Regenerative medicine using Platelet-Rich Plasma injections

FALLBROOK - There are very few treatments capable of utilizing the body’s own regenerative properties to alleviate pain. Nevertheless, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are formulated to do just that—use the body’s platelets and plasma to boost healing and repair damaged tissues. American Spine and Pain MedGroup offers this highly-advanced therapy to those suffering from moderate to severe musculoskeletal pain or injury.

What Is PRP injection therapy?

Simply put, this therapy uses platelets and plasma within blood to treat painful muscle, tendon and ligament strains, sprains and other injuries.

The process involves collecting samples of blood, putting them into a special device (centrifuge) to separate their components, and mixing those separated components to produce a concentrated solution. Shortly after, a physician will inject the solution into damaged or painful tissues. Pain relief may not occur until three to six weeks after the injection. Patients may require one to two additional injections within a six-month period to encourage full healing and regeneration.

What are the benefits?

PRP injections are especially beneficial in alleviating pain for various muscle injuries and musculoskeletal pain conditions.

The process to derive platelets and plasma from blood creates a super saturated, highly concentrated solution that expedites the body’s natural healing process. As a result, the risk of infection or complication is incredibly rare, and patients typically see a significant change in their pain and inflammation shortly after the procedure.

What are the risks?

Because the patient is using his or her own blood, risks are relatively minimal. However, complications from the procedure can still happen. In very rare instances, risks may include: increased pain near the injection site, infection, tissue damage, or nerve injuries.

Who is a candidate for PRP injection therapy?

At this time, we recommend patients who fit under the following criteria discuss PRP injection therapy with their American Spine and PainMed Group physician:

• Patients with chronic tendon injuries like chronic Achilles tendonitis, chronic tennis elbow, or inflammation of the patellar tendon (knee)
• Acute ligament and muscle injuries
• Patients who have recently undergone surgery, especially procedures to repair torn rotator cuff tendons, torn knee ligaments, etc.
• Arthritis in the joints

For more information about PRP injections, talk to American Spine and PainMed Group at (951) 734-PAIN (7246) or visit www.painmedgroup.com.