PRP

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) offers a natural approach to tissue repair and pain relief. At Pure Health Aurora in Aurora, Illinois, we use PRP to treat musculoskeletal conditions ranging from back pain to tendon strains. Our team has extensive expertise in harvesting and injecting PRP for successful outcomes. Call Pure Health Aurora or schedule a consultation online today to learn how you could benefit from PRP.

What is PRP?

PRP is a concentrated fluid containing substances from your blood, including platelets and plasma.

Platelets promote clotting so that your blood thickens at the point of injury and stops flowing. Platelets also promote cell growth to repair the damaged area. Plasma is the liquid component of your blood.

Extracting the platelets and plasma from a blood sample produces an injectable liquid. When your doctor injects PRP into your body, it increases the natural levels of platelets. The extra platelets trigger healthy new cell growth to help your tissues heal.

What conditions does PRP treat?

PRP has been tested on many conditions and is commonly used for:

• Tendon strains
• Tendinitis
• Sports injuries
• Postsurgical repair
• Arthritis
• Shoulder pain
• Auto accident injuries

Many famous athletes have used PRP to treat sports injuries as an alternative to surgery. Since PRP speeds up the body’s healing processes, it helps shorten the time it takes an injury to heal.

What happens during PRP treatment?

At the beginning of the appointment, your doctor will take a small blood sample of about 30-60 milliliters (two to four tablespoons). Then, they will put this sample through a centrifuge machine that will separate the plasma and platelets from the red and white blood cells.

Once the plasma is separated, it could have 3-10 times the concentration of healing plasma compared to regular blood. This platelet-rich plasma will then be prepared for injection.

Your doctor may use imaging technology like ultrasound to locate the ideal place for the injection. After applying a local or topical anesthetic, they inject the PRP into the specified area.

Is PRP treatment painful?

PRP treatment is an outpatient procedure that only requires a local anesthetic. Depending on your pain tolerance, your doctor could use a topical numbing solution or local anesthetic for maximum comfort during the procedure.

PRP treatment usually only takes about an hour, and you are awake for the entire session. Since the PRP comes from you, your body is unlikely to react with an inflammatory or immune response, so there’s little risk of side effects.

Usually, you can continue with your regular activities after a PRP injection. Follow any specific orders from your doctor and rest until the affected area heals completely. Most people will notice a difference a few weeks to months after the procedure.

Call our office or book an appointment online today to learn more about PRP’s benefits.