The root of many painful conditions is inflammation. This includes acute ligament / tendon injuries and osteoarthritis. For healing and recover to occure, the inflammation has to be controlled. Conventional therapy includes anti-inflammatory drugs, pain medication, and surgery.
A novel therapy has been developed using the body’s own platelets. Platelets are vital in blood clotting, but also are vital to controlling inflammation. Platelets signal the body’s white blood cells to come and remove debris. They also release growth factors to aid in tissue regeneration and stimulate new blood vessel growth. Studies have been done that show injection platelets into a joint imrove pain and function.
Platelets are obtained from the patient’s blood. Blood is drawn and run through filters to generate platelet rich plasma. The procedure involves a half day hospital stay. Blood is drawn and processed. During this time the joint is primed with laser therapy. The patient then has a short twighlight procedure to inject the joint(s). Any remaining plasma is then stored for 6 months, should additional injections be needed.
