Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
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Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a clinically-proven, natural treatment that helps heal underlying issues responsible for chronic pain and other concerns. Located in Pearland, Texas, the leading medical team at Optimum Medical Centers often recommends PRP therapy to their patients. It’s a remarkably effective remedy that combines the best of medical science and technology with the innovative approach of integrative medicine. Contact the center today by phone or the online scheduling tool to make an appointment.
How do I know if I am a candidate for PRP therapy?
PRP therapy is advised for patients with pain during acute or chronic conditions such as: Osteoarthritis in any joint or Tendonopathy (tendonitis, torn tissue) in any ligament or tendon. Acute injuries can also be treated successfully with PRP. Injuries commonly treated with PRP therapy include: rotator cuff, quadriceps, hamstrings, Achilles tendon injuries, knee ligamentous injuries and tennis elbow. Essentially any tendon or ligament injury except complete tears may be treated successfully with PRP. PRP therapy is exactly the treatment needed to reduce the downtime of the athlete or individual while also reducing the chance of re-injury or perhaps, the risk of a more serious injury that will result in surgical intervention or permanent disability.
Who is not a candidate for PRP therapy?
Does the treatment consist of 1 injection or multiple injections?
This is ultimately decided on a case-by-case basis. The provider may use an MRI or Ultrasound results to determine the number of injections. Typically you will get between 1-3 injections, however some severe cases may require up to five injections.
What is the cost of PRP? Does my insurance cover PRP injections?
Our financial counselor will work with you to determine if your insurance will cover the cost of PRP, or if you will need to pay out of pocket for the therapy. Due to the regenerative nature of this therapy, other forms of therapies may be included to help combine and compliment the healing nature of the platelets. Please talk with our financial counselor for more detailed information.
What can I expect right after the PRP injection?
If the injection is in your right knee, ankle, or foot you MAY NOT be allowed to drive home. If the injection is located in any other body part, you may drive yourself home. You may also be prescribed manipulative therapy and/or physical therapy to help you regain your strength, mobility, and function of the area and other areas directly connected with the dysfunctional joint and/or tendon. Manipulative therapy and/or physical therapy may last approximately 4-12 weeks depending on the severity of your condition. Your insurance company usually covers these manual therapies. You may ice the area for the first 24 hours only as needed post injection.
What prep work is needed prior to the PRP injection(s)?
Staying well hydrated is necessary and vital to the outcome of PRP therapy. The harvesting of the platelet(s) quality is directly affected to the hydration of all the cells and the tissues. Because the white tissue (discs, ligaments and tendons) not having an adequate blood supply, its elasticity and function depends greatly on the hydration of the individual. Lastly, the more hydrated the better the quality of the cells and their ability to repair and regenerate tissue. It is important that you maximize the consumption of water (64 oz. of H20) a solid week prior to the PRP therapy process and refrain from toxic rich food and beverages (high carb, low protein, high sugar).
What about resuming physical activity after the PRP injection?
Do not return to activities that directly affect the injected site too soon, as they may diminish the quality of your results. Perform activity as tolerated until your follow-up visit.
How soon will I have to schedule my follow-up visit?
The provider will want to see you back in clinic to check your progress about 4 weeks following the injection. At this time the series of PRP injections will be addressed at that 4th week.
Can I take my normal medications before and after the injection?
Do not use any NON-STERIODAL (NSAIDS) medications containing ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, or other prescription anti-inflammatory medicines such as: Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Voltaren, Mobic, Flexril, Daypro, Feldene, Lodine, Etodolac, Orudis, or Ansaid for 7 days prior to the procedure. You may resume these medication(s) 10 days after the procedure. If you are not sure if a medication should be taken, please call the office at (281) 993-4109. Otherwise, Tylenol/acetaminophen is allowed as needed for pain.
Will I feel immediate results from PRP Therapy?
You may feel a notable increase in discomfort in the days immediately following the injection. Pain intensity becomes less each day as functional mobility and general functional ability increase along with your endurance and strength. You will notice gradual improvement 2-6 weeks after PRP therapy. Some patients report ongoing improvement 6-9 months after PRP therapy is administered. In some studies, Ultrasound and MRI images have shown definitive tissue repair has occurred after PRP therapy, supporting the proof of the healing process. By treating injured tissues before the damage progresses, surgical intervention may be avoided.
