What Is PRP Therapy

WHAT IS PRP THERAPY?

At Integrative Medical Pain Clinic, Dr. Linda Li utilizes the power of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to treat a number of painful conditions. Taken from a vial of your own blood, Dr. Li can formulate a platelet-rich solution, which is then put into a syringe, and the healthy growth factors are injected into your damaged or impaired joints. PRP therapy can be beneficial for individuals who have undergone joint replacement surgery or an injury or as a way to treat chronic or acute pain conditions. As a minimally invasive treatment, PRP can enhance the natural healing response within your body, as well as reduce inflammation, and allow you to live a more comfortable life. To learn more about advanced PRP therapy, contact our Chicago or Rockford office to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Linda Li.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PRP THERAPY?

Athletes and active individuals alike benefit from the use of PRP therapy. For athletes, platelet-rich plasma can repair painful injuries associated with torn ligaments and tendons. Our treatment promotes fast recovery so patients in Chicago and Rockford can return to their favorite sports and activities quickly and without jeopardizing their health. PRP therapy can also be used to treat common conditions like arthritis that cause joint discomfort. No matter your level of activity, we can customize a treatment plan that helps you feel better and enjoy life again.

WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR PRP THERAPY?

Patients who experience everyday pain and discomfort, even after a series of additional treatments, may be candidates for PRP therapy. Since PRP is made from your own blood, it is a useful way to alleviate joint pain and discomfort following surgery, trauma, or an injury. During your consultation, Dr. Williams will evaluate your current medical conditions to determine if PRP is ideal for you and your needs. Instances in which PRP can be useful include if:

• You need an alternative or additional surgery or cannot have surgery
• You would like to postpone having a joint replacement surgery to a future date
• You would like to supplement your current pain management treatments
• You have tried many different options with minimal relief

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING PRP THERAPY

The PRP treatment process begins with having your blood drawn by one of our experienced experts. After the blood has been collected, it will be placed in a centrifuge in order to separate the platelets from the other elements of the blood. Next, Dr. Linda Li will inject the PRP into the troublesome area. The exact amount of time your treatment takes will vary, depending on the number of areas injected with the solution. For most patients, a series of treatments may be necessary in order to achieve optimal pain-relief results.

HOW LONG IS RECOVERY AFTER PRP THERAPY?

Following your PRP treatment, you may experience slight tenderness or bruising near or around the injection site. A member of our team will also provide you with all necessary aftercare instructions to ensure you restore properly and achieve the best possible results. While side effects are highly unlikely, we encourage you to contact our facility if you experience fever, inflammation, or unexplainable pain following your injections. You will also need to attend a follow-up appointment so that Dr. Linda Li can evaluate your progress and recovery.

PRP THERAPY FAQ

How much does PRP therapy cost?

Treatment costs for PRP therapy will be dependent on the number of areas being treated. Dr. Linda Li will talk about a cost estimate during your initial consult at the Interventional Medical Pain Clinic and discuss all your payment options.

How long do results from PRP therapy last?

Improvements from PRP therapy for joint pain, injuries, and arthritis typically improve for 6 – 9 months or until you are healed. The results will vary with each person and depend on where the treatment is used. For arthritis pain, patients may need periodic treatments to maintain results.

How long after PRP therapy does the pain go away?

Results will depend on the patient and what condition is being treated. However, many patients can begin to see relief from pain within 3 – 4 weeks after treatment, with the results continuing to improve over 6 – 9 months.

Is PRP therapy painful?

In general, PRP injections aren’t painful, but it depends on which part of the body is being injected. Injections into joints typically only cause minor discomfort. After treatment, there may be some minor tenderness, swelling, or bruising around the injection site.

EXPERIENCE REJUVENATED RESULTS

With various innovative treatment options available today, you should not have to live with painful symptoms. At Integrative Medical Pain Clinic, we can work with you to create a PRP therapy treatment plan that will allow you to experience successful pain relief. Contact our state-of-the-art orthopedic facility to learn more about the many benefits of PRP therapy and discover if it is right for you. We look forward to hearing from you.