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WHAT IS PRP?

Platelet Rich Plasma, or PRP is used to treat muscle bone and joint pain. Whether it's your hips, knees, hand/wrist, elbow, shoulder, foot/ankle or spine, PRP could be an option for you. 

 

 Platelets are pieces from cells called megakaryocytes which are produced in the bone marrow. Blood consists primarily of plasma (liquid), red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Platelets are best known for their importance in clotting blood, but they are also what triggers healing when an injury occurs. Platelets contains hundreds of different growth factors and cytokines essential to healing.

 

PRP can facilitate healing and decrease inflammation of tissue when the PRP mixture is introduced into the right location under precise guidance. Different locations and conditions in the body require different concentrations of platelets and leukocytes (white blood cells).

 

To make PRP, blood is drawn from the patient and mixed with a small amount of anticoagulant (so the blood does not clot). The blood is then placed in a centrifuge that separates the red blood cells, and the remaining platelets and plasma are then concentrated. The red blood cells are discarded. Depending on the location and condition, we will vary the concentration of platelets and leukocytes. This process, along with the injections, usually takes 30-40 minutes.

 

At the CAPRI clinic, we have done extensive research on the optimal PRP preparations for different conditions. We have a lab with a hematology analyzer so that we can measure the concentrations of the different components of our PRP.

 

A thorough assessment is perhaps the most important factor in PRP success so we can ensure we are treating the right area. Very often we will find that multiple areas need to be treated. Using the right concentration of PRP is also important, as this can vary for different areas and conditions. We also believe that image guidance by a skilled physician is important, in particular with tendon, ligaments and spine injections

FAQ Anchor

PRP APPOINTMENT OVERVIEW

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CONSULTATION: At an assessment appointment the doctor will review your medical information and perform an orthopedic exam on the areas you would like considered for treatment. You will have a chance to ask the doctor any questions you may have. This is when the doctors will collaborate with you to finalize the areas to be treated, so any joint you would like considered should be brought up at this  appointment. Please keep in mind that assessing certain areas may take more time:

  • Tendons, Joints & Ligaments Assessment - 30 minutes

  • Spine or Neck Assessment- 60 minutes

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TREATMENT: Once in the procedure room, we will extract a sample of blood, typically from your arm. The blood will then be processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and this concentrated solution will be injected directly into the areas discussed at the assessment. This is all completed under ultrasound guidance. After the procedure you may be provided with a prescription for a pain killer(Tramadol or Tramacet). You can try Tylenol extra strength and fill the prescription only as a last resort. 

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  • Tendons, Joints & Ligaments PRP: 30-45 minutes

  • Spine or Neck PRP: 60-90 minutes 

  • PM&R Assessment
    Our PM&R specialists, often referred to as physiatrists, focus on diagnosing and treating pain generated by nerve, muscle, joint, bone, and tendon conditions. A thorough medical assessment can last anywhere from 30-60 minutes. Following an assessment, our aim is to be able to treat you at our clinic or refer you to a specialist within our network.
  • Multidisciplinary Assessment
    We have a team of trained General Practitioners, Specialists and Allied Health Professionals that work together to assess and treat your pain. Depending on your condition, we can team up to provide a multidisciplinary assessment.
  • Ultrasound Guided Test Injections
    Sometimes the actual source of your pain needs more extensive investigation. Using Ultrasound Technology, we can inject a very specific location with a dextrose solution. Depending on your response to the injection, we can better understand the source of your pain and recommend treatment.
  • EMG
    Do you have pain, tingling, numbness or weakness in your hands or feet? You may have nerve and muscle related conditions causing these sensations and our physiatrists are certified by the Canadian Society of Clinical Neurophysiologists (CSCN) to use Electromyography (EMG) to properly diagnose these conditions. EMG testing measures how your nerves and muscles respond to electrical stimulation. The report, generated and interpreted by our physiatrists, helps diagnose conditions like: - Condition 1 - Condition 2 - Condition 3
  • Compartmental Pressure Testing
    In your body are groups of blood vessels, nerves and muscles called compartments. They are encompassed by a membrane called fascia. In some people this membrane is too tight, causing pain and injury. To verify the severity of your compartment pressure syndrome, our physiatrists will assess and measure the pressure in the affected compartment and make a referral to a specialist to treat your condition.
  • PM&R Assessment
    Our PM&R specialists, often referred to as physiatrists, focus on diagnosing and treating pain generated by nerve, muscle, joint, bone, and tendon conditions. A thorough medical assessment can last anywhere from 30-60 minutes. Following an assessment, our aim is to be able to treat you at our clinic or refer you to a specialist within our network.
  • Multidisciplinary Assessment
    We have a team of trained General Practitioners, Specialists and Allied Health Professionals that work together to assess and treat your pain. Depending on your condition, we can team up to provide a multidisciplinary assessment.
  • Ultrasound Guided Test Injections
    Sometimes the actual source of your pain needs more extensive investigation. Using Ultrasound Technology, we can inject a very specific location with a dextrose solution. Depending on your response to the injection, we can better understand the source of your pain and recommend treatment.
  • EMG
    Do you have pain, tingling, numbness or weakness in your hands or feet? You may have nerve and muscle related conditions causing these sensations and our physiatrists are certified by the Canadian Society of Clinical Neurophysiologists (CSCN) to use Electromyography (EMG) to properly diagnose these conditions. EMG testing measures how your nerves and muscles respond to electrical stimulation. The report, generated and interpreted by our physiatrists, helps diagnose conditions like: - Condition 1 - Condition 2 - Condition 3
  • Compartmental Pressure Testing
    In your body are groups of blood vessels, nerves and muscles called compartments. They are encompassed by a membrane called fascia. In some people this membrane is too tight, causing pain and injury. To verify the severity of your compartment pressure syndrome, our physiatrists will assess and measure the pressure in the affected compartment and make a referral to a specialist to treat your condition.
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