PRP therapy is advised for patients with pain during acute or chronic conditions such as: Osteoarthritis in any joint or Tendonopathy (tendonitis, torn tissue) in any ligament or tendon. Acute injuries can also be treated successfully with PRP. Injuries commonly treated with PRP therapy include: rotator cuff, quadriceps, hamstrings, Achilles tendon injuries, knee ligamentous injuries and tennis elbow. Essentially any tendon or ligament injury except complete tears may be treated successfully with PRP. PRP therapy is exactly the treatment needed to reduce the downtime of the athlete or individual while also reducing the chance of re-injury or perhaps, the risk of a more serious injury that will result in surgical intervention or permanent disability.
Who is not a candidate for PRP therapy?
- Anyone with a blood borne cancer such as Lymphoma or Leukemia, not in remission for at least 5 years.
- Anyone who has had any other type of cancer, not in remission for at least 5 years.
- Any current infection.
- Patients using anti-platelet therapy, such as: Coumadin, Plavix, Xarelto, or Lovenox.
- Patients with Cerebral Palsy or Parkinson’s disease.
- Patients with multiple medical issues of severe morbidity.
Does the treatment consist of 1 injection or multiple injections?
This is ultimately decided on a case-by-case basis. The provider may use an MRI or Ultrasound results to determine the number of injections. Typically you will get between 1-3 injections, however some severe cases may require up to five injections.
What is the cost of PRP? Does my insurance cover PRP injections?
Our financial counselor will work with you to determine if your insurance will cover the cost of PRP, or if you will need to pay out of pocket for the therapy. Due to the regenerative nature of this therapy, other forms of therapies may be included to help combine and compliment the healing nature of the platelets. Please talk with our financial counselor for more detailed information.
What can I expect right after the PRP injection?
If the injection is in your right knee, ankle, or foot you MAY NOT be allowed to drive home. If the injection is located in any other body part, you may drive yourself home. You may also be prescribed manipulative therapy and/or physical therapy to help you regain your strength, mobility, and function of the area and other areas directly connected with the dysfunctional joint and/or tendon. Manipulative therapy and/or physical therapy may last approximately 4-12 weeks depending on the severity of your condition. Your insurance company usually covers these manual therapies. You may ice the area for the first 24 hours only as needed post injection.
What prep work is needed prior to the PRP injection(s)?
Staying well hydrated is necessary and vital to the outcome of PRP therapy. The harvesting of the platelet(s) quality is directly affected to the hydration of all the cells and the tissues. Because the white tissue (discs, ligaments and tendons) not having an adequate blood supply, its elasticity and function depends greatly on the hydration of the individual. Lastly, the more hydrated the better the quality of the cells and their ability to repair and regenerate tissue. It is important that you maximize the consumption of water (64 oz. of H20) a solid week prior to the PRP therapy process and refrain from toxic rich food and beverages (high carb, low protein, high sugar).
What about resuming physical activity after the PRP injection?
Do not return to activities that directly affect the injected site too soon, as they may diminish the quality of your results. Perform activity as tolerated until your follow-up visit.
How soon will I have to schedule my follow-up visit?
The provider will want to see you back in clinic to check your progress about 4 weeks following the injection. At this time the series of PRP injections will be addressed at that 4th week.
Can I take my normal medications before and after the injection?
Do not use any NON-STERIODAL (NSAIDS) medications containing ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, or other prescription anti-inflammatory medicines such as: Motrin, Advil, Aleve, Voltaren, Mobic, Flexril, Daypro, Feldene, Lodine, Etodolac, Orudis, or Ansaid for 7 days prior to the procedure. You may resume these medication(s) 10 days after the procedure. If you are not sure if a medication should be taken, please call the office at (281) 993-4109. Otherwise, Tylenol/acetaminophen is allowed as needed for pain.
Will I feel immediate results from PRP Therapy?
You may feel a notable increase in discomfort in the days immediately following the injection. Pain intensity becomes less each day as functional mobility and general functional ability increase along with your endurance and strength. You will notice gradual improvement 2-6 weeks after PRP therapy. Some patients report ongoing improvement 6-9 months after PRP therapy is administered. In some studies, Ultrasound and MRI images have shown definitive tissue repair has occurred after PRP therapy, supporting the proof of the healing process. By treating injured tissues before the damage progresses, surgical intervention may be avoided.
