A center for Non-surgical Orthopedic Excellence
Amitabh Gupta MD
Regenerative medicine is the science of delivering the body’s own cells and growth factors (PRP, bone marrow, and fat stem cells) into the injured or irritated joints or tendons to promote pain relief and healing. Only the cells of a patient can heal a patient and harnessing the power of cells is the basis of regenerative medicine.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections : A New Approach to Healing
What is Platelet rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment
Platelets are tiny cells in your blood that are storehouses of growth factors and play an important role in normal healing of damaged tissue. For example, when you cut yourself, the body's natural response is to attract platelets that release growth factors that start the process of healing. Platelet rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) is made by concentrating platelets to increase the amount of growth factors. It is a promising solution to accelerate healing of tendon injuries and osteoarthritis naturally without subjecting the patient to significant risk. The philosophy is to merge cutting edge technology with body's own natural ability to heal. The human body has remarkable ability to heal itself and by re-injecting concentrated platelets we a facilitating the natural healing process. PRP technology was developed 30 years ago to aide wound healing. Its benefits are now being applied towards the healing tendons and cartilage. PRP has been widely used in Europe.
How is the procedure performed
PRP is prepared by drawing a small amount of patient's own blood and centrifuging it in FDA approved kits to yield plasma that has a high concentration of platelets along with other cells that are beneficial for healing. These include neutrophils, monocyte macrophages, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, keratinocytes, and small numbers of primitive stem cells (VSEL). During the same visit, this PRP is then injected into damaged joint, muscle or tendon with ultrasound guidance for precision.
It is a simple procedure performed in outpatient setting with little or no risk. Mild pain or swelling can occur at the injection site but patients can expect to return to normal activity after the procedure. Two or more injections may be needed.
What are the benefits of PRP
PRP offers an alternative treatment to patients who do not wish to have surgery or are not candidates for surgery. Patients can expect reduction in pain; elimination of the need for traditional treatment such as medications, cortisone injections or surgery; and return of function.
Some of the Conditions we can treat with PRP
Tennis elbow
Golfer's elbow
Patellar tendinitis (Knee)
Meniscus tears (knee)
Achilles tendinitis
Plantar fasciitis (Heel Pain)
Rotator Cuff tendinitis and tears (shoulder pain)
Osteoarthritis of knee, hip, ankle, shoulder and other joint
Partial tendon/muscle tears
Other tendinitis
Is PRP treatment covered by my insurance
At present time PRP is not covered by medicare or other insurances.