PRP injection treatments are a way to treat musculoskeletal problems. You can get these injections right here at Angelo Mattalino, MD in Phoenix, AZ.
What is a PRP Injection?
Platelet activation plays an important role in the healing of wounds and soft tissue. Plasma is a part of the blood that contains several proteins that help your blood to clot, as well as proteins that support cell growth. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is produced from a patient’s own blood and is believed to promote healing when injected. Researchers have been able to produce PRP by isolating and concentrating blood plasma. When PRP is injected into damaged cells, it stimulates the body to promote healing by growing new, healthy cells. Because tissue growth factors are more concentrated in the injections, the body’s tissues are thought to heal faster. PRP is used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal problems.
When is It Used?
PRP injections can be used in a variety of different applications. These include:
- Tendon injuries and chronic tendon problems such as tennis elbow, jumper’s knee, pain in the patellar tendon in the knee, and Achilles tendonitis
- Acute injuries such as pulled hamstring muscles and knee sprains
- Post-surgical repair after surgery to repair a torn tendon or ligaments
- Osteoarthritis
What Happens During an Injection?
A typical injection process has several steps. First, we will take a blood sample. The amount of blood taken depends on where the PRP will be injected. The blood is put in a centrifuge, which is a machine that spins around quickly and causes blood components to separate. This blood separation process takes just minutes. Once the plasma is separated, a professional prepares it to be injected into the affected area. Sometimes additional steps are taken. It all depends on the unique case.
The number of treatments needed depends on the nature of the injury. Patients getting injections for arthritis or chronic tendinitis typically need more than one PRP injection treatment. Age may also be a factor when considering the number of treatments necessary. A PRP injection does not offer instant pain relief, but rather it regenerates healthy tissue. This can take weeks or months, but it is highly-effective.
Conclusion
If you’ve been injured, consult our experts at Angelo Mattalino, MD in Phoenix, AZ to see if this treatment might be right for you. Contact us today to book a consultation!
