Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is revolutionizing the way we treat orthopedic problems of the joints by stimulating the body’s natural healing process to regenerate healthy tissue at the site of an injury.

Let’s take a closer look at each this regenerative medicine treatment available at Paul Meli Orthopedic Surgery:

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

PRP therapy is a revolutionary treatment for arthritis and sports injuries. Within the blood, platelets contain growth factors that accelerate the healing process.

Derived from your own blood, platelet-rich plasma is a concentrated solution of platelets that can be utilized to treat injury and pain in an outpatient setting. The blood is drawn and then spun in a centrifuge at high speed to separate the platelets from other blood cells.

The increased concentration of platelets is then precisely injected into the area that needs repair, such as a knee, shoulder, elbow, or ankle, triggering and enhancing the healing process. Since your own blood is used, PRP therapy has been shown to be safe with no risk of transmissible infection. In some cases, PRP therapy may also be used to facilitate healing after surgery.

PRP therapy is commonly used to treat the beginning stages of osteoarthritis, sprains and strains, tendonitis, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, plantar fasciitis, mild rotator cuff injuries, and minor anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries.

After PRP therapy, it may take a few weeks to a few months for healing to occur. Depending on your injury, you might need more than one injection to experience maximum relief and healing.