Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, isn’t new, but it has gained more mainstream attention in recent years. In fact, if it sounds familiar, it could be due to its popularity among professional athletes. But this cutting-edge treatment isn’t just for pros.
Dr. Jared Tadje has a leading orthopaedics practice in Meridian, Idaho. At Tadje Orthopaedics, you can find the most advanced treatments available, including OrthoBiologics and PRP therapy.
Are you curious to see what all the buzz is about with PRP? Here’s what you need to know.
PRP is a type of injection therapy that uses the platelets in your blood to activate the healing process in an area of the body with damage or disease.
Platelets have a unique job. When you sustain an injury, like a cut, they release chemicals that promote blood clotting and healing. PRP treatments harness this ability by concentrating the platelets to increase their therapeutic potential.
PRP therapy starts with a blood draw. Then we place the sample in a centrifuge to separate the platelets. The resulting therapeutic injection has 5-10 more platelets than usual. When injected into tissue with damage or disease, this rich concentration can offer numerous benefits, including encouraging healing and new cell growth.
PRP uses your own blood, so it comes with few risks. And since it works by healing tissue damage at the treatment site, it provides a safe, long-term solution that can reduce your need for pain medications or other more invasive treatments.
Dr. Tadje recommends PRP for a variety of orthopaedic conditions, such as:
PRP can also provide beneficial outcomes with wound healing after surgical procedures.
While PRP is safe and effective, Dr. Tadje usually suggests more conservative treatments first, like physical therapy.
Dr. Tadje does PRP treatments at his state-of-the-art clinic during a standard appointment. It usually takes about 30 minutes, which includes your blood draw, preparing your injection, and administering your treatment.
After the PRP injection, most of our patients can resume regular activity, but Dr. Tadje provides customized guidelines on a case-by-case basis.
Since PRP works to restore healthy tissue in the treatment site, you shouldn’t expect a difference immediately. Instead, it can take several weeks before improvements begin, with maximum benefits within three months.
Dr. Tadje might suggest a series of PRP injections for the best results. Unfortunately, insurance doesn’t pay for these treatments, but early results for this therapy are quite promising.
Are you curious to see if PRP is right for you? Contact Tadje Orthopaedics to schedule a consultation by calling 208-515-2654 today.
