In a couple of earlier blogs, I wrote about Platelet Rich Plasma and its effectiveness in relieving acute or chronic pain by promoting the natural healing potential of the body. This relatively new treatment uses platelets that are easily taken from your own blood in a one-hour, minimally invasive procedure performed by the skilled doctors at NJ Pain Care Specialists. Following an injury, these platelets are activated and release healing proteins, which help to speed up recovery time.
In my last article, I mentioned some of the specific conditions PRP is being used to treat, but my list was not very expansive. Now, to give hope to patients suffering from other painful and/or chronic conditions, here is a more complete run-down of ailments that the promising procedure is helping:
- Chronic Plantar Fasciitis
- New Wounds and Non-Healing Ulcers (using PRP gel)
- Fractures
- Osteoarthritis of the Knee, Shoulder, Hip and Spine
- Rotator Cuff Tears
- ACL Injuries
- Pelvic Pain and Instability
- Back and Neck Injuries
- Tennis Elbow
- Ankle Sprains
- Tendinitis
- Ligament Sprains
Many professional athletes and active individuals have received PRP for various problems, such as sprained knees and chronic tendon injuries. These types of conditions have typically been treated with medications, physical therapy, or even surgery. Some world-class athletes have credited PRP with their being able to return more quickly to competition.
Although I have personally seen exciting results using PRP at NJ Pain Care Specialists, the medical community is awaiting more scientific evidence before it can accept PRP therapy as effective for all of the above conditions. However, because PRP is created from a patient’s own blood, it is considered a relatively low-risk treatment with the potential to improve or speed healing.
At the present time, PRP Treatments are not covered by medical insurance.
