Injections - PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatment
The first use of PRP is believed to date back to 1968, by a German dentist.
What is PRP treatment?
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) is a sample of your own blood characterized by high levels ofblood platelets.
Platelets are an essential component of the healing and cell regeneration process. They contain many growth factors that are responsible for stimulating tissue regeneration and healing.
The main action of these factors is to activate collagen synthesis, promote cell multiplication, and stimulate the development of blood microcirculation.
In short, PRP treatment allows you to trigger the healing process using elements from your own body.
How is PRP produced?
A blood sample is placed into a powerful centrifuge and is divided into three layers.
The deepest (heaviest) layer is mostly composed of red blood cells. The topmost (lightest) layer is pale and translucent and contains few solid elements.
The fraction that interests us is obviously the middle one because it is highly concentrated in platelets. It appears yellowish and semi-opaque.
It is precisely this component of your blood plasma that will be injected into the affected joint or tendon.
When should you consider PRP treatment?
Clinical studies have shown that PRP can be effective in many musculoskeletal conditions:
Tendon injuries:
- Internal and external epicondylitis with or without tear
- Plantar fasciitis
- Rotator cuff tendonitis and tear
- Patellar and Achilles tendonitis with or without tear
Muscle injuries:
- Acute or recurrent muscle tears
- Chronic muscle injuries
- Painful fibrotic scarring
Joint injuries:
- Traumatic or micro-traumatic chondropathies
- Gonarthrosis (osteoarthritis of the knee)
- Coxarthrosis (osteoarthritis of the hip)
- Osteoarthritis of the ankle
- Glenohumeral osteoarthritis (of the shoulder)
What should you expect during a PRP injection?
First, you must stop taking anti-inflammatorymedication for a minimum of three weeks.
On the day of the procedure, the doctor will first take a sample of your blood (20 to 40 ml). This sample will be put in the centrifuge for about 20 minutes. The portion of your blood containing a high number of platelets will be removed from the centrifuge tube and injected into the injured area, with ultrasound guidance.
From this point on, the procedure is very similar to a cortisone or hyaluronic acid infiltration (viscosupplementation).
What happens after a PRP injection? Is it painful?
You may experience a slight discomfort in the first few days due to an inflammatory reaction.
Taking anti-inflammatory medication is not recommended, as it could weaken the effect of the PRP.
Results can take a few days to a few weeks. After three or four months, your doctor will be able to determine if a second infiltration is necessary.
Does PRP work?
Results can take a few days to a few weeks. After three or four months, your doctor will be able to determine if a second infiltration is necessary.
How long should you rest after a PRP infiltration?
We recommend a moderate rest period of about two weeks after a PRP infiltration. During this period, physical activity is prohibited.
After two weeks, the patient can gradually resume all activities.
Side effects of PRP injections
Since it comes from your own blood, PRP is a so-called autologous preparation, i.e., it is 100% biocompatible and natural. The risks of rejection or allergic reactions are virtually non-existent. The risk of infection is similar to that of a simple cortisone injection. PRP is a safe treatment and is approved by Health Canada.
Contraindications
PRP treatment is not recommended for people with autoimmune diseases, pregnant or breastfeeding women, or patients taking certain types of medication such as antiaggregants, antibiotics and antidepressants.
How much does a PRP injection cost?
The infiltration technique is not covered by the RAMQ. The price of the product injected, in this case PRP, varies between $500 and $700, depending on the injection site. This product is generally not reimbursed by insurance companies.
PRP teatment are not covered by the RAMQ.
Need a PRP injection? Make an appointment with one of our physicians in one of our integrated medicine clinics. PRP treatment is recognized by Health Canada.
Make an appointment quickly in one of our clinics.