Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an innovative treatment method now available at Suncoast Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine to accelerate and enhance the body’s natural healing processes. Patients with elbow and achilles tendon conditions can use PRP treatments at Suncoast Orthopaedic to alleviate pain and regain function and movement once again.
PRP Uses the Body to Stimulate Deep Healing
Platelet-rich plasma is created with the platelets found in your own blood. Since platelets carry numerous important proteins and growth factors, they can be harnessed to direct tissue healing and fight painful inflammation. PRP is obtained by drawing your blood and placing it through a centrifuge that separates and concentrates the platelets up to 8.0 times their normal level. The concentrated platelets are suspended in a small amount of blood plasma, and this PRP is injected into the site of your injury with ultrasound guidance.
PRP is an especially powerful healing cocktail for the body’s injured tendons. Very little blood flows to tendons, which causes them to heal slowly. PRP counteracts this problem by delivering growth factors and other elements for healing right to the site of the injury. Unlike corticosteroid shots that can only temporarily relieve pain, PRP injections support long-term healing so that pain and discomfort are not problems in the future.
PRP For the Elbow
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are both common conditions that can be resolved with PRP. These problems are both caused by inflammation of tendons that attach to the elbow. While tennis elbow impacts the outside of the elbow, golfer’s elbow affects the inside area. Both can be addressed effectively with PRP treatment. According to recent studies, PRP is capable of significant reducing pain and disability in the elbow, especially compared to patients who only receive corticosteroid injections.
PRP for the Achilles Tendon
The Achilles tendon connects the muscles of the calf to the heel bone, and when healthy it is strong enough to handle forces up to twelve times your bodyweight. It is very common for runners and other athletes to experience pain in the Achilles tendon due to overuse. When rest, ice, and NSAIDS fail to alleviate pain in this region of the body, PRP offers a solution to not just minimize pain but actually support long-term healing.
The team at Suncoast Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine are proud to utilize the power of PRP to help patients overcome painful and debilitating joint conditions. With locations in Venice, Englewood, and North Port, Florida, Suncoast Orthopaedic Surgery is right around the corner in Sarasota County to handle all of your joint pain needs. Call (941) 485-1505 today to make your first appointment and discover how PRP can transform your comfort and wellness.