What is PRP?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a regenerative therapy that utilizes the healing properties found in a patient’s own blood. The treatment involves concentrating platelets, growth factors, and other bioactive substances to promote tissue repair and regeneration.
Applications of PRP in Musculo-Skeletal Health
PRP is commonly used to address various musculo-skeletal conditions, including:
- Tendon Injuries: Such as tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis, and rotator cuff injuries.
- Joint Pain: For conditions like osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint diseases.
- Ligament Injuries: Including sprains and tears.
- Muscle Injuries: Such as strains and tears.
How PRP is Extracted and Processed
Advantages of PRP Over Cortisone Shots
Safety and Autologous Nature of PRP Low-Risk Profile
Why PRP is Considered Low-Risk:
- Autologous Source : PRP is derived from your own blood, minimizing the risk of adverse reactions or infections associated with donor-derived substances.
- Minimized Side Effects : With a low risk of allergic reactions or rejection, PRP provides a safe alternative to some traditional treatment options.
- Non-Invasive : PRP injections are minimally invasive compared to surgical interventions, reducing the overall risk of complications.
Autologous Healing
Harnessing Your Body’s Healing Power:
- Personalized Treatment: PRP utilizes the patient's own biological resources, tailoring the treatment to individual needs.
- Natural Healing Cascade: The concentrated platelets and growth factors in PRP harness your body's innate ability to repair and regenerate damaged tissues.
- Reduced Foreign Substances: As an autologous therapy, PRP avoids the use of synthetic or foreign substances, enhancing its compatibility with your body.
Addressing the Root Cause
PRP: A Regenerative Approach
- Regenerative Properties: PRP is renowned for its regenerative capabilities, stimulating the natural healing processes within the body.
- Tissue Repair and Regeneration: Unlike cortisone shots that primarily provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation, PRP goes a step further. It addresses the root cause by promoting tissue repair and regeneration, leading to sustained and long-term improvement.
Longer-Lasting Relief
PRP’s Lasting Impact
- Extended Duration of Relief: Cortisone shots often offer temporary relief by suppressing inflammation. In contrast, PRP provides longer-lasting results by actively supporting the healing and regeneration of damaged tissues.
- Reduced Need for Repeat Injections: PRP's regenerative effects may reduce the need for frequent injections compared to cortisone shots, offering a more convenient and enduring solution.
Low Risk of Side Effects
Safety Profile of PRP
- Minimized Side Effects: PRP's autologous nature significantly reduces the risk of adverse reactions or allergies, offering a safer alternative compared to cortisone shots.
- Patient-Friendly Healing: PRP promotes healing without introducing foreign substances, aligning with the body's natural processes for a patient-friendly experience.
Customized, Autologous Treatment
Tailored Healing with PRP
- Personalized to Your Body: PRP is derived from the patient's own blood, ensuring a customized treatment that aligns with individual needs.
- Avoidance of Synthetic Substances: Unlike cortisone shots, which introduce synthetic substances, PRP harnesses the body's own resources, minimizing the risk of foreign substance-related complications.
PRP Therapy: Contraindications
While Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a versatile and effective treatment, certain contraindications may affect its suitability for some individuals. It’s crucial to consult with our medical professionals at RADIOMEDIC to assess your eligibility for PRP therapy. Here is a list of common contraindications:
Blood Disorders
Individuals with hematologic disorders, such as hemophilia or thrombocytopenia, may be at an increased risk of bleeding complications during or after PRP therapy.
Active Infections
PRP involves injecting a concentrated solution derived from the patient's blood. Active infections at the injection site or systemic infections may increase the risk of complications.
Cancer
Patients with active cancer or a history of certain cancers may not be suitable candidates for PRP therapy. Consultation with an oncologist is recommended.
Chronic Liver Disease
Conditions such as cirrhosis may affect the body's ability to heal and may increase the risk of complications.
Severe Systemic Diseases
Individuals with severe systemic diseases, such as uncontrolled diabetes or autoimmune disorders, may experience challenges in the healing process.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Due to the limited research on the safety of PRP during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is generally advisable to avoid PRP therapy during these periods.
Allergies to Blood Components
Patients with allergies to components found in blood or blood products may experience adverse reactions to PRP therapy.
Anticoagulant Medications
Individuals taking anticoagulant medications or blood-thinning drugs may need to adjust their medication regimen before undergoing PRP therapy.
Systemic Steroid Use
Chronic or systemic steroid use may interfere with the regenerative properties of PRP and may impact the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
Local Infections at the Treatment Site
Active infections at the site where PRP is to be administered may increase the risk of spreading the infection or interfere with the healing process.
Uncontrolled Hypertension
Patients with uncontrolled hypertension may need to manage their blood pressure before considering PRP therapy.
It is essential to disclose your complete medical history, including current medications and any underlying health conditions, to ensure a thorough assessment of your eligibility for PRP therapy. We will make sure that you do not have any contraindications using our PRP questionnaire prior to your procedure.
What to expect the day of your procedure
You will first be greeted, registered and redirected to the changing rooms with instructions specific to your case.
The nurse or the technologist will review with you the pre-filled questionnaire (completed and submitted by email prior to your procedure date).
Your blood will be drawn just like a standard blood test.
As your PRP is being extracted, a radiologist will perform a diagnostic ultrasound in order to reassess your condition prior to the injection.
Once the PRP sample is available, the radiologist will inject it precisely in the target area using a small needle under ultrasound guidance to spread the PRP exactly where the injury is.
And that’s it! You will be handed some basic post-procedure care instructions and you’ll be on your way out if you are feeling good.
For those that tend to experience vagal episodes with needles, we will keep you with us until you feel energetic enough to be on your way.
COST: 850$ per injection (not covered by RAMQ)
TOTAL DURATION: 45-60 minutes
NUMBER OF TREATMENTS REQUIRED: As many as needed if positive response