Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelets, the tiny fragments of blood cells, travel through our bodies and help in the prevention of bleeding following injuries. While most people are familiar with platelets role in blood clotting, their role goes far beyond that. When tissue is injured, platelets become activated and release substances known as alpha granules. These granules contain a wide array of biological signals—growth factors and proteins—that help coordinate and accelerate tissue repair at the cellular level, driving the healing of wounds, formation of collagen, and restoration of bone damage. At our Annapolis, Md clinic, we deliver PRP directly to the injured tissue using precise image-guided techniques. This localized treatment stimulates the body’s natural healing response. This results in a greatly enhanced tissue repair response and a quicker recovery period.
Although PRP has gained in popularity in recent years due to it's ability to expedite the body's healing mechanisms and diminish scarring, PRP has actually been in clinical use since the 1990's. Many published randomized control trials have demonstrated both it's effectiveness and safety for a range of injuries. Widely employed for conditions like sports injuries, osteo-arthritis, tendonitis, torn ligaments, broken bones, and more, PRP is recognized for its efficacy in promoting a swift recovery process. Because of this, PRP can be used to treat injuries to many areas of the body such as the shoulders, elbows, arms, hands, back, hips, knees, ankles, feet, and more. Our providers are happy to evaluate your condition and determine if you would benefit from PRP therapy.
We invest in our patients health and maximize outcomes by ONLY using FDA cleared products and equipment for our PRP treatments.
What to Expect
PRP treatment starts with something simple: a quick blood draw, done right here in our Annapolis, MD office. We only take the precise amount needed, using specially designed tubes that prevent the blood from clotting.
Next, your blood goes through a process using a medical-grade centrifuge located in the same room as your treatment. Our specially designed tubes utilize an internal filter to separate the plasma (the clear part of your blood) from the red and white cells and concentrate the platelets—the powerful part of the plasma that helps your body heal.
Once the PRP is ready, your provider will carefully inject it directly into the injured area. We use ultrasound guidance on most joints to make sure it’s delivered exactly where it’s needed, so you get the most benefit from your treatment. Prior to your first treatment, your provider will review a list of simple 'do's and don'ts' along with any recommended supplements to ensure you will have the absolute best response to treatment.
Recovery
One of the greatest benefits of PRP is the minimal to no 'downtime' that it affords. Most patients find that they can drive themselves to and from their appointment and continue their basic activities of daily living without issue. PRP does rely upon the natural inflammatory response to effectively stimulate the bodies healing process, so some soreness is not uncommon and is usually short lived. Your provider will review effective options with instructions to minimize any discomfort, such as ice and Acetaminophen. Restrictions you can expect would be stopping use of most NSAID's such as aspirin, advil, etc. as they have been shown to interfere with the effectiveness of PRP, avoiding heavy/prolonged activity for a period of time around your treatment, waiting 24 hours to shower to keep the injection site dry, avoiding submerging the injection site in water for 3 days, and using a steady but cautious approach to reintroducing more challenging activities that use the involved area. Some patients notice an immediate improvement of their condition, most patients will experience noticeable improvement from 2-4 weeks post treatment.
Depending on the injury being treated, most patients will receive recommendations for physical therapy exercises and rehabilitative treatment soon after the PRP procedure. This may also be completed here at our Annapolis, Md office for those nearby, or with the physical therapist of your choice for those not nearby. This is to ensure proper healing and to help prevent reinjury in the future.
PRP has been shown to increase the body's ability to heal for up to two years post treatment. The majority of it's benefit occurs within the first six months and then slowly begins to taper off as we approach the two year point. The increased healing that the body achieves during this time is yours to enjoy. This is also why we usually accompany your treatment with recommendations to maximize your healing and correct any identified contributing causes during that time. This allows you to maintain your improved health into the future.
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Schedule an appointment today to discover if PRP can help you.
Still have questions? Call us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and one of our health providers would be happy to answer them or feel free to continue reading below for more information and research.
How Does Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy Work?
In the aftermath of an injury or surgical procedure, the body initiates the production of platelets to form blood clots, arresting any bleeding. These platelets adhere to damaged tissues, constructing a supportive "scaffolding" that fosters the growth of other cells into the affected area. However, this natural healing process may not occur swiftly enough.
PRP therapies involve the extraction and concentration of your own platelets and white blood cells into a condensed volume. Subsequently, your physician reintroduces these concentrated platelets back into the specific area of concern. PRP Therapy functions by delivering these highly concentrated platelets to targeted injured areas, promoting tissue growth and facilitating repair. The injected platelets generate proteins, known as growth factors, which instigate cell division, stimulate the development of new connective tissue, and contribute to wound healing. This explains the widespread adoption of platelet-rich plasma therapy among professional athletes, and now, the accessibility of this technology for anyone seeking accelerated healing, improved recovery, and enhanced performance.
