Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) extracted from one’s own blood eases joint pain from osteoarthritis, tennis elbow, and other joint injuries. Used for many years on professional athletes, PRP’s popularity continues to grow among patients sporting orthopedic injuries and more.
At Phoenix Orthopedic Group in Scottsdale, Arizona, sports medicine physician and board-certified orthopedic surgeon Robert A. Mileski, MD, utilizes surgical and nonsurgical treatments, such as PRP injections, to help patients recover faster from sports and other injuries.
Joints exist wherever two bones meet. These boney areas include tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and nerves. During sports, or any physical activity, your joints may become injured or dislocated, causing pain in your:
Dr. Mileski injects PRP into these and other areas to help you heal faster.
Your blood cells contain platelets with growth factors that encourage clotting and assist with tissue regeneration and cell reproduction. Dr. Mileski uses a centrifuge to separate platelets in your blood, creating concentrated platelet-rich plasma. The PRP consists of plasma, the liquid part of your blood, and platelets, which speed healing.
Dr. Mileski injects PRP into a joint, tendon, or muscle. The main components of PRP that subdue inflammation and encourage healing are:
These proteins stimulate your immune system and control inflammation and wound healing.
Growth factors derived from platelets activate cell proliferation and form new blood vessels to help heal bones and joints.
Since the concentration is higher in PRP than regular blood, it stimulates regrowth more quickly when injected into an injured area. Within a few weeks, you should begin to experience relief. Mobility in that area continues to improve over the coming months.
Since PRP is extracted from your own blood, it poses minimal risk. Dr. Mileski discusses any contraindications, including an immunocompromised state, such as cancer, diabetes, or kidney failure, or active infection.
Dr. Mileski uses both PRP and cortisone shots to reduce pain and speed healing from injured joints. Since PRP comes from your body, it holds fewer risks than steroid-based cortisone. On the other hand, cortisone relieves pain faster.
Although PRP may take longer to work, it often provides more permanent relief, since it actually helps regenerate your tissue. Dr. Mileski discusses the pros and cons of both treatments.
We may use ultrasound to pinpoint the exact location of your injection site. Following the procedure, you may experience swelling and discomfort for a day or two. Dr. Mileski also recommends you:
We’ll answer all your questions and provide post-injection guidelines based on your individual situation, area treated, and other therapies involved.
When you’re ready to ease your pain through PRP injections or a host of other noninvasive or surgical procedures, contact our expert team at the Phoenix Orthopedic Group online or by phone today to schedule a consultation.
