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Joint Injection


 

ARTHRITIS TREATMENT: PRP JOINT INJECTION

 

 

The body has a natural ability to heal tissue, but in particular areas where certain injuries have occurred, that natural ability needs to be supplemented. New cells are created all the time in the body to replace damaged or aged cells, but, with age, this ability is greatly reduced.

Particular conditions, such as degenerative arthritis, may cause serious joint discomfort, and standard medical treatments might mask the pain temporarily, but not alter the condition itself. With the help of regenerative medication and choices such as platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP), treatments are available to repair damaged tissue.

PRP is an innovative therapy that is beginning to gain substantial recognition. The procedure entails drawing blood from a patient and spinning it down in a centrifuge. This process generates a coating of concentrated platelets and growth factors that can reduce discomfort and regenerate damaged tissues, such as injured tendons or damaged cartilage.

How is the PRP administered?

The first step of the procedure is acquiring a blood sample from the patient, similar to a simple blood test.  The blood is then spun down in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the blood. 

The second step of the procedure consists of injecting the concentrated solution, rich in platelets to the specific area experiencing pain. Numbing medicine is utilized to reduce pain during the injection procedure.

Dr. Michael McKay will simply inject the platelet rich plasma into the affected area. Once the affected ligament, tendon, or joint is injected with PRP, the healing process begins.

How does PRP function?

Once the PRP is injected in the affected area, the platelets begin a powerful regenerative process. They release growth factors and these factors will increase circulation and attract stem cells to the region.  The stem cells will repair damaged tissues and build new tissue.

What types of medical circumstances are treated with platelet rich plasma therapy?

Conditions that involve joint pains & ligament/tendon injuries are excellent applicants for PRP therapy.  Here is a partial list of the conditions that PRP can substantially help:

  • Golfer’s elbow
  • Rugby elbow
  • Tendinitis & Rotator Cuff Injury
  • Joint arthritis -knee, ankle, shoulder and wrist
  • Soft Tissue Damage – Tendonitis, meniscus tears in the knee, ligament sprains.
  • Ankle sprains
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Muscle mass tears

The incredible results of PRP in treating injuries related to tendons, ligament or joint pain has led to the widespread use of platelets in treating athletes.  Quite a few well known athletes have used this therapy to accelerate the recovery process in their body.  Kobe Bryant, Hines Ward, Fred Couples, Alex Rodriguez and Tiger Woods are just a few examples of athletes that have benefited from PRP therapy.

What to expect from platelet rich plasma therapy?

One to three injections might be necessary in order to get the best result from this therapy. Typically, four to six weeks is suggested between injections.

Some swelling may be seen in the first few days.  Pain medication and ice packs applied to the affected area will help with this discomfort. Within a few days of the injection, the discomfort begins to subside as new cells are produced and the body begins healing on its own.  The most noticeable results are experienced after a few weeks.