PRP Therapy

Using the Body’s Own Healing Power

Regenerative medicine is the practice of harnessing the body’s innate self-healing ability. One type of regenerative medicine that’s becoming increasingly popular is called platelet-rich plasma therapy, or PRP therapy for short.

If you have stubborn hip pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, back pain, or some other chronic joint pain, or if you’re hoping to recover quickly from an acute injury, PRP therapy may be an ideal treatment to add to your individualized pain management program in Indianapolis.

What Is PRP Therapy?

PRP therapy isn’t new, but it became much more popular within the past several years after many professional athletes started using PRP therapy to alleviate acute and chronic sports injuries.

While people may refer to PRP therapy as “stem cell therapy,” this is actually a misnomer. PRP therapy uses injections containing a high concentration of your own platelets. Platelets are important compounds your body uses to help heal tissues that are produced in the bone marrow and can be found floating in your blood.

To make a PRP injection, a physician extracts a small amount of blood from the patient. This blood is then run through a device called a centrifuge. The centrifuge separates the heavier platelets from the rest of the blood components. The platelets are then collected and formulated into a special PRP solution, which is then injected directly into injured tendons, ligaments, muscles, or joint tissue. These injections stimulate the body’s natural healing process

What to Expect From PRP Therapy

One PRP therapy session takes about 30 to 60 minutes. It’s normal to have a minor increase in pain for one to a few days after a PRP injection, but this usually improves within a week. While unlikely, side effects may include pain and irritation at the injection site and infection.

Repeat injections may be necessary to produce the most benefit. Research also shows that PRP therapy is more effective when provided in addition to other pain management techniques like physical therapy.

Benefits of PRP Therapy

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy can be beneficial for pain management and relief in various medical conditions. Some of the key benefits include:

• Accelerated Healing: PRP contains growth factors that stimulate tissue repair and regeneration, accelerating the natural healing process.

• Reduced Inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of PRP help decrease inflammation in the affected area, alleviating pain associated with inflammatory conditions.

• Chronic Pain Management: PRP therapy is utilized for chronic pain conditions such as osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and ligament injuries, providing sustained relief.

• Minimally Invasive: PRP injections are minimally invasive procedures, reducing the risks and downtime associated with more invasive treatments.

• Orthopedic Pain Relief: In orthopedics, PRP injections can be effective for joint pain, arthritis, and soft tissue injuries, promoting pain relief and improved joint function.

• Tendon and Ligament Repair: PRP is commonly used to treat tendon and ligament injuries, helping to strengthen and repair damaged tissues.

• Versatility: PRP therapy is versatile and can be applied to various areas of the body, including joints, muscles, and tendons.

• Long-Lasting Results: PRP may provide long-lasting pain relief by addressing the underlying cause of pain and promoting tissue healing.

• Minimal Side Effects: As PRP uses the patient's own blood components, there is a minimal risk of adverse reactions or side effects.

• Improvement in Function: Patients often experience improved joint or tissue function following PRP therapy, contributing to better overall mobility and quality of life.

While PRP therapy offers these potential benefits, its efficacy can vary based on individual factors and the specific condition being treated. It is crucial to consult our team at American Pain Consortium to determine the suitability of PRP therapy for a particular pain management strategy and to discuss expected outcomes based on individual health circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is PRP Therapy Right for Me?

While PRP therapy is a versatile treatment, it's not suitable for everyone. During a consultation at American Pain Consortium, our board-certified pain specialists will assess your individual condition and medical history to determine if PRP therapy is the right course of action for you. They will discuss the potential benefits and risks of the treatment and answer any questions you may have.

How Long Does PRP Therapy Take?

The actual PRP injection process typically takes only 15-30 minutes. However, the entire appointment, including blood draw and consultation with the doctor, may take up to an hour.

What is the Recovery Time After PRP Therapy?

PRP therapy is a minimally invasive procedure with minimal downtime. You may experience some mild soreness or discomfort at the injection site for a day or two. Most patients can resume normal activities within 24-48 hours.

American Pain Consortium is committed to providing comprehensive pain management solutions. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how PRP therapy can help alleviate your pain and improve your quality of life.

Let American Pain Consortium provide you with the help you need. Contact us online to schedule a consultation for PRP therapy.