Desert Spine and Sports Physicians is the leading provider of non-surgical musculoskeletal therapies including the popular and proven regenerative therapy, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). We have been delivering PRP injections for over a decade, and it is our preferred regenerative treatment option for musculoskeletal injury because it is safe and effective. This therapy utilizes a concentrated form of platelets from a patient’s own blood, which have growth factors that accelerate the body’s natural healing process, leading to tissue repair and regeneration. PRP reduces pain and improves function in various musculoskeletal conditions, including joint, tendon, and ligament injuries.
PRP therapy can be used to alleviate joint pain, especially in conditions like osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage, leading to pain and reduced joint function. When PRP is injected into a joint, it is believed to:
PRP therapy is also commonly used to treat tendon-related injuries, such as tendonitis or tendinosis/tendinopathy, and ligament injuries, such as sprains or strains. PRP therapy for tendon and ligament pain works by:
To create PRP, a small sample of the patient’s blood is taken, usually from a vein in the arm. The blood is then processed to separate its components.
The collected blood is placed in a centrifuge, a machine that spins rapidly to separate different components of the blood based on their densities in a two-step process. This process separates the platelets with their growth factors from the other blood components, such as red blood cells and neutrophils.
After centrifugation, the concentrated platelets, approximately 8x the amount of platelets as compared to whole blood, are separated from the rest of the blood. This concentrated solution is the Platelet-Rich Plasma.
The PRP can then be injected into the site of injury or treatment. It is vital that PRP is injected with image guidance to ensure the therapy is delivered to the proper site.
It is important to note that while PRP therapy holds promise, its effectiveness can vary depending on factors such as the specific condition being treated, the severity of the condition, and the patient’s overall health. PRP therapy is generally considered safe because it utilizes the patient’s own blood components, reducing the risk of allergic or immune reactions. However, like any medical procedure, there can be potential risks and side effects, such as infection, pain at the injection site, or no significant improvement in symptoms.
If you are considering PRP therapy for your pain, it is essential to consult an expert in the field of musculoskeletal medicine who can assess your condition and determine whether PRP is a suitable option for you. Here at Desert Spine and Sports Physicians, our Physicians are fellowship-trained in Advanced Interventional Procedures, and together, we have garnered 38 “Top Doc” Phoenix Magazine awards. We have safely performed over 300,000 musculoskeletal injections and deliver all of our procedures accurately under image guidance such as ultrasound or fluoroscopy. If you are interested in knowing more about PRP therapy, we will schedule you for an initial visit billed to the insurance carrier (if contracted) to evaluate your issue and discuss how to prepare for the PRP injection. The PRP therapy, which is not covered by insurance and costs $900, will then be injected at the follow-up appointment.
At Desert Spine and Sports Physicians, we are constantly evaluating the best treatment options for our patients, and we are happy to discuss what really works when it comes to regenerative musculoskeletal medicine. We look forward to helping you manage your pain and injury and return you back to function. To book with us, please contact us at info@desertspineandsports.com, or call us at 602-840-0681.