Platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) injections have been making headway in medicine for the last decade due to their effective treatment of common tendonitis pain. While PRP injections are most often used to heal the chronically inflamed tendons of your ankle, knee, and elbow, they have also been used to treat fractures, tears, and arthritis as well. The procedure is most popular among active individuals and is often utilized by professional athletes, such as Tiger Woods and Rafael Nadal to name a few. We all know the road to recovery from a chronic overuse injury can often be an irritating one, and while this treatment may be a solution to your problem, let’s first go over what this procedure is as well as the pros and cons.
The Procedure:
Platelet-rich plasma injections are injections of, you guessed it, platelets directly into the injured area. To do this, the nurse first draws your blood. After a quick process to separate the blood into its components, the doctor then takes the platelet portion and injects the platelets directly into the area of interest. Why platelets? While platelets are commonly known for their blood clotting effects, platelets also contain a high concentration of growth factors that help speed up recovery. After a brief period of continued discomfort after the injection, the body then begins to utilize the concentrated growth factors to repair the chronically injured area.
The Pros:
- The procedure only takes about 30 minutes.
- The injections are site-specific.
- The cost of treatment is a fraction of other, more invasive, treatment options like surgery.
- No foreign material is being injected into your body; it’s a concentration of your own healing mechanisms.
The Cons:
- The procedure is moderately invasive, due to the drawing of your blood.
- Numbing agents cannot be used before injecting the injured site.
- Insurance doesn’t always cover the cost.
If you are an active individual seeking out help with relieving your pain and improving your function, this procedure may be for you. Several of our providers, including Dr. Slattery and Dr. Dujela have been administering PRP injections for years. A couple of them have even tried the treatment themselves.
There are several locations in the South Sound Region that offer this treatment, however our Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeons, Dr. Slattery, and our RN’s bring a level of expertise that is not found anywhere else. Specifically, Dr. Slattery has a subspecialty in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine and is fellowship trained in Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. Dr. Dujela also has extensive training and years of experience administering PRP injections. The location of the injection can be the most important factor concerning the success of the treatment, and we assure you that we can provide the best possible outcome thanks to our training. On top of all this, Washington Orthopaedic Center offers this procedure for a fraction of the price that other offices may charge. Be active in your journey to an improved quality of life. Give us a call at 360-736-2889 to set up a consultation today.