The tendons in your elbows, knees, and even your ankles are tough bands of tissue that are sturdy enough to connect your bones and muscles and keep proper tension between the two. It’s possible to injure a tendon, and they can be slow to heal when that happens. Platelet Rich Plasma treatment (PRP) utilizes your own blood to promote healing within your injured tendon.
Where Does the Plasma Come From?
When undergoing PRP treatments, your specialist will first draw your blood and place it into a centrifuge, which is a machine that spins your blood quickly and separates its components. Individual platelets from your blood are retrieved and concentrated by up to eight times their normal amount. The platelets are then prepared for injection at your treatment site.
Is PRP Painful?
PRP injections can be painful. Pain levels may vary depending on how much pain you are already experiencing at the treatment site and what your level of pain tolerance is. Existing swelling and inflammation will affect how your injections feel.
How Long Will the Effects of Treatment Last?
PRP promotes deep healing within your tendons. Platelet rich plasma works to deliver growth factors that promote healing right at the site of your injury. Growing new, healthy cells in your tendon will help you recover from your injury faster and give you results that will last well into the future.
Am I a Candidate for PRP?
If you are experiencing symptoms related to tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, PRP could work to relieve your tendon pain. PRP treatment can be focused on both the inside and outside of the elbow. It has been shown to reduce elbow pain and disability significantly.
Pain and inflammation in your Achilles tendon can be addressed with PRP. Overuse of this tendon by runners and other athletes is a common issue. Pain can be relieved and long term strengthening can be achieved through PRP treatment.
At Suncoast Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, our team proudly utilizes the power of PRP treatment to help our clients overcome their joint pain. You can rely on us to provide you with high quality care and treatment options that improve your quality of life. Call us today at (941)485-1505 to make your appointment.