PRP Injection Therapy
What Is Platelet Rich Plasma?
Our blood components include white cells, red cells, platelets and plasma, among other proteins and nutrients. The platelets in our blood are the main ingredient in the healing process. They help our bodies develop scabs to heal our skin. Using a centrifuge, doctors can take a sample of blood and separate it, leaving the plasma (full of healing platelets) available for injection.
What does the procedure look like?
Initially, a blood sample is taken from the patient while in the clinic at Portland Pain and Spine. According to the number of platelets required, anywhere from a small vile to a pint of blood may be taken. The blood is then placed into a centrifuge device, separating the blood sample into its various elements. Once separated, the physician extracts the plasma for injection. The PRP is then injected. The plasma is carefully injected into the body where it is most needed. The physician uses a precision needle and ultrasound technology to pinpoint the exact place for the injection. Eventually, the platelets in the plasma begin to promote healing of the muscle, tendon or ligament in the injection area. Usually, 5 to 10 times the amount of platelets are injected compared to the number of platelets that are initially present in the affected area. The high concentrations of platelets are necessary to the healing process
What is PRP injection used for?
PRP injections can be beneficial to any patient, regardless of age or stage of life. PRP injections are especially helpful for arthritis, joint pain, or any form of inflammation, as well as knee pain, back pain and hair loss. Many degenerative diseases are a common basis for platelet-rich plasma injections. In affected areas where the body is losing tissue, plasma works to promote the body’s ability to heal itself. Some injuries also may be treated with this form of therapy. If an athlete tears a major tissue or tendon, the healing process may be slow. Utilizing PRP injections, the healing process is progressed at the source of the injury. Professional athletes afflicted with sports injuries have often reported notable results and quicker recovery times due to PRP injections.
Knee Arthritis:
Arthritis is caused by wear and tear on the cartilage of the knee, causing the joints to rub against each other. This rubbing results in knee pain. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis which occurs in the knee. The pain usually increases when you are active, or when moving the knees. Movement can also produce a crackling or creaking sound. Other symptoms of knee arthritis include swelling, stiffness, warmth in the joint, and limited mobility.
Hip Arthritis:
Arthritis may also affect the joints of the hips. The most common type of hip arthritis is osteoarthritis. This condition mainly results in pain in the hip and the surrounding areas. The pain can be dull, sharp or stabbing. Aside from pain, people with hip arthritis may also experience tenderness or swelling in the hip joint, creaking sound of joints, joint stiffness, and inability to move the hip or limited mobility.
Joint Pain:
The joints may be damaged due to an injury, overuse or a health condition. The joints in the hips, legs, knees or feet are most at risk. Depending on the underlying cause and the extent of damage, the joint pain may also come with other symptoms such as swelling, redness, tenderness, loss of range of motion, stiffness, weakness, and locking of the joint.
Musculoskeletal Sports Injuries:
Many individual experience injuries in the knees, legs, feet and hips. These injuries usually affect both the muscles and the bones. The most common symptom of musculoskeletal injury is sudden and severe pain. Other symptoms may also be present. These may include swelling, tenderness, limited movement, and weakness.