PRFM - Platelet-Rich Plasma - Pinnacle Pain and Spine

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma?

PRP consists of a concentrated solution of platelets, growth factors, signaling molecules and other proteins that play vital roles in orchestrating healing responses and tissue regeneration. To yield therapeutic benefits, a dose of over one billion platelets per mL of PRP is targeted, containing the key growth factors and other molecules necessary to accelerate and augment the healing and regeneration process.

The PRP used in our therapy contains a significant, industry-leading 7 to 10-fold increase in platelet concentration compared to whole blood.

How is PRP Therapy Performed?

After identifying the tailored PRP solution needed to treat your pain, a basic blood sample is drawn and run through a centrifuge which separates the blood to remove contaminants.
Plasma, which contains the beneficial platelets, is collected and further refined, concentrating these vital platelets and healing molecules.
The pure platelet solution is taken to the next level with the fibrin matrix to form a gel-like substance that protects and preserves the platelets for injection.
Ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance is frequently used to ensure precise delivery of PRP in a procedure that takes under one hour.

Since PRP is derived from your own blood, there is little to no risk of rejection. As with any injectable procedure, some patients may experience mild and temporary irritation, swelling, bruising, itching, discoloration or tenderness at the injection site.

Speak to your doctor about the costs associated with this treatment.

A Better PRP Therapy, A Better Outcome

Some patients begin experiencing pain relief shortly after their first PRP injection, though normally significant pain relief is felt after two weeks. The healing process will continue after this and the full benefits from the injection will usually be felt after six to eight weeks, with the overall healing process continuing for up to six months.

The number of treatments needed depends on each individual patient, the desired outcome, and your personalized treatment plan from your provider.

Benefits of PRP: What Studies Have Shown

Numerous clinical studies have confirmed that PRP provides significant healing and long-lasting reduction in pain for a variety of injuries.

Several recent studies and reviews have demonstrated PRP to be more effective than steroids or hyaluronic acid, the current, standard treatments for knee osteoarthritis.

A study in the American Journal of Sports Medicine revealed that patients with elbow tendinosis receiving PRP reported a 46% reduction in pain by week four, and a 81% reduction in pain after six months. At the study’s conclusion, 93% of patients were completely satisfied with their PRP treatment and had avoided surgery.

In this same American Journal of Sports Medicine study, it was revealed that 93% of patients were completely satisfied with their PRP treatment and had avoided surgery.

MRI imaging across numerous studies has also confirmed significant improvements in pain relief. Studies show that over 70% of patients receiving PRP for knee osteoarthritis have delayed further progression of the disease and prevented further knee degeneration. PRP may, in some cases, eliminate the need for more aggressive treatments such as long-term medication or surgery