joint, cartilage, muscle, tendon, ligament, fascia, nerve and spine
- PRP is made from the patient’s own blood which minimizes adverse effects and avoids potential drug interactions
- Same-day point of care procedure with minimal down time and more predictable recovery than alternative treatments
Most patients notice a substantial improvement in symptoms within 4-6 weeks and significant functional recovery within 6-8 weeks. However, some patients notice improvement much sooner than this. During this time, patients are typically instructed to carefully modify activity and exercise using a specific time-mediated strategy to help optimize the desired regenerative process. A regenerative rehabilitation program, consisting of physical therapy and/or a home exercise program is typically prescribed to reduce pain and increase mobility.
Adverse effects of PRP are relatively rare.
Reported minor side effects include:
- Injection site pain, bruising, swelling or bleeding.
- Infection: very rare due to inherent antimicrobial factors that are released from platelets.
- Patients on anticoagulants (blood thinners) may be required to stop the medication the day of the procedure which carries inherent risk and may require prior medical clearance.
- A subset of patients may experience increased post-procedure pain.
- Anesthesia-related allergies or complications.
- Injury to the blood vessels or nerves or increased post-procedure pain.
After a blood sample is gently obtained from the patient, it is systematically prepared in a centrifuge to isolate and concentrate platelets to a supraphysiologic level. Then, using advanced imaging guidance, the PRP is injected precisely into the effected tissue or joint. Studies have shown that the increased concentration of growth factors in PRP can speed up the healing process.
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1. PHLEBOTOMY:
First, a sample of blood is drawn from a small vein in your forearm, similar to laboratory blood draw.
2. PROCESSING:
To prepare the pure PRP, we utilize a centrifuge machine that spins the blood and follows a very specific protocol. The components of blood are separated by density and we are able to carefully isolate and extract the platelet-rich plasma component. In order for platelets to be effective and provide a robust healing response, the platelet concentration in the final product must be higher than the baseline concentration. Centrifugation of whole blood increases the platelet concentration and removes other cellular components.
3. PROCEDURE:
Finally, using advanced imaging technologies, such as ultrasound or live x-rays, the PRP is strategically injected directly within or surrounding the damaged tissues with a high degree of accuracy to stimulate recovery and regeneration.
