Platelet Rich Plasma ( PRP ) Therapy
What is Platelet Rich Plasma commonly known as PRP ?
Blood is made up of a liquid called Plasma and three kinds of blood cells Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells, and Platelets. Platelets are well known for their important role in the clotting of blood. In addition, they have several vital proteins called Growth Factors which are an integral part of the healing process in the body. Platelet-rich plasma or PRP is a fluid separated from your own blood which has 5-10 times the concentration of platelets compared to the person's own blood. Hence PRP is rich in vital proteins for the healing and repair of damaged tissue.
How is PRP prepared?
In order to extract PRP, a small amount of blood is drawn directly from the patient's own body like a normal blood test. This blood is transferred into a special kit which is then processed at very specific parameters in the centrifuge machine immediately. In about 20 to 30 minutes the blood sample is divided into 3 components which include platelet-poor plasma, platelet-rich plasma, and red blood cells the platelet-rich plasma is removed from the sample with a defined technique into a syringe.
Where and How is PRP injected?
Once the PRP sample is prepared and obtained in a syringe, it is ready for injection in the body part of the same patient where there is degeneration of the disease process is ongoing. For example in the case of arthritis in the knee joint, a qualified physician will do an ultrasound scan and establish the appropriate location of injection. Most regenerative medicine practicing physicians will inject the PRP under ultrasound guidance. Sometimes freezing is used if the procedure is expected to be painful however it is not necessary.
How does PRP work?
By injecting into the affected area, PRP provides the growth factors derived from your own body to an area of the most need. PRP injected into the affected joint, ligament or tendon or skin initiates a regenerative process to naturally repair them. The goal of the PRP treatment is to help regrow blood vessels in the diseased area which repairs and strengthens the damaged joints or tissue. This repair translates into pain relief and improvement of the function of the tissue involved.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What are the chances of success?
The success is affected by multiple factors. Moderate degree of disease, moderate degree of tissue damage, normal general health, good mental health, recent onset of pain, moderate functional disability, compliance with the treatment advice are likely to result in longer pain relief and good functional outcomes.
What is the best agent for PRP?
PRP therapy can be considered for any age group however, some patients may require 2 treatments at the may require multiple. Your pain physician will advise you in this regard.
What conditions can be treated with PRP?
Most joints, tendons and ligaments associated pain can be treated with PRP. Examples include arthritis of small and large joints, rotator cuff partial tears or degeneration, tennis or golfer's elbow, deep clear veins tendinosis, other tendinopathy's, bursitis, ligament sprains and tears, plantar fasciitis and many more.
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What are the chances of failure of PRP?
Like any medical treatment, PRP may fail or may help less than what you might expect. Your pain physician can advise you better for your likelihood of success or failure after your assessment.
How long should I expect the pain relief?
PRP has a regenerative effect on arthritis pain relief after PRP can vary widely in duration, depending on multiple factors like age, general health, mobility, sports activities, the severity of pre-existing arthritis or damage, ongoing lifestyle, etc. The repair caused by PRP can also wear as your body tends to have wear and tear over time.
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How often can PRP be repeated?
In general, most patients will require 2 treatments at 2--4 weeks apart for 1 body part. However, PRP can be repeated as many times as needed subjective significant improvement in pain and function.
Is PRP covered by OHIP or third-party insurance?
It is not covered by OHIP or third-party insurance. Currently, the interventional pain clinic has interest free easy payment plan options please inquire about your consultation from your pain physician.
What is the cost of PRP?
PRP is an expensive treatment. However interventional pain clinic makes its best effort to offer it to patients at the lowest manageable costs.
If you wish to consider PRP for your joint pains please contact us by filling the form below.
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