Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) is a cutting-edge treatment designed to help the body heal itself by aiding in the regeneration of injured soft tissue such as ligaments, tendons, and muscles.
How does Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) work?
Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy gives a biological “boost” to the healing process. Platelet rich plasma therapy uses components of a patient’s own blood to speed up healing and recovery. During the non-surgical procedure, a small amount of blood is extracted from the patient and is then separated using a centrifuge to extract the platelet rich plasma. The PRP is then re-introduced into the patient through an injection precisely in the area of injury, to assist with the regeneration and growth of healthy soft tissue.
The platelet rich plasma includes proteins and growth factors that can help to speed the repair of connective tissue, regeneration of bone, and formation of new blood vessels, promoting healing. Due to the fact that only the patient’s own blood is used, the procedure involves virtually no side effects or complications.
Platelet rich plasma therapy has become an increasingly popular treatment option in the field of sports medicine. A number of professional and elite athletes have undergone the treatment in recent years, with many attributing quicker and more effective healing to the use of the treatment.
Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy Experts
Dr. Sonali Lal, M.D., a board-certified physician specializing in the treatment of sports-related and spine injuries, utilizes platelet-rich plasma therapy as part of a comprehensive approach to helping patients heal from injury and pain.
The state-of-the-art technique combines the latest technologies with a long-known understanding that the body has an incredible capacity to heal itself.
At Integrative Spine & Sports in NYC, platelet-rich plasma therapy is one option that is available to patients interested in exploring ways to aid the recovery process through the healing power supplied by their own bodies. It is a non-surgical and non-pharmacological approach that has shown great promise in the treatment of soft tissue injuries and inflammatory conditions.
Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy FAQ’s
A Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy patient can not take aspirin for 10 days prior to the procedure (baby aspirin is ok), and they also can not take other anti-inflammatories such as Advil or Aleve for 7 days prior to treatment.
A PRP patient can continue with Tylenol for pain relief leading up to the procedure if needed. Patients should obtain sling, boot, and/or crutches depending on what is discussed during your pre-PRP evaluation. Patients should pickup their prescribed pain medication prior to treatment as a back-up should you need it after the procedure.
There are no real risks involved in Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy since we are using the patient’s own blood and plasma.
Some patients develop pain and tenderness at the injection site, but it is temporary.
Most patients tolerate the procedure very well. We will provide patients with a pain medication prescription to support them, as well as the doctor’s personal contact info should they need it. Patients are allowed to take Tylenol as well.
Take it easy for the first 24-48 hours. Then you will start a customized physical therapy program within one week where you will slowly progress with strengthening and stretching exercises. You will follow-up with Dr. Lal 6 weeks after the PRP for a re-evaluation.
After a Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy session, the injection site will remain covered. Keep the surrounding area clean and dry for the next 28 hours. Take it easy for the first 48 hours. Sometimes, for your own pain relief and comfort, we may put you in a sling or a boot depending on the body part and ask you to refrain from exercise for the first 48 hours. Then, we will progress you into physical therapy. Most patients tolerate PRP very well and can be back to work in the next day or two.
Every person is different, but injection recovery time after Platelet Rich Plasma therapy can take usually take 6-8 weeks.
Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy treatment costs $850.
