Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy

PRP Therapy in Naples, FL

Although some still consider regenerative medicine like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to be an emerging technology, it has been in use for some time.

Doctors have been using it in procedures common in many fields, including orthopedics, sports medicine, dentistry, cardiac surgery, urology, dermatology, and hair restoration. Many world-renowned athletes have undergone PRP therapy, including professional golfer Tiger Woods and former Lakers basketball star Kobe Bryant.

This minimally invasive procedure, administered in the form of an injection, takes advantage of the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

Benefits of PRP Treatments

The primary benefits of PRP therapy are to boost healing and reduce inflammation at the site of an injury or tissue damage.

Additional patient benefits of PRP therapy include:

• Cuts healing time by as much as 50%
• Alleviates symptoms and pain associated with a variety of conditions
• Helps athletes return to sport faster
• May help to avoid or postpone surgery
• Little to no downtown after the procedure (depending on where the injection is made)
• Facilitate healing after surgery

PRP therapy may not be successful for all patients. In some cases, repeat procedures may be necessary to achieve the desired results. Ask your doctor whether you are a good candidate for PRP therapy.

How PRP Therapy Works

This relatively quick injectable procedure can be done in our office and usually involves the use of local anesthetic.

Your blood will be drawn and then spun in a centrifuge to separate platelets from the rest of the blood. Platelets contain growth factors that aid blood clotting and help wounds to heal. This concentrated amount of platelets is then re-injected at the site of injury to speed healing in that particular area.

It is important to note that PRP therapy doesn’t offer an immediate fix. It may be weeks before you notice any effects, as the body’s natural cellular turnover occurs.

What Is PRP Therapy Used For?

In the field of orthopedics, PRP therapy is most commonly used for patients with sports injuries, tendonitis, and arthritis. Patients with the following conditions have experienced symptom relief after PRP therapy:

• Achilles tendonitis
• ACL tears
• Fractures
• Golfer’s elbow
• Knee osteoarthritis
• Patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee)
• Sprains and strains
• Tennis elbow

Insurance companies may or may not cover the cost of regenerative medicine procedures like PRP therapy. Please check with your insurance provider to find out whether your policy covers this type of treatment.

To find out if PRP therapy or other forms of regenerative medicine is right for you, call the orthopedic professionals at the Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, Florida, at (239) 261-2663. You can also request an appointment now.