Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy Options in Naples, Florida
Platelet rich plasma has become a new buzzword in orthopedics. While more and more people are trying to get away from taking a “pill” to treat an ailment, finding ways to use your body’s own natural properties to heal itself has become a revolutionary idea. Dr. Mead, our orthopedic surgeon, is up to date on the latest orthopedic techniques and is a proponent of Platelet Rich Plasma therapy for certain medical conditions.
What is Platelet Rich Plasma?
Platelets are components of your normal blood. When an injury occurs, they become activated and move to the injury site to release special proteins that aid in the healing process. Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP delivers a higher concentration of these natural healers to intensify this healing process. PRP is “made” by drawing a small vial of blood from the patient and “spinning it” in a special machine that separates the platelets from the other components of blood. These separated platelets are then injected into the injury site, aiding in and intensifying your body’s own ability to heal. The entire process from blood draw to injection takes less than 20 minutes.
What conditions are treated with PRP?
Platelet Rich Plasma has shown tremendous potential to aid in healing of a variety of orthopedic conditions. It can aid in treatment of acute injuries such as Achilles’ tendon and hamstring tears. PRP is also effective for treatment of chronic issues such as plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, rotator cuff tendonitis, and osteoarthritis. Recent Level 1 research that has been published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine and Journal of Arthroscopy and Related Surgery found that Platelet Rich Plasma was more effective in relieving pain for longer periods of time than Hyaluronic Acid therapy in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis. PRP has also been shown to aid in the healing process after rotator cuff repair and ACL reconstruction. While there is much we still do not know about PRP, its use in orthopedics and sports medicine seem limitless.
Are there any risks?
Risks in using PRP are very low. Since your own blood is used, there is no risk of transmissible infection. Allergic reaction rate is very low as well. Like any other injection, a small risk of pain at the injection site and infection does exist.
What are the benefits of PRP?
- First and foremost, it uses your body’s own natural properties to heal itself.
- There are relatively no side effects
- It can be performed safely in Dr. Mead’s office. The discomfort is similar to other injections like cortisone or hyaluronic acid
- It can relieve pain without medications, surgery, or anesthesia
- There is very little recovery time if any. Most of our patient’s drive themselves to and from the office and return to their jobs and regular activities that same day
- There has been documented evidence of tissue repair on MRI and ultrasound images confirming PRP’s ability to heal
What results are expected?
Initial improvement may be seen within a few weeks. The goal of Platelet Rich Plasma therapy is to resolve pain through healing and provide lasting results. This can take time. There is no standard therapy regimen for the use of PRP in the non-surgical setting. Individual results may vary. Multiple injections may be necessary, depending on your condition, to receive the full benefit of treatment, typically a few weeks apart.
Are there any downsides?
Despite the overwhelming success and documented evidence supporting PRP as a viable treatment option for multiple orthopedic conditions, insurance companies still consider it “experimental” and do not provide coverage. This is based on the currently vague FDA indication, which states that PRP is for use at an Orthopedic Surgical site. Therefore, PRP is offered on a cash-pay basis. As with any treatment, success is not guaranteed. All of your pain may not be resolved with PRP.
Surgeon’s Advice | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201 Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119