Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a new cutting edge treatment for pain management and is available in Gilbert, AZ and the East Valley Communities of Chandler, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley and Mesa, AZ by licensed Physician Dr. Dylan W. Krueger, NMD of Atlas Health Medical Group. Let’s take a minute to tackle PRP Common Questions!
PRP Common Questions
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) has been around for over 2 decades in the United States and has mainly been utilized by orthopedic specialists, sports medicine doctors and dentists. Over the past 5 few years regenerative medicine has exploded in popularity and availability and now various physicians such as rheumatologists, primary care doctors, pain management intervention specialists and naturopathic doctors offer the treatment in office. Due to this development, the therapy has now penetrated into public consciousness and popular athletes such as Steph Curry, Kobe Bryant and Adrian Peterson have personally used and endorsed the treatment. This has raised many questions from prospective patients and even other physicians who are not up to date on the therapy and its applications. As a regenerative medicine pain doctor, I continually receive many questions about PRP and wanted to take a moment to provide some answers.
What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)?
PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma and is a blood extract from your own body. It is basically the most concentrated layer of your blood plasma and is full of platelet cells and their stored growth factors. These cells are used for connective tissue healing and regeneration through growth factor release and stem cell recruitment.
How Effective is PRP?
Effectiveness almost always depends on the severity of the condition and location. PRP is highly effective for tendon, ligament and cartilage related pain conditions such as osteoarthritis, tendinitis, and ligament tears. From my clinical experience with platelet rich plasma injections, I would generally say it is almost always more effective than conventional care and sometimes more effective than surgery such as knee arthroscopy and meniscus repairs.
What conditions are treated with PRP
- Arthritis
- Torn ligaments
- Tendonitis
- Rotator Cuff Injuries
- Hips, Knees or Shoulder Pain
- Instability, loss of balance, stiffness and loss of range of motion
Does PRP help Knee Arthritis?
Yes, PRP is the most effective non-surgical injection treatment that is widely available on the market today! PRP is more effective than corticosteroids (cortisone etc.) and hyaluronic acid (“gel shots”) for long term pain relief and increased joint function.
Does the treatment hurt?
The answer to this question depends on each individuals pain threshold. In general, there is some minor pain as the needle pierces the skin but it is minimized by the use of local anesthetic. We also offer the option to have the injection procedure done with medication if patient is concerned.
How much does Platelet Rich Plasma cost?
This answer once again depends on the joint location, condition, physician, clinic, and state. A broad ballpark range would be $500-$2,000. In generally, our treatments are the most cost-effective in Gilbert, Chandler and Mesa, AZ and usually only cost a small fraction compared to a patients health insurance deductible, hyaluronic acid injections, or cortisone injections.
Who is a candidate for Platelet Rich Plasma?
Candidates for PRP treatments include anyone with musculoskeletal pain excluding poorly controlled diabetics, autoimmune patients, people on steroids such as cortisone, people on daily NSAIDS such as Ibuprofen, severely obese patients, and people with high levels of inflammation.
How many treatments are needed?
This also depends on severity and location. In general, 3 treatments usually provide significant and long lasting pain relief.
Benefits of Platelet Rich Plasma
- Sustained Pain Relief
- Repair of Connective Tissue
- Natural (uses your own cells)
- Minimal Recovery Time
- Non-Surgical / Non-Invasive
Is Rehab and Physical Therapy needed afterwards?
Minimal to no rehab or physical therapy is needed following the treatments but a course of PT for 4-6 weeks after treatment can compliment the injections and enhance long term results.
For more information about Regenerative Injection Therapy, integrative pain management, or our Gilbert, AZ location, please contact us at: 480-648-1534
