PRP is an injection treatment that is derived from the patient’s own blood, and contains a high concentration of regenerative substances, such as growth factors and collagen stimulators. The treatment can be effective for pain management, injury rehabilitation, wound healing, facial aesthetics, hair growth, and anti-aging.

How does PRP work?

Blood contains a large quantity of platelets that can be extracted through a centrifuging process in the doctor’s office. The patient’s blood is removed with a simple blood draw, then “spun down” in a special machine to a concentrated substance called Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), which is then injected into different areas of the patient’s body. The platelets have a remarkable ability to attract specific substances into the area that has been injected. These substances, such as collagen growth factors and immune-stimulating proteins, allow the body to begin a process of regeneration in the skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, or scalp. Because the solution is extracted from the patient’s own blood, there is no risk of infection or major side effects.

What is in the PRP Injections?

The only ingredient is the extracted plasma from the patient’s own blood.

Conditions treated with PRP include:

• Rotator cuff injuries, including partial tears
• Tennis elbow and Golfer’s elbow
• Knee injuries: meniscal tears, and ligament sprains
• Achilles tendinosis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Acute sprains and joint injuries
• Enhance natural aesthetics
• Sexual wellness

What to expect from treatment:

The treatment itself can be uncomfortable; most people have some pain during and after the procedure, and this may last for up to 72 hours. Our doctors discuss recovery and follow up with each patient, since these can differ depending on the area of the injection. Patients are advised to refrain from taking any NSAIDs for at least 2 weeks following the injections. Treatments are often spaced a month apart, for a total of 3 treatments, but the doctor will personalize the plan for each patient’s particular condition.

Blood may not be the sexiest topic but your own blood may be the secret to health and vitality.

Sound bizarre? Think again. Here in the realm of naturopathic medicine, we live by the tenet that our bodies are built to heal themselves. Proof of this emerges in myriad ways, from scabs that eventually form fresh skin to an (albeit exasperating) itch—a sure sign that blood is moving towards a wound in the name of healing. Overall, the human body is a miraculous creation, designed for curing itself and tremendous resilience.

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