Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Clinic
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy uses injections of a patient's own blood to promote natural healing responses at the site of tissue damage and injury. As a leading pain management facility in Phoenix and Peoria, Valley Neurology and Pain uses state-of-the-art PRP techniques to help reduce pain and promote faster and more complete healing.
What is PRP?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Both platelets and plasma are contained in whole blood. Plasma refers to the liquid portion of blood, and platelets play an important role in healing and clotting. Platelets also contain special proteins called growth factors, which are directly involved in the body's healing processes. PRP uses a sample of the patient's own blood, and then processes it to concentrate the platelets to five times their normal levels or more. The concentrated PRP is then reinjected into the patient at the site of injury to stimulate healing. Because PRP uses the patient's own blood, the risk of allergic reactions is eliminated.
How is PRP administered?
PRP is administered using a needle to inject it directly into the injured area.
What kinds of issues can be treated with PRP therapy?
PRP is used to treat an array of issues, including:
- arthritis pain
- tendonitis
- tennis elbow or golfer's elbow
- joint pain including knee pain and elbow pain
- back pain
- strained ligaments
- soft tissue injuries including muscle injuries
Sometimes, PRP is used during surgery once the procedure is complete and before the incision is sutured to help “jumpstart” the healing process so patients can enjoy a more rapid recovery.
How does PRP work?
The growth factors contained in platelets send out special signals to tissues and cells in the immediate area of injury, triggering cell regeneration and renewal processes that can promote the growth of new tissues to replace those damaged by disease or injury. In addition to these hyperlocal responses, PRP injections also stimulate regional healing responses so patients can enjoy a faster recovery and more consistent healing overall.
Is PRP therapy right for me?
Because it uses the patient's own blood, PRP can be an ideal solution for many patients because it helps promote faster healing and the risk of infection is minimal. Prior to treatment, patients will be carefully evaluated to ensure PRP therapy will be beneficial for the issue they're dealing with.
