Central Indiana Orthopedics offers cutting-edge, non-surgical regenerative medicine options to treat joint and muscle discomfort. In Part 1, we will discuss the benefits of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). Stay tuned for Part 2 to learn more about Stem Cell Therapy.
What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?
PRP is your body’s own safe alternative treatment for orthopedic joint, tendon, ligament and muscle injuries. Having its origins in the cosmetic and dental fields, PRP is now applicable to the patient’s area of injury to speed healing, and decrease pain and inflammation.
Many famous athletes, including Tiger Woods, tennis star Rafael Nadal, and Kobe Bryant have received PRP for various problems, such as sprained knees and chronic tendon injuries. These types of conditions have typically been treated with medications, physical therapy or even surgery; however, some athletes have credited PRP with their being able to return more quickly to competition.
What Injuries/Conditions Can PRP Treat?
PRP can be used for a variety of injuries, caused by wear and tear to tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints. PRP therapy can treat:
- Sports Injuries
- Arthritic Joints (hip, knee, shoulder, ankle)
- Tendonitis (tennis and golfer’s elbow, rotator cuff, Achilles tendon, hip gluteal tears)
- Cartilage injuries (chondromalacia)
- Ligament injuries (elbow, knee, ankle)
- Labral tears of the shoulder and hip
- Muscle strains (hamstring, quadriceps, calf)
- Painful heel syndrome (plantar fasciitis)
- Overuse injuries
PRP Treatment Process
The procedure is typically performed in an office setting. Platelets, obtained by a simple blood draw from the arm, are tiny cells containing thousands of growth factors that control and regulate the natural healing process by recruiting stem cells to the injured site. Once the blood is drawn, it is spun in a centrifuge to obtain the highest concentration of growth and anti-inflammatory factors.
This high concentration of nutrients is then accurately injected using safe, ultrasound guidance to the exact site of injury or pain, creating natural healing over the next 1-3 months. Platelets contain many anti-inflammatory factors, but also release signaling proteins that attract your body’s regenerative cells to the injured area. By injecting concentrated PRP into an area of concern, your body will recognize this site as a priority to heal it quickly and thoroughly.
Learn More About PRP
PRP procedure is available at our Anderson and Fishers offices with Dr. Brian Camilleri, Dr. Thomas Salsbury or Dr. Kile Carter, and at our Muncie office with Dr. Jeremy Hunt. Procedure costs will vary; however, this is typically a procedure which is not covered by insurance and thus will be an out-of-pocket expense. An initial consultation will explore individualized treatment plans, which may help avoid surgery or be used as an adjunct to a planned procedure.
Hear from one of our patients: Learn how PRP treatment/Dr. Camilleri helped Judy avoid surgery from a hip injury.