If you regularly experience joint pain, you might think your only option in terms of treatment is an invasive and time-consuming orthopedic surgery. However, thanks to advances in regenerative medicine, that isn’t necessarily the case. At Roswell Pain and Weight Loss Specialists in Roswell, Georgia, interventional pain management physician Damon Kimes, MD, and the team proudly offer platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to both men and women. To learn more about this cutting-edge procedure, request an appointment by calling the office or using the online booking tool today.
book onlineWhat is platelet-rich plasma (PRP)?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a type of regenerative medicine that uses your body’s growth factors to promote healing. Plasma is a component of your blood that contains proteins. In addition to helping your blood clot, these proteins contain elements that support cell growth.
PRP therapy isolates plasma from your blood and concentrates it. By injecting this concentrated solution into a damaged or injured joint, your body creates newer, healthier cells that promote healing. Your Roswell Pain and Weight Loss Specialists provider administers PRP via injection. This means you don’t have to worry about incisions, sutures, or a lengthy recovery period like you would with surgery.
What types of issues can PRP treat?
PRP is incredibly versatile and can relieve pain caused by a variety of musculoskeletal problems, including:
- Tendon injuries
- Knee pain
- Shoulder pain
- Hip pain
- Neck pain
You might also benefit from PRP therapy if you’ve suffered a sports-related injury or if you have osteoarthritis.
What is the process for receiving PRP injections?
The team at Roswell Pain and Weight Loss Specialists perform PRP treatment on-site, in their comfortable, welcoming offices. At the beginning of your appointment, your doctor draws a sample of blood and places it into a machine called a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins around at a rapid rate of speed, separating your platelets from the rest of your blood.
After about 15 minutes, your doctor removes your blood from the centrifuge and prepares an injection. Next, your doctor uses ultrasound-guided imaging to pinpoint specific areas for injection. For example, if you’ve injured a tendon in your knee, your doctor injects the PRP solution directly into the damaged tendon.
Is PRP safe?
Yes. PRP is safe and well-tolerated. However, because PRP involves a series of injections, there are inherent risks, including swelling at the injection site, tissue damage, and infection. The team at Roswell Pain and Weight Loss Specialists has undergone extensive training in administering PRP to ensure your comfort and safety.
What is recovery like following PRP?
Recovery following PRP depends on the severity of your initial injury. If you have a bruised or stiff knee, your doctor might ask you to take it easy for a day or two until the swelling subsides.
Some people experience significant relief from their symptoms immediately following treatment. However, healing takes place over some time. In the weeks and months following PRP injections, you’ll start noticing a significant improvement in your mobility and overall quality of life.
To request your PRP appointment at Roswell Pain and Weight Loss Specialists, call the office or use the online booking tool today.