PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Joint Injections
Our Naturopathic Medical Doctor performs PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) joint injections. PRP joint injections use a patient’s own platelets to accelerate the healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints. PRP injections are prepared by taking the patient’s blood and spinning it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. The platelets are then injected directly into the injured body tissue. This releases growth factors that stimulate and increase the number of reparative cells the body produces. PRP joint injections are typically done every 4 weeks and typically require 3-6 sessions to stimulate growth factors and the natural healing process.
PRP Injections vs. Prolotherapy
PRP joint injections are similar to Prolotherapy, but PRP joint injections are more effective. However, PRP joint injections are more expensive than Prolotherapy due to the process of collecting the patient’s blood and harvesting the platelets. If finances are an issue, Prolotherapy injections still yield great results at a lower cost.
PRP Joint Injections vs. Cortisone Injections
The difference between PRP injections and cortisone injections is that cortisone is designed to stop inflammation (which it does well), but it doesn’t get to the root of the problem and so pain and inflammation often return. Not only do they return, but you can only have so many cortisone injections before it starts to cause damage to the joint. PRP injection gets to the root of the problem, healing the joint to create lasting pain relief.
