Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is derived from your own body's blood. It is essentially a platelet-concentrated portion of blood plasma that contains an abundant amount of vital growth factors necessary for repair of injured tissue. Platelets are not only responsible for coagulation but also provide the necessary growth factors for healing of the body.
PRP therapy has gained recent notoriety due its use in treating sports injuries in professional athletes. This includes NFL and MLB players being successfully treated with PRP for a variety of conditions of the foot and ankle which include achilles pain, heel pain and chronic tendon injuries. The benefit of PRP is that it is a product of your own blood, thus, has virtually no contraindications.

How does PRP Work?

Clinical studies have shown that PRP has the potential to heal damaged tissue by using your own body's growth factors contained within platelets. By injecting PRP into the injured area, a cascade of inflammation is produced that can increase the rate of healing.

How is PRP performed?

A small amount of blood (equivalent of a routine blood test) is drawn from you and then placed in a centrifuge to separate the blood products. The plasma portion of blood is then separated under sterile technique and placed in a syringe for injection. The procedure is performed in a sterile environment and usually under local anesthesia to minimize pain. The injection can be done under ultrasound to help the physician guide the PRP injection into the injured area. The benefit of PRP is that you are allowed to still remain active following the therapy but this is usually limited to low-impact exercises such as biking and swimming.

Are you a candidate for PRP?

Schedule an appointment with us to discuss whether PRP therapy is indicated for your ailment.

(written by Dr. Suneel Basra)