PRP procedures can be administered through direct injections into the wound or by using needles to target areas such as tendons, muscles, cartilage, and joints.
While PRP proves beneficial for various injuries, it is predominantly employed in treating sports-related issues, including knee, shoulder, ankle, wrist, and elbow concerns. Beyond sports injuries, PRP has exhibited positive outcomes in addressing musculoskeletal problems unrelated to sports, such as osteoarthritis and low back pain.
For further information on Platelet Rich Plasma injections, feel free to contact us today!
What conditions does PRP help treat?
PRP demonstrates optimal effectiveness when applied to areas experiencing chronic inflammation, impaired healing, and/or pain. These encompass:
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Arthritis: Traditional treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and steroid injections may not yield satisfactory results for arthritic joints. PRP proves beneficial in alleviating joint pain and impeding arthritis progression.
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Cartilage Repair: Common among active individuals, cartilage tears can be addressed with PRP, which aids in restoring cartilage function and enhancing durability.
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Tendon Injury: Tendons, resilient bands of fibrous tissue linking muscle to bone, can lead to significant pain and reduced motion when torn. PRP contributes to the strengthening and rebuilding of damaged tendons, particularly in chronic cases.
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Sports Injuries: Athletes frequently encounter repetitive stress injuries like tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, plantar fasciitis, ACL/MCL sprains, and shin splints. PRP accelerates recovery and minimizes potential long-term effects.
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Wound Healing: Prolonged wound healing and complications such as infections can be addressed with PRP. It aids in the treatment of chronic ulcers by enhancing skin nutrient absorption and promoting the formation of robust new tissue.
The Benefits Of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy
Platelets house numerous growth factors that stimulate the proliferation of stem cells. Additionally, they release enzymes that facilitate the breakdown of scar tissue and eliminate dead tissue, paving the way for the formation of fresh, healthy tissue.
PRP proves beneficial for a diverse range of injuries. Whether you seek an alternative treatment for muscle injuries, a fractured bone, or a lingering old injury showing little improvement, Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy emerges as a viable choice.
The clinical studies on Platelet Rich Plasma show remarkable improvements in pain intensity and quality of movement following PRP injection. Studies have found that patients with chronic shoulder pain experienced significant reductions in pain and improved functional outcomes following PRP therapy. Patients who received the recommended course of PRP injections experienced long-term relief from knee osteoarthritis.
Who is a Good Candidate For PRP Injections?
It is advisable for individuals considering PRP to consult with a medical practitioner, particularly one trained in regenerative medicine, prior to undergoing treatment. While PRP can be highly effective when administered correctly, there are essential precautions to be aware of before proceeding with the procedure.
Before administering PRP treatment, medical practitioners may conduct thorough tests on patients to ensure the suitability and potential benefits of the procedure. For instance, a blood test may be conducted to ascertain the absence of conditions like anemia or other factors that could pose risks during the procedure. Additionally, the practitioner may assess the patient's immune system to gauge how effectively their body will respond to PRP injections.
Find Out if Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy is Right For You!
Bayshore Medical Group offers Platelet Rich Plasma procedures to help patients recover from both acute and chronic injuries. Our trained providers use PRP to promote healing and decrease inflammation caused by joint arthritis, torn tendon, bursitis, knee sprains, and sports injuries.
No matter what pain you’re experiencing, our multi-disciplinary approach to medicine will provide you with the personalized attention you require to achieve long-term relief.
More Information and References
PRP online PDF articles/resources
The Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Tendon and Ligament Healing
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6339617/
Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection in the Management of Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A Review of the Current Literature
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9297117/pdf/cureus-0014-00000026103.pdf
Platelet-rich plasma for rotator cuff tendinopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8109792/pdf/pone.0251111.pdf
Efficacy of Single Injection of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9270084/pdf/cureus-0014-00000025727.pdf
PRP Injections for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8808870/
Platelet Rich Plasma Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment: A Prospective Clinical Study
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9099616/
Effect of platelet-rich plasma versus steroid injection in plantar fasciitis: a randomized clinical trial
Role of Platelet Rich Plasma in Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: A Prospective Study
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8149543/
Effect of Intraarticular Injection of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Knee Osteoarthritis: A Multicenter Retrospective Clinical Study
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8706559/
Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection for Thumb Carpometacarpal Joint Osteoarthritis
Comparison of ultrasound- guided platelet-rich plasma injection and conventional physical therapy for management of adhesive capsulitis: a randomized trial
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7731701/
Platelet-rich plasma, an adjuvant biological therapy to assist peripheral nerve repair
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5319232/pdf/NRR-12-47.pdf
Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Treating Low Back Pain: A Review of the Current Literature
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7904486/pdf/asj-2019-0161.pdf
Systematic Review Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Low Back Pain
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10525951/pdf/biomedicines-11-02404.pdf