Platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a revolutionary new treatment that relieves pain by promoting long lasting healing of musculoskeletal conditions. The healing properties of PRP therapy are attributed to the increased concentration of growth factors and secretory proteins that enhance the healing process on a cellular level. PRP therapy has gained recent popularity because many professional athletes find the beneficial benefits of this therapy allows them to return to the playing field with rapid healing of their condition.

What Conditions are treated with PRP?

Common Orthopedic conditions treated with PRP include conditions involving:

Basically, any condition treated with Prolotherapy and be treated with Platelet Rich Plasma
Read More about Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

How does PRP therapy help?

Platelets are a normal part of our blood and called to action when there is damage to blood vessels in our body. These specialized cells are packed with numerous growth and healing factors that initiate repair and attract the assistance of stem cells that also greatly promote healing. PRP therapy’s natural healing process intensifies the body’s efforts by delivering a higher concentration of platelets. This platelet-rich plasma contains a 3-5 fold increase in growth factor concentration.

What can I expect during my office visit?

The PRP process involves the collection of a small sample of blood (similar to a lab test sample). This blood is placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from other cells in the blood such as red and white blood cells. The concentrated platelet rich plasma (PRP) can now be collected and is then injected into and around the point of injury, jump-starting and significantly strengthening the body’s natural healing signal. Because your own blood is used, there is no risk of a transmissible infection and a very low risk of allergic reaction.

How long does it take?

The procedure takes approximately one to two hours and is performed safely in our office without the risks of surgery, general anesthesia, or hospital stays. In fact, most people return to their jobs or usual activities right after the procedure.

What are the expected results?

Because the goal of PRP therapy is to resolve pain through healing, it could prove to have lasting results. Initial improvement may be seen within a few weeks, gradually increasing as the healing progresses. Research studies and clinical practice have shown PRP therapy to be very effective at relieving pain and returning patients to their normal lives. Both ultrasound and MRI studies have shown definitive tissue repair after PRP therapy, confirming the benefits of this healing process. The need for surgery can also be greatly reduced by treating injured tissues before the damage progresses and the condition is irreversible.

ULTRASOUND

Dr. Fred Arnold utilizes ultrasound for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. On a case by case basis, our office utilizes a state of the art ultrasound machine to evaluate both deep and superficial joint structures. Advantages of ultrasound injections include:

• Exact visual identification of the structure to be injected with immediate assessment of the structures to be injected.
• Guided injections to the specific area(s) to be treated.
• Comparison views of anatomical structures are readily available.
• No radiation exposure.
• Structures such as tendons can be visualized moving in “real-time” to evaluate their functionality and proper range of motion.

The medical literature shows that ultrasound guided injections provide improved accuracy and has resulted in a significant reduction in pain and improved clinical outcomes. ¹

Video: Specific ultrasound guided injection to the supraspinatus tendon

Ultrasound injections can be used with the different types of regenerative joint injections utilized at Scottsdale Pain Rehabilitation and Wellness: Prolotherapy, Prolozone and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). Palpation is always performed before any ultrasound guided injections.

1. Sibbet WL, Peisajovich A, Michael AA et al. Does sonographic needle guidance affect the clinical outcome of intraarticular injections. 2009. J of Rheum 36:9.

PROLO-PRP IV

The Prolo-PRP IV is a specialized intravenous mixture of vitamins, minerals and amino acids to maximize the effects of regenerative medicine injections such as PRP performed at Scottsdale Pain Rehabilitation and Wellness. This specialized IV promotes the healing and regeneration of damaged and weakened tissues such as ligament, tendon and cartilage. With intravenous nutrition, the nutrients are delivered directly into the blood stream rather than being absorbed by the intestines. The time to complete the Prolo-PRP IV is 2 hours.

Stop pain from interfering with your life.

Dr. Fred Arnold is one of the few physicians in the region currently trained in PRP therapy. He can determine if this advanced, non-surgical treatment is right for you. Call Dr. Fred Arnold to schedule an appointment at 602-292-2978.