Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is produced by concentrating our own blood through a process known as density gradient centrifugation. PRP is defined as plasma that contains a higher platelet concentration that is physiologically found in plasma. PRP contains a higher concentration of growth factors and bioactive proteins that have been found to stimulate healing and decrease inflammation.

Not all PRP is created equally! There is significant variability of PRP produced by the different commercially available systems on the market today. PRP can also be influenced by an individual’s age, platelet count at the time of the blood draw, how the blood is, medications use such as aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and overall health. Clinical research supports the use of PRP to decrease pain and inflammation resulting from soft tissue injuries or from joint disorders such as arthritis and degeneration. PRP can also be applied directly into damage tissues such as bone, muscles, ligaments, meniscus, tendons and intervertebral discs to promote healing and reduce pain.

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Platelets or thrombocytes are the smallest cells circulating in blood. They perform a vital role in preventing blood loss by clumping together forming a clot, a function known as hemostasis. Platelets contain alpha granules that play a vital role in hemostasis, inflammation and wound healing. When platelets are activated due to an injury, they possess the ability to stimulate the healing cascade by releasing growth factors, cytokines and other bioactive proteins in addition to recruiting progenitor cells.

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When an injury occurs our body sets into motion an immune response referred to as the “Healing cascade” in order to repair the injured tissues. The healing response progresses through four overlapping phases over several months: Hemostasis, Inflammatory, Proliferative, and Maturation phases, resulting in partial or complete repair and restoration of the damaged tissue.

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Dr. Podesta recommend the following important steps in preparation for all orthobiologic procedures:

1. Discontinue any anti-inflammatory medications (Ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Naproxen, Motrin , Aspirin, Baby aspirin, Celebrex, Voltaren, Meloxicam and Mobic, Oral or Topical Steroids including creams, Cholesterol medications (Statins)etc.) and supplements (Turmeric, Fish oil, Curcumin, Chondroitin, Cosamine etc.) 10 to 14 days prior to your procedure.
2. Please eat breakfast the morning before and drink fluids the morning of and night prior to your treatment to assure adequate hydration to facilitate blood draw.
3. If there is a medical condition or reason that your physician feels you should not briefly discontinue any medications, please discuss this with Dr. Podesta prior to treatment.

At the time of your initial consultation with Dr. Podesta, will discuss how to prepare for your orthobiologic treatment. Please inform Dr. Podesta or his staff of ALL medication you are currently taking including supplements and homeopathic preparations.

Certain prescribed, over the counter medications or natural supplements my need to be temporarily discontinued prior to treatment due to their inhibitory effects on platelet or progenitor (stem cell) function. A comprehensive list will be provided prior to your procedure.

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Not all PRP is created equally. The composition and concentration of PRP can be influenced by the specific processing system used, as well as individual factors such as your age, overall health, current platelet count, and whether you are taking medications like aspirin or anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) at the time of your blood draw.

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Yes. While PRP is highly effective on its own, it can also be used in combination with other orthobiologic therapies. Combining treatments enriches the healing response, making it particularly beneficial for addressing more severe or chronic pain and joint dysfunction.

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Using precise guidance, PRP can be applied directly into a wide variety of damaged structures. These include bone, muscle, ligaments, tendons, the knee meniscus, and intervertebral discs to stimulate localized healing and significantly reduce pain.

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When activated by an injury or injection, platelets release vital growth factors and bioactive proteins that trigger your body's natural four-stage healing cascade: Hemostasis, Inflammatory, Proliferative, and Maturation phases. This natural, multi-month biological process works to repair and fully restore damaged tissue strength.