Platelet Rich Plasma

Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP for short, is a substance derived from a person’s own blood. In order to obtain PRP, a blood sample is subjected to high-speed centrifugation, which separates the red blood cells from the liquid portion of the blood known as plasma, and the small blood cells called platelets. This process yields a substance known as platelet-rich plasma or PRP, which is essentially the same as the normal liquid component of blood, but with a substantially higher concentration of platelets, usually ranging from 4 to 10 times the normal levels.

PRP is believed to help reduce joint pain and promote healing in several ways. When PRP is injected into a joint, the growth factors and other proteins that it contains can help to reduce inflammation and stimulate the growth of new cells. This can help to repair damaged tissues and promote the regeneration of cartilage, which is the smooth tissue that covers the ends of bones in a joint.

At Anti-Aging Medical & Laser Clinic, we provide cutting-edge injection treatments, including PRP, to address joint pain and discomfort. PRP injections have been used to treat various joint conditions, including osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and ligament injuries. Our Sports Medicine Physician, Dr. Teri Fisher, administers this treatment using ultrasound guidance, ensuring precise and effective delivery. In some cases, a series of injections may be needed to achieve the desired results.

If you’re struggling with joint pain or discomfort, PRP may be an ideal treatment option to consider.

Planning Your Treatment

Patients are encouraged to self-refer (i.e. a referral from your family doctor is NOT required). However, you should be assessed initially by a GP and have a provisional diagnosis. Also, x-rays are required prior to the consultation with Dr. Fisher. The purpose of the consultation with Dr. Fisher is to determine if private therapeutic injections would be appropriate for you (not to diagnose the condition).

Once you have a provisional diagnosis and xrays, we will schedule a consultation with Dr. Fisher, where he will review your history, do a focused sports medicine physical exam, review your imaging, discuss your diagnosis, outline the pros and cons of the various injections, and recommend the most appropriate injection therapy based on your individual needs and preferences. Please be sure to bring any imaging reports that you have (e.g. x-rays, ultrasounds, MRI, MRA, CT scans) to the consultation. Depending on your specific situation, Dr. Fisher will either perform the ultrasound-guided injection at that time, or we will schedule a future appointment for the injection (and for subsequent injections, if necessary).

Before the Treatment

Depending on the specific injection therapy selected for you, Dr. Fisher may advise you to stop taking certain medications or supplements prior to the procedure (e.g.  such as blood thinners or anti-inflammatories). You should wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the injection site, such as shorts for lower extremity concerns or a tank top or sports bra (for women) for upper extremity concerns.

During the Treatment

You will be placed in a comfortable position while the affected area is cleaned. Local anaesthetic will be provided if necessary. Dr. Fisher will then use the ultrasound machine to guide the needle to the correct location, ensuring accurate placement of the injection. The injection itself typically takes only a few minutes, after which the needle is removed and a small bandage is applied to the site.

All of our musculoskeletal injection techniques are done by Dr Fisher using ultrasound to guide to location of the injections. There are many advantages of using ultrasound to guide therapeutic injections:

Ultrasound Guided

1. Increased Accuracy: Ultrasound allows Dr Fisher to have real-time visualization of the targeted area, which helps ensure accurate needle placement. This means that the injectable solution is more likely to be delivered precisely where it is needed, improving the effectiveness of the injection.
   
   
2. Reduced Pain: When injections are given blindly, there is a risk of hitting nerves or other sensitive structures, which can cause pain. Ultrasound-guided injections can help reduce pain by allowing Dr. Fisher to avoid these sensitive areas.
   
   
3. Improved Safety: Ultrasound-guided injections are generally considered safer than blind injections because Dr. Fisher can visualize the needle as it is inserted and ensure that it is placed in the correct location.
   
   
4. Increased Patient Satisfaction: Patients who receive ultrasound-guided injections often report higher levels of satisfaction because the procedure is less painful and more effective.

After the Treatment

Dr. Fisher may advise you to rest the affected area and avoid strenuous activity for a certain period of time. You may also be advised to avoid certain medications for a specific length of time. Dr. Fisher will review your specific post-injection recommendations to ensure optimal results.

Recovery

Recovery from a therapeutic injection for musculoskeletal pain can vary depending on the type of injection and your individual response. In general, you may experience some mild discomfort or swelling at the injection site for a few days after the procedure. For some types of injections, such as hyaluronic acid or PRP, it may take several weeks and/or multiple injections to see the full benefits of the treatment. Prolotherapy typically involves a series of injections over several weeks or months, with gradual improvement in symptoms over time. 

While the exact mechanism of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is not entirely clear, laboratory studies have shown that the elevated concentration of growth factors in PRP can accelerate the healing process.

Platelets are multifunctional blood cells that assist in blood clotting and contain proteins that promote wound healing. Scientists hypothesize that injecting areas of damaged tissue or inflammation with high levels of platelets could stimulate healing. To obtain PRP, a small blood sample is collected from the patient and processed in a centrifuge or other specialized device, which separates the platelets from other blood components. The concentrated platelets are then injected into the affected area. Since the injection contains a higher concentration of platelets, up to 5 to 10 times more than untreated blood, doctors believe that the platelets can aid in the recovery of an injured body part.

Some clinical studies have demonstrated that PRP can alleviate pain in certain types of soft tissue injuries, such as tennis/golfers elbow or knee osteoarthritis, but not all studies have shown consistent results. To obtain the best results from PRP treatment, it is recommended to combine it with other interventions such as physical therapy and movement, and lifestyle modifications such as increased activity, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep.

Recommended number of sessions and maintenance: 

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma):
1-3 injections, 2-4 weeks apart

The number of sessions required depends on your goal, the injury, the area, and how fast your tissues heal.

How much does this treatment cost?

The consultation fee is $550.

It’s important to note that before any treatment is given, Dr. Fisher conducts a thorough assessment of the patient’s condition to determine the most appropriate course of action. The cost for this assessment is $550. If you are interested in any of the treatments offered by Dr. Fisher, it is recommended to schedule a consultation and assessment to discuss your options and determine the best approach for your individual needs.

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma):

$1000 per treatment

Certain health plans and insurance providers may cover the expenses associated with the treatment. To determine if you have coverage, it’s recommended that you consult with your insurer.