Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy
Reconstructive Therapy / Prolotherapy | Neural Therapy | Fibromyalgia/Hypermobility Syndrome | Platelet Rich Plasma | Neural Prolotherapy | Mesotherapy / Biopuncture
What is PRP – Platelet Rich Plasma?
Platelet rich plasma is a method for repair of injuries, arthritis, ligament, tendon, cartilage and disc problems by the injection of platelets, white blood cells and plasma.
How is PRP (platelet rich plasma) therapy done?
It is done in a clinic setting as a hospital is not needed. A small amount of blood is taken from the patient’s arm and it is placed under sterile conditions in a centrifuge. The spinning causes a concentration of the patient’s own platelets and white blood cells. This “layer” is separated from the red cells and plasma or serum. These, with a small amount of plasma, are then injected with technique identical to prolotherapy or reconstructive therapy.
What are the results of platelet rich plasma injections?
The results are the same as that with prolotherapy injections with the possibility of a faster result. These results are the re-growth of new natural tissue of tendon, ligament, bone, nerve, cartilage, blood vessel and supportive connective tissue.
Who performs platelet rich plasma therapy?
A physician experienced in prolotherapy is most desirable. Dr. Faber is one of the world’s most experienced physicians, having done prolotherapy/reconstructive therapy for 28 years as of 2009. Dr. Faber’s book on prolotherapy, Pain, Pain Go Away has been reprinted 13 times and is considered an excellent resource for patients as well as a primer for physicians.
Are there advantages to platelet rich plasma therapy?
Yes, there are many. Like prolotherapy it causes the re-growth of tissues leading to the possible resolution of many years of pain, loss of function, disability and lack of endurance. Instead of symptom relief with medications, cortisone, nerve blocks, Synvic®, arthroscopy and even more invasive surgical procedures that remove anatomy as well as inserting rods, screws, plates and cages; this therapy has an expectation of re-growth of tissue and long term relief without drugs, electronic devices or surgery.
Is exercise or physical therapy needed with platelet rich plasma and/or prolotherapy?
In most cases no. Once structures are re-grown the pain decreases or is eliminated. Function and endurance returns. The patient increases in his abilities automatically as a result of the re-growth.
Why aren’t more doctors doing platelet rich plasma and/or prolotherapy?
There are a number of reasons. First, the principle training of physicians is in medicine and surgery. Second, the insurance and government systems have a preference for the allopathic medicine and surgery methods. Third, physicians must re-train outside of their medical school and intern and residency programs to learn and become skilled in prolotherapy or platelet rich plasma therapy.
For more information about platelet rich plasma therapy and reconstructive or prolotherapy treatments, contact the osteopathic treatment professionals at the Milwaukee Pain Clinic.
Those interested in osteopathic treatment methods should also see Dr. Faber's books on prolotherapy and alternative treatments for pain relief.