At Jersey Shore Sports Medicine, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections are offered to treat chronic pain, which many individuals deal with on a daily basis. Whether pain originates from their job, exercise routine, strains, sprains, tendonitis or anything in between, it is certain that no one enjoys living with ongoing discomfort. Traditionally, these injuries are treated with oral medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen or physical therapy and corticosteroid injections. However, these types of treatments do not always completely resolve the pain. At this point, it is common for patients to be told that their only remaining option is surgery, which may not be the best option for everyone as it carries a number of significant risks and extended recovery time.

Enter PRP Injections, a treatment developed to help the body regenerate healthy tissue to heal chronic injuries, surgery-free. PRP has been around for quite some time, but became better known in 2006 when Hines Ward of the Pittsburgh Steelers chose PRP Injections to help heal a knee injury, later being named Super Bowl MVP for his outstanding efforts. Since then, it has moved into the mainstream as other well-known athletes, such as Kobe Bryant, have travelled to Germany to have a similar treatment performed.

So, what are PRP Injections exactly?

PRP is a procedure in which the patient’s blood is drawn and spun down in a centrifuge, concentrating the platelets and creating plasma that is rich with platelets. This platelet rich plasma is then injected into and around the affected area. Platelets have granules of growth factors within their structure, which the body utilizes as essential building blocks in healing. By injecting platelet rich plasma into the damaged area, the body is tricked into believing that the chronic injury is new and a fresh wave of healing begins.

Why would I choose PRP Injections over another treatment?

Benefits of PRP Injections include no side effects to the treatment; there is no increased risk of infection compared to other injections since we are using the patient’s own blood; there is minimal down time for recovery after the procedure, so there is no concern for extended time out of work; and athletes, dedicated exercisers and gym lovers can stay active during the healing process.

Are PRP Injections right for me?

Any injury that includes chronic damage to a tendon or ligament is potentially a candidate for this treatment. At Jersey Shore Sports Medicine, we have successfully treated partial rotator cuff tears, tennis and golfer’s elbow, chronic trochanteric bursitis, chronic MCL sprains in the knee, Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis with Platelet Rich Plasma Injections.

If you think you are a candidate, or would like more information about PRP Injections, please call our office at 609-904-2565 to make an appointment. As always, feel free to join the conversation with us on our Facebook and Twitter pages!