Regenerative medicine is becoming more and more popular every day, and it continues to see developments in the medical field. What once required surgery might now be treated in a less invasive – and far less risky – manner.
Small tears in the body, arthritis, and other painful issues have seen tremendous results through regenerative therapy – and with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy in particular.
What Is PRP Therapy?
In PRP therapy, your doctor takes a sample of your own blood. The physician then concentrates the platelets using a machine, and the concentration is then re-injected back into the body in the specific area of pain or injury.
In as little as one trip to the doctor’s office, your doctor can draw a normal amount of blood (30-60cc), which is spun into a far more concentrated solution – around 3cc.
The purpose is to help foster regeneration of cells in that area. The natural clotting capabilities of the newly injected platelets can help trigger healing activity.
What Can Result from Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy?
After your body begins to absorb the new infusion of platelets in the area, you are likely to see improvements in your pain and mobility within a few weeks – depending on the severity of your pain or injury.
After your injections, just as with any recent procedure, you’ll want to take it easy and avoid pain medication that can thin your blood. Follow orders presented by your doctor, and discuss whether further treatment sessions may be necessary to gain the full effect.
What Does PRP Treat?
This special concentration of platelets can help heal a torn rotator cuff, a knee that is suffering from arthritis, or general joint pain. It is important that you talk to your doctor when you are first considering PRP therapy.
PRP might be excellent in accompanying physical therapy, pain management shots, cortisone shots, or even surgery. And if you have tried other treatments but your pain persists, PRP therapy may be a good option to try. Everyone’s body is different and has different chemistry, so it’s important to try different methods to see what works for you.
Regenerative therapy is still fairly experimental, and results are not guaranteed to increase your mobility or improve your pain because it will depend on your body’s response to the injections. Ask your doctor about how many sessions of PRP you might need to notice a difference in your quality of life.
There is also a chance that your injury might be too severe and thus not make you a good candidate for PRP therapy. PRP does not heal complete ruptures, full tears of ligaments, or major muscular tears that require surgery.
What Does PRP Therapy Cost?
Most insurance companies still view PRP is experimental, and for that reason, you should prepare yourself for the need to pay for PRP therapy out-of-pocket. A PRP session can cost between about $500 to $2,000, and prices vary based on demand, location, and expertise of the medical provider.
PRP Therapy in Minnesota
If you think PRP therapy may help your health condition, talk to the experts at Between the Bridges Healing Center in Mankato, Minnesota. We also have a satellite office in Clinton, South Carolina.
To make an appointment, call us today at (507) 388-7488 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to evaluating your situation, answering your questions, and ultimately helping you feel better again.
