Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy—Delray Beach, FL
Fast Healing & Lasting Relief
One of the most popular treatments in the field of regenerative medicine is PRP therapy, which has been shown to help patients quickly recover from a wide variety of acute and chronic injuries without having to rely on medication or invasive surgery. Just like all of the other services we offer at the Institute for Non-Surgical Orthopedics, PRP therapy can be tailored to your specific needs in order to maximize the results and help you get lasting relief as efficiently as possible. You can learn more about PRP below, but to see what it could do for you, be sure to schedule a consultation with us.
WHY CHOOSE THE INSTITUTE FOR NON-SURGICAL ORTHOPEDICS FOR PRP THERAPY?
- Guided Injections for Precise Delivery of Medicine
- Holistic Approach Designed to Accelerate Healing
- Experienced, Compassionate Team of Experts
PRP: The Basics
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma, and it is created by taking a small sample of a patient’s blood (about the same amount needed for a routine test), and then spinning it in a centrifuge. This causes the liquid plasma to separate from a substance that is much richer in platelets as well as other healing proteins and growth factors compared to regular blood. This is PRP, and once it is ready, it can be injected into the injured tissue to stimulate a very strong healing response right where it is needed.
How PRP Heals the Body
PRP essentially gives the affected area of the body the fuel it needs to heal much faster than it could naturally. Thanks to the high concentration of compounds in PRP, it can trigger the growth of new tissue, prevent nearby healthy tissue from degenerating, reduce inflammation, and even attract mesenchymal stem cells to regenerate new tissue. This means the patient will experience a reduction in pain and inflammation while also enjoying improved function and strength.
Conditions That Can Be Treated with PRP
PRP has been successfully used to treat a wide array of common injuries in both clinical and research settings, including ones that involve tendons, ligaments, muscles, and cartilage. As such, it is also very effective for those dealing with joint problems, like osteoarthritis (OA). While it can help repair mild to moderate tears, it should be noted that it is not recommended for patients with severe or complete tears.
What It’s Like to Get PRP
As with every treatment our team offers, the first step will involve giving you a physical exam and asking you about your recovery goals. If you and your doctor agree that PRP is the right solution for you, you’ll schedule a follow-up appointment.
At the next visit, a sample of your blood will be taken to create PRP, and using ultrasound guidance, it will be injected into your injured tissue to start the healing process. Typically, the entire appointment takes around an hour. From there, you’ll start to notice improvements over the next four to six weeks. Depending on the extent of your injury, it may be advantageous to come back in about a month to receive another injection.
PRP FAQs
Are you interested in learning more about platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and how it may be able to help you find long-term relief from your aches and pains? Our team is ready to talk to you in-person and answer all of your questions. In the meantime, we invite you to peruse the following list of PRP FAQs. Make a note of anything you would like further explanation on so we can address it during your consultation.
Does PRP Contain Stem Cells?
No, PRP is not a stem cell treatment. It stimulates the body’s healing process thanks to its rich concentration of blood platelets, growth factors, and proteins. It thereby promotes the generation of new tissue. The biological processes at work do not require the injection of any live stem cells into the body.
However, PRP may involve stem cells in a less direct way. It may attract your own stem cells to the damaged area so they can help to support the healing process that is taking place.
Am I a Candidate for PRP?
The best way to find out if PRP is right for you is to consult with our team. During your appointment, we will learn about your symptoms and health history. Your doctor will also perform a thorough exam and learn about your goals and expectations for treatment.
In most cases, PRP is classified as a middle-ground treatment, falling somewhere between conservative options like rest and bracing and more powerful options, such as surgery. Our team will consider both your medical condition and your personal preferences before we make a treatment recommendation.
Are PRP Injections Painful? Are They Safe?
We want our patients to be as comfortable as possible, so we use a local anesthetic when administering PRP injections. This means you should feel very little during your sessions. When the local anesthetic starts to wear off, you may notice some soreness. Mild bruising is also possible.
You can have confidence in the safety of PRP. Since the injected material is derived from your own blood, there is virtually no risk that you will have a bad reaction to it. Plus, infections are almost unheard of with this type of regenerative treatment.
How Many Times Will I Have to Undergo PRP Injections?
Some patients experience significant pain relief during the first few weeks after their initial PRP treatment. In fact, in many cases, a single appointment is all it takes to jump start the body’s healing process and allow a patient to feel better.
Of course, some cases are more severe than others. If you have been suffering from chronic pain, we might urge you to visit us up to three times throughout a six-month period. With injections spaced 4 – 6 weeks apart, you may experience optimum results from your PRP.
What Are the Benefits of PRP Therapy?
Here is a brief summary of some of the benefits of PRP therapy:
- PRP is effective. In many cases, PRP is able to speed up the body’s natural healing processes, slow down the progression of osteoarthritis, and provide effective pain relief.
- There is virtually no risk of rejection. Because PRP uses your own blood, there is almost no need to worry about your body rejecting the treatment or having a bad reaction to it.
- PRP is nonpharmaceutical. It is a good treatment for individuals who are concerned about the side effects of medications.
What Is the Difference Between PRP and PRF?
PRP is platelet-rich plasma, while PRF is platelet-rich fibrin. Both treatments use a patient’s own blood and are rich in platelets and growth factors, and both can be very effective. However, they are processed differently and may provide different benefits. You can ask our team if you would like to know more about how these two treatments are similar and different.
Can PRP Be Used to Regenerate Cartilage?
There is no evidence to support the idea that PRP can actually regenerate cartilage in joints that suffer from osteoarthritis. However, it can have other benefits. For example, it may be able to protect existing cartilage, repair small cartilage defects, and reduce overall pain levels.
If you have severe cartilage loss in one of your joints, you may need to consider other treatment options.
Does Medical Insurance Cover PRP Injections?
You may check with your insurance company to find out if PRP is covered. However, it is usually not covered because this therapy has not yet gained mainstream acceptance in the medical community, despite its many proven benefits. Hopefully, as more and more doctors start to offer it, insurance companies will recognize its value and start offering coverage.
If you are concerned about the cost of PRP, talk to our team to learn about your payment options.
What Should I Do Before and After PRP Injections?
Our team will provide detailed instructions to help you understand what you should do in order to benefit fully from your treatment. For example, you may need to stop taking certain medications, such as anti-inflammatories and steroids, a few weeks before your injections. Afterward, you should avoid doing anything that might cause irritation at your injection sites. We also advise that you get plenty of rest and eat nutritious meals. Additionally, you might need to avoid certain supplements as well as avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
If you experience any strange or unusual symptoms after your injections, call us right away. Posttreatment complications are rare, but issues like infections and other problems may occur for a very limited number of patients.
