The National Institutes of Health (NIH) report that about 25 million Americans have chronic or long-standing pain, while many individuals say their pain is significant. However and why you’re hurting, you want real relief which lasts. Thankfully, there is an innovative, drug-free, all-natural therapy for pain relief called platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.
Let’s talk abouthow innovative platelet-rich plasma or PRP therapy works to manage pain and where you can get this therapy in Florida.
What PRP Therapy Is
Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a non-operative injection treatment used in sports medicine, orthopedics, and other medical specialties. PRP injections comprise the patient’s own blood platelets (the components responsible for blood clotting) and contain growth and healing factors that promote quicker and more efficient healing from injury and chronic and acute disease processes. Evidence also shows that platelet-rich plasma decreases the effectiveness of pain receptors in the brain and increases lubrication in joints such as the knee and hip.
To obtain a patient’s customized PRP injections, the doctor withdraws a blood sample and spins its contents in a high-speed lab centrifuge. This action concentrates the platelets, which are then returned to the patient at the site of injury. Ultrasound imaging sometimes helps the physician more accurately target the area to be treated.
Researchers say that most platelet-rich plasma therapy injections contain 10 times the amount of platelets that a non-treated blood sample would have. Typically, shots are spaced three to four weeks apart, and the number of injections varies from patient to patient.
What PRP Therapy Treats
Platelet-rich plasma therapy in the hands of a skilled and experienced healthcare provider has a wide range of uses, including cosmetic applications, such as skin rejuvenation and hair loss treatments for both men and women.
However, perhaps its best and most frequent application is pain reduction. Adults with the following conditions may be candidates for PRP injection therapy:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in the hands and wrist
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in the knee
- Tendonitis (golfer’s elbow, pitcher’s elbow or tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis in the foot and jumper’s knee)
- Iliotibial band syndrome
- Osteoarthritis
Also, because PRP also decreases inflammation and swelling, pain naturally recedes. Combined with other treatments at the discretion of you and your provider, platelet-rich plasma therapy delivers excellent symptom relief with no downtime or side effects, including allergic reactions.
Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy in Florida
If you are looking for a drug-free, all-natural approach for pain relief, look no further. At NIVA Health, we have a team of providers that will thoroughly evaluate your joint condition and determine your candidacy for PRP therapy. They will also explain how PRP therapy will benefit your joint pain or orthopedic injury.
If you have any questions about PRP therapy or would like to make an appointment with one of our providers, call today at (866) 377-5872 or fill out our appointment request form online now.