Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group is excited to offer Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy to relieve pain and promote long-lasting healing of bone, muscle, and joint conditions.

PRP therapy is a non-invasive, cutting-edge procedure that uses components of the body’s own blood cells to stimulate the natural healing process in certain orthopedic conditions. It provides effective pain relief and faster healing than surgery. Our board-certified doctors have received advanced training in PRP therapy and are thrilled to offer this treatment option.

What is PRP therapy?

The body’s first response to any soft tissue injury is to deliver platelet cells. Filled with healing and growth factors, platelets jump-start the repair process and attract the essential aid of stem cells. PRP therapy’s natural healing process accelerates the body’s efforts by delivering a higher concentration of platelets through a simple injection.

By treating injured tissues before the damage progresses and the condition becomes irreversible, PRP therapy can eliminate the need for surgery. It may also be used as a treatment for people who are not candidates for surgery. Because your own blood is used, there is no risk of a transmissible infection and a very low risk of allergic reaction.

What does PRP therapy treat?

PRP therapy is a rapidly emerging technique that shows exciting potential with osteoarthritis of the hip, knee, shoulder, and spine. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative bone disease that causes loss of mobility, chronic pain, and stiffness. Over 21 million Americans are affected by this debilitating disease.

In addition, PRP therapy has been shown to decrease the pain associated with acute and chronic tendon and ligament injuries such as partial tears, plantar fasciitis, rotator cuff injuries, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, tendonitis, strains, and sprains.

What do PRP injections involve?

PRP injections are a much simpler procedure than surgery. Performed as a short outpatient procedure, a small sample of your blood is drawn (similar to a lab test sample) and spun at high speeds, separating the platelets from the other components. The concentrated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is then injected into and around the point of injury. No stitches are necessary because only a needle is used.

The procedure takes approximately one to two hours, including preparation and recovery time. Performed safely in our office, PRP therapy relieves pain without the risks of surgery, general anesthesia, or hospital stays and without a prolonged recovery. In fact, most people return to their jobs or usual activities right after the procedure.

Up to three injections may be given within a 6-month time frame, usually performed two to three weeks apart. You may, however, gain considerable to complete pain relief after the first or second injection. Initial improvement may be seen within a few weeks, gradually increasing as healing progresses. Both ultrasound and MRI images have shown definitive tissue repair after PRP therapy, confirming the healing process.

Am I a Candidate?

PRP therapy is ideal for patients who are looking for long-term pain relief and healing without surgery, and for those who are not candidates for surgery.

For more details or to schedule a consultation with one of our physicians who specializes in PRP therapy, call us at (719) 632-7669.