If you’re suffering from chronic pain or reduced mobility, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy offers a natural treatment solution. Dominique Nickson, MD, is an experienced, board-certified orthopedic surgeon offering innovative treatments like PRP at Next Step Orthopedics in McKinney, Texas. For more information on the benefits of PRP, call Next Step Orthopedics or schedule an appointment online today.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative treatment that leverages your body’s healing properties to stimulate new cell growth using platelets, the proteins in your blood perhaps best known for clotting your blood when you have a skin cut.
Because the blood that provides the platelets comes right from you, you don’t have to worry about whether your body will try to fight off the plasma, as if it’s a foreign substance, when it’s reinjected to an injured part of your body. Instead, the platelets get busy lessening your pain and speeding up the healing process.
Your blood contains several vital growth factors, including:
The process behind PRP therapy begins by withdrawing a small sample of your blood and isolating these growth-factor-rich platelets by spinning the blood sample at high speeds in a centrifuge. These platelets are then reintroduced into plasma, but in a much higher concentration than is typically found in your blood, and the plasma is injected where it’s needed into your body.
This entire process takes place on-site at Next Step Orthopedics.
Dr. Nickson might recommend platelet-rich plasma therapy for several conditions throughout your body, especially:
PRP can also accelerate tissue graft integration when used during orthopedic surgery.
Using a small needle, Dr. Nickson injects your platelet-fortified plasma directly into the damaged area of your body. Your injection site is covered with a bandage for approximately four hours.
You might experience mild discomfort and swelling, but this fades as the healing process begins. Additional aftercare is minimal, but you should avoid anti-inflammatories, like ibuprofen, Aleve®, and Motrin®, for 48 hours after receiving your injection.
Depending on the area where you receive your injection, Dr. Nickson might also recommend avoiding strenuous activities, like running, biking, or heavy lifting, for up to two weeks. For PRP injections in your knees or ankles, you can often resume normal activities within three to four days.
PRP isn’t covered by insurance. In-office injections cost $820 per injection, and Dr. Nickson offers discounts for multiple injections. For maximum benefits, he might suggest up to three treatments.
To see if platelet-rich plasma therapy is an option for you, call Next Step Orthopedics or schedule an appointment online today.
