Whether you enjoy occasional recreational activity, work out regularly, or are a weekend warrior, many of us have dealt with some kind of debilitating injury. Our practice, NJ Pain Care Specialists, is on the cutting edge of medical science as we try to optimize the healing of injuries (damaged or torn tendons, muscles and ligaments); the recovery of soft tissue; and the healing of bones.
We’re very excited with the results we’re getting from Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) – a relatively new treatment that relieves acute or chronic pain by promoting the natural healing potential of the body with platelets from your own blood.
Blood is made up of red and white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Following an injury, platelets in our bodies are activated and release healing proteins called growth factors, which help to speed up wound and tissue healing. Platelet Rich Plasma is a particularly good source of these growth factors because we are able to get the PRP from your own blood quickly, easily and safely.
We use PRP to treat ligament and tendon injuries that have failed more traditional therapies, including rotator cuff tears, plantar fasciitis, meniscus tears, osteoarthritis of the spine, hip, knee, or ligament sprains. Many professional athletes and have turned to PRP for vital pain relief without the risks of surgery and extended recovery.
Here’s a description of how our skilled doctors perform the one-hour procedure at NJ Pain Care Specialists:
- First, we clean and anesthetize the injured area and then take a small sample of your blood. The blood is placed in a centrifuge machine and spun rapidly, separating it into its primary components – platelets, white blood cells, plasma, and red blood cells.
- After a portion of the plasma is removed, the concentrated platelets are mixed with the remaining plasma to form the platelet-rich solution that is injected into and around the injured tissues.
- The concentrated platelets trigger a natural immune response as specialized white blood cells (macrophages) rush in to remove damaged cells and prepare the tissue for healing.
- Stem cells and other cells multiply, repair and rebuild the damaged tissue – an accelerated healing response that reduces pain, promotes increased strength and improves joint function.
- You will be able to go home the same day. And you can expect full recovery within one week. However, many patients require three to four treatments before the injured tissues are completely healed.
- A specially-designed exercise program will help your newly developed connective tissue mature into healthy and strong tendons or ligaments – so you can get back to enjoying an active, healthy lifestyle as quickly and happily as possible.
At the present time, PRP Treatments are not covered by medical insurance.
