Would you like to speed your recovery from tendon, muscle, and joint injuries? Did you know that there is an injectable treatment that can help you more quickly bounce back from orthopedic setbacks? PRP injections, which are performed in the comfort of our office, can help you push past those orthopedic limitations and feel good again.
How Long Do Benefits From PRP Injections Last?
Depending on the specific condition you’re seeking treatment for, we may recommend two or three injections, each of which will be scheduled several weeks apart. Because these injections spur your body to heal itself, it usually takes several weeks to see results. The longevity of the results achieved varies, but many patients can go a year or more before receiving a follow-up injection.
What Are PRP Injections?
PRP injections, otherwise known as platelet-rich plasma injections, are a regenerative treatment that encourages the body to heal and repair itself. Plasma is the liquid part of the blood, and the substance is loaded with growth factors that support clotting and healing.
During a PRP appointment, we’ll draw a small amount of your blood, spin it in a centrifuge to separate the plasma, and then immediately inject that plasma into the area you’re seeking treatment for. This entire process can be performed in less than an hour.
Will It Hurt?
The process of drawing your blood and reinjecting your plasma will not be painful. You may feel a slight prick, but many patients don’t even feel that. The needle used to perform the injection is very small.
Should I Set Aside Time to Prepare and Recover?
If you regularly take a blood-thinning medication, we may ask you to refrain from taking that before your treatment. But there won’t be much else you need to do to prepare. This treatment also does not require much of a recovery. Patients often take it easy for a day or two and are asked not to wash the injection site right away. But there is not very much downtime associated with this treatment.
What Do These Injections Help With?
It Can Heal Tissue Damage
These injections can help with tennis elbow and a variety of other ligament and tendon injuries. Tendonitis sufferers often see excellent results with PRP treatments. Addressing these issues can usually help a patient regain mobility and pick back up activities they had to set aside because of injury.
It Can Sooth Inflammation
Have your joints become stiff and painful? Maybe you’ve even experienced a sprain in one of your joints? These injections can tamp down inflammation and get you more comfortable moving again. Osteoarthritis can even be addressed with PRP treatments. This treatment works well on its own, but we sometimes recommend that patients combine it with our regenerative and knee programs.
It Can Rejuvenate Aging Skin
Although these injections were originally developed as a way of treating orthopedic injuries, they are also sometimes used to address cosmetic concerns like aging skin. These injections can smooth over lines and improve the skin’s tone.
It Can Prevent Hair Loss
These injections can also encourage hair growth. PRP has been proven to be an effective solution for male or female pattern baldness.
What Advantages Are Associated With PRP Treatments?
It’s a No-Hassle Option
PRP treatments are a no-fuss way of addressing orthopedic and cosmetic concerns. This is a non-surgical approach that can be performed fairly quickly in our office and doesn’t require much in the way of recovery.
You Won’t Have to Worry About a Reaction
The only thing that will be injected into your body as part of this treatment will be your own plasma. This means you won’t have to worry about any sort of allergic reaction or side effects.
It’ll Help You Feel Better
It’s amazing how stiff joints, strains, and ligament and muscle injuries can encroach on your lifestyle. These types of injuries have a tendency to heal very slowly, but PRP can speed your recovery and help you begin to move around comfortably again. And when it’s used for cosmetic purposes, this treatment can help you feel better about your appearance.
Who Is This Right For?
You Are in Good Health
Patients should be in good overall health and ideally are not coping with conditions such as cancer, anemia, or a low platelet count. Individuals who see the best results are not far over their goal weight, don’t smoke, and have bodies that are in good condition.
The Condition You’re Seeking Treatment for Is Not Severe
This treatment is most effective for patients who are seeking treatment for conditions that are mild to moderate.
You Want an Alternative Treatment
Patients who seek out PRP treatments are often looking for a way of addressing a problem without resorting to surgery or the long-term use of medication.
Treatment Q&A
How Do PRP Treatments Compare to Stem Cell Therapy?
PRP and stem cell treatments are both forms of regenerative medicine, but they work in different ways. While PRP treatments involve the harvesting and injection of plasma alone, stem cell therapy uses whole cells. The cells are taken from abdominal fat or bone marrow and are placed in the area needing treatment.
Is This for Both Men and Women?
Yes, patients of both genders have successfully taken advantage of this treatment.
Will Much Blood Need to Be Taken?
The amount of plasma we need, and the amount of blood we’ll have to draw, will depend on what you’re seeking treatment for. But the amount drawn is very small and often amounts to about two tablespoons.
Will My Insurance Cover This?
This treatment is frequently not covered by insurance. If you’re unsure, call our office and a benefits specialist will review your plan and what’s covered with you.
Will I Be Expected to Fast?
There is usually no fasting requirement associated with this treatment. In fact, since we’ll need to draw your blood at the start of your appointment, it’s actually a good idea to eat a good meal and stay well hydrated before your treatment.
Are PRP Treatments Similar to Cortisone Shots?
Although both treatments involve injections, they work in very different ways. PRP treatments aim to regenerate and heal the tissues. Although they may need to be repeated occasionally, PRP treatments work to improve the underlying condition. Cortisone shots, on the other hand, focus on reducing inflammation and discomfort but don’t try to resolve the underlying condition. As a result, cortisone shots need to be repeated with some frequency.
How Can I Get Started With Treatment?
If you’re interested in pursuing PRP treatments, the first step is to schedule a consultation with our practice. During this consultation, we’ll talk with you about your goals and evaluate your area of concern and your overall health. We’ll determine if this treatment is the right step for you. After that, it’s just a matter of scheduling your first appointment.
If you’ve grown frustrated with slow-healing soft tissue injuries and want a no-hassle way to get back on your feet, it may be time to try PRP injections. These injections offer long-lasting results with a minimum of downtime. Are you tired of sitting on the sidelines? Call B3 Medical in Wesley Chapel, FL and schedule your consultation today!
