Platelet-Rich Plasma

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Prolotherapy, like Dextrose Prolotherapy, is a method of injection designed to stimulate healing. “Platelet rich plasma” is defined as “autologous blood with concentrations of platelets above baseline levels, which contains at least seven growth factors.” These are derived from a simple blood draw in the office at the time of treatment. Platelets contain a number of proteins, cytokines and other bioactive growth factors that initiate and regulate tissue healing. Circulating platelets secrete growth factors, such as platelet-derived growth factor (stimulates cell replication, angiogenesis), vascular endothelial growth factor (angiogenesis), fibroblast growth factor (proliferation of myoblasts and angiogenesis), and insulin- like growth factor-1 (mediates growth and repair of skeletal muscle). Enhanced healing is possible when platelet concentration is increased with PRP. Activated platelets “signal” to distant repair cells, including adult stem cells, to come to the injury site. Increasing the volume of platelets accordingly increases the subsequent influx of repair and stem cells. Because the concentrated platelets are suspended in a small volume of plasma, the three plasma proteins fibrin, fibronectin, and vitronectin contribute to a repair matrix. You could compare dextrose Prolotherapy and PRP this way: Prolotherapy is creating healthy soil so plants grow healthy; PRP Prolotherapy is like adding healthy compost and fertilizer. Best results are obtained through a combination and therapies and this requires several injections of PRP in most cases. Typically 3-5 are needed over a year or more for best results.

We can also provide FDA registered placental or cord stem cells to your treatment as an option. This can be discussed in consultation. At this time we are no longer offereing bone marrow stem cell.