The body has great capabilities, like protecting itself and healing wounds. In the past decades, health experts have unveiled the potential of blood and its components. Advancements in technology have made platelet-rich plasma (PRP) possible in healing orthopedic issues.
Eastshore Healthcare has mastered the art of using PRP therapy in healing a range of issues like neck pain, knee pain, joint pain, tennis elbow, hip pain, sciatica, torn ligaments, damaged tissue and cartilage, neuropathy, bone issues, and plantar fasciitis.
Contact us today for an initial consultation and an explanation of how PRP can be used for your pain management you!
What is PRP?
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a concentration of platelets from a person’s blood, which is used in various medical treatments, including orthopedics, sports medicine, and dermatology. As a form of regenerative medicine, PRP promotes healing and tissue regeneration.
Platelet-rich plasma is made from blood and contains concentrated platelets that help in blood clotting. Platelets also contain proteins and some growth factors that aid in repairing injuries, encourage the natural healing process, and improve tissue function.
How do PRP injections work?
PRP is made by spinning a blood sample in a centrifuge to separate the different blood components: white blood cells, platelets, plasma, and red blood cells. The platelets are concentrated 2-8x their normal number. The platelets are mixed in a plasma liquid base and injected directly into the injured space. Experts use ultrasound imaging to direct the platelet-rich plasma injection to a specific spot.
Are all PRP shots the same?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments are not all the same. The composition and effectiveness of PRP can vary significantly depending on several factors. PRP formulations can differ in terms of platelet concentration, the presence of white blood cells (leukocytes), and the elimination of red blood cells.
PRP with a high white blood cell count is beneficial for conditions including tendonitis, but it doesn’t have the same benefits on an arthritic joint. A PRP shot with a low white blood cell count is best for the latter. The specific composition of PRP can impact its therapeutic effects. Eastshore Healthcare understands the nuances of these ratios, and we will advise you on the best ratio for the best results.
Why consider having PRP treatment?
Studies reveal that the concentrated solution of growth factors and platelets helps to speed up healing, reduces pain, encourages hair growth, and reduces recovery time.
When the human body gets injured, blood flow is necessary to deliver nutrients and cells to help heal. Unfortunately, when injured, some body parts have poor blood supply, resulting in longer healing times. This is especially true for cartilage and tendons. PRP injections deliver proteins and growth factors needed to drive healing in the body.
What injuries do PRP injections treat?
PRP is commonly used in treating orthopedic conditions and injuries. The injection can be a good alternative for managing ligament muscle, tendon, and cartilage injury.
Other conditions it can be used to treat include:
What to expect after a PRP procedure
You might experience some tenderness and soreness in the injection site for several days. The swelling and soreness might last between 3 and 7 days. Over the next two weeks, joint movement and comfort will return gradually.
However, if a muscle, ligament, or tendon was treated, the soreness might last a little longer (up to ten days). In the following two to six weeks, your body will continue healing. You’ll not have to do anything special after the PRP treatment to get results, but you should listen to your body for any adverse changes.
If a specific exercise is painful, slow it until it eases. Remember, the body is healing and organizing new tissue. This process can continue up to the sixth month when you’ll notice you have more strength and resilience.
Is platelet-rich plasma therapy safe?
PRP injections are low-risk and usually don’t have major side effects. Since the procedure includes a blood draw, you should hydrate and eat before the procedure to avoid getting lightheaded.
Aside from slight bruising and soreness on the injection site, don’t expect severe side effects. Since PRP injections are made from your own plasma, the risk of allergic reactions is minimal. However, there are some risks involved, including:
- Nerve injuries
- Infection
- Tissue damage
- Bleeding
How many PRP injections do you need?
You might need three PRP shots within six months. These shots will be administered two or three weeks apart, but you should experience significant changes after the first or second treatment. Your symptoms will improve as healing progresses.
Does insurance cover PRP therapy?
Despite being a highly effective treatment with minimal risks and side effects, it’s still considered an experimental treatment. As such, insurance might not cover it.
What is the cost of PRP?
The cost of PRP therapy depends on the number of injections a patient gets. Single injections can cost between $800 and $1,100, with subsequent injections in the same area costing about $650.
Contact Eastshore Healthcare
Regenerative medicine is the future of healthcare and is expected to grow six-fold in the next decade. Our doctors are at the forefront of this development and are highly experienced in administering PRP therapy to qualified patients. They can tell you if it is the right way to treat your pain.
Contact us today to see if PRP therapy is right for you!