When discussing pain management solutions with a patient, there are often questions about some of the relatively new and exciting procedures we offer at New Jersey Pain Care Specialists. To put things in perspective, I like to bring up the expanding list of top professional athletes who have chosen procedures like Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Stem Cell Therapy as safe, fast and effective alternatives to surgery.
One of my key points is that these are world-class performers whose lucrative careers can be at stake when they’re injured. Their teams have the assets and willingness to provide them with the best and most expensive care in the world. But, more and more, these stars and their teams are choosing one-hour, minimally invasive procedures like Platelet Rich Plasma to help get them back in action without long-term treatment, extended care, and a season or more on the sidelines.
Weeks vs. a Lengthy Recovery
The latest example I’ve seen involves Los Angeles Lakers starting point guard D’Angelo Russell. He recently received a Platelet Rich Plasma injection in his painful left knee, which has been affecting his game. His coach said he didn’t believe Russell would need surgery: “I like to keep it pretty positive. If they tell me that they think this is going to help and get him back out there, then I’m going with [the idea] that in two weeks, he’ll be ready to play again.”
D’Angelo joins the lengthening list of athletes who have used Platelet Rich Plasma to heal their injuries and, in some cases, extend their legendary careers – Kobe Bryant, Peyton Manning, Steph Curry, Rafael Nadal, Maria Sharapova, Tiger Woods, David Ortiz, Mark Teixeirra, Alex Rodriguez, Zack Greinke, and Hines Ward (who, after being told he would miss Super Bowl XL, was awarded the game MVP).
What is PRP?
Platelet Rich Plasma is a simple, non-invasive procedure that provides superior relief for injuries or acute or chronic pain by promoting the body’s natural healing potential. Growth factors are taken from a patient’s own blood and concentrated before being injected back into the body. These concentrated growth factors then accelerate healing. And because PRP uses your own blood to jump-start and accelerate the healing process, it is considered a very low-risk procedure.
At New Jersey Pain Care Specialists, we are very experienced in using Platelet Rich Plasma and other procedures to treat tendon, ligament and joint injuries that have failed more traditional therapies. Treatable ailments include knee pain, rotator cuff injuries, tennis elbow, Achilles’ tendon, plantar fasciitis, meniscus tears, bursitis of the hip, and ligament sprains.
And, as you know, you don’t have to be a pro athlete to be hurting. Contact us today to discuss the best pain-reducing game plan for you.
At the present time, PRP Treatments are not covered by medical insurance.
