Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

WHAT IS PLATELET-RICH PLASMA? PRP, otherwise known as Platelet Rich Plasma, is a relatively new technique used to help aid in the recovery of soft tissue injuries and arthritic conditions (tendons, ligaments and cartilage). These concentrated platelets found in PRP contain huge reservoirs of bio-active protein, including growth factors that are vital to initiate and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration. The goal of these bio-active proteins is to stimulate connective tissue healing, bone regeneration and repair, promote development of new blood vessels, and stimulate the wound healing process.
WHAT CONDITIONS CAN BE TREATED WITH PRP? PRP injections can be performed in tendons, ligaments and joints all over the body. Numerous common musculoskeletal conditions and sports injuries are treated with PRP; these include:

Knee Pain

  • Patellar tendonitis/tendinosis
  • Quadriceps muscle injuries
  • Ligament sprains and tears
  • Bursitis
  • Osteoarthritis

Hip Pain

  • Hip muscle pain or injury
  • Bursitis
  • Sacroiliac joint pain
  • Hamstring tendonitis or tears
  • Osteoarthritis

Shoulder and Arm Pain

  • Rotator Cuff tendonitis, tendonopathy and partial tears
  • A-C joint pain and arthritis
  • Biceps tendonitis
  • Medial and Lateral epicondylitis (golfers and tennis elbow)
  • Osteoarthritis

Lower Leg and Foot Pain

  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Shin Splints
  • Peroneal tendonitis
  • Ankle sprains
  • Achilles tendonitis and partial tears
  • Osteoarthritis

IS PRP RIGHT FOR ME? WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

If you have a tendon or ligament injury, arthritic joint. meniscus tear, rotator cuff injury, shoulder pain, or bursitis and traditional methods have not provided relief, then PRP therapy may be the solution. The procedure is less aggressive and less expensive than surgery. It heals tissue with minimal or no scarring and alleviates further degeneration of the tissues and can lessen the severity of arthritis. Moreover, many patients are excited about not being out of work or ‘out of commission’ during their recovery. It is exciting to have this option.

HOW DOES PRP THERAPY WORK?

During PRP therapy, a small sample of the patient’s blood is drawn (similar to a lab test sample) and placed in a centrifuge that spins the blood at high speeds, separating the platelets from other blood components. The process takes less than 15 minutes and increases the concentration of platelets and growth factors up to 500% greater than levels found in your own blood. The concentrated Platelet Rich Plasma is then injected into and around the point of injury, strengthening the body’s natural healing agent.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS?

You are restricted from the use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) one day prior to the procedure and one day after the PRP injection. Initially the procedure may cause some localized soreness and discomfort. Most patients only require some extra strength Tylenol to help with the pain. Ice and heat may be applied to the area as needed. The first week after the procedure, patients will typically start a rehabilitation program with physical therapy. However, aggressive physical activity is discouraged.

HOW SOON CAN I GO BACK TO REGULAR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY? WHAT ARE THE EXPECTED RESULTS?

The goal is to resolve pain through healing. It can help regenerate tendons and ligaments and cartilage but it is not a quick fix. This therapy is stimulating the growth and repair of tendons, ligaments and cartilage requiring time and rehabilitation. The need for surgery can also be greatly reduced by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Darr and treating injured tissues before the damage progresses and the condition is irreversible.

WHAT ARE CYTOKINES? AND HOW DO THEY WORK?

Cytokines are the signaling molecules of your body – they tell your platelets and stem cells where to go by guiding and directing them to the localized injured parts of your body. These signalers also help heal and repair problematic musculoskeletal conditions and connective tissue, which are crucial to the healing and repairing of your body. Without them the rest of your body wouldn’t know what to repair or when.

HOW DO CYTOKINES APPLY TO ORTHOPEDICS? AND HOW CAN CYTOKINE THERAPY ENHANCE PRP TREATMENTS?

Cytokines play a crucial role in initiating, maintaining, and regulating immunologic homeostatic and inflammatory processes. These same Cytokines address orthopedic injuries, such as osteoarthritis, tendonitis and bursitis. They perform by sending signals to the localized cells when repair begins However at the site of injury, there is also an overflow that can interfere with some of the repair which explains why so often, natural repair is limited. By using combinations of certain cytokines, like growth factors and interleukins, we can now tailor repair based on specific tissue (tendon or cartilage). These FDA registered oral cytokines are used both before and after PRP & regenerative procedures to customize a desired biologic effect depending on the individuals baseline level of inflammation and underlying capacity to heal. Patients heal differently and utilizing cytokine therapy allows the Physician to address some variables that limit the body’s capacity to self-heal. Simply increasing the amplitude of growth factors with PRP is not enough in some cases. Cytokines can increase or decrease particular proteins based on the individual. More and more technology in regenerative medicine continues to target this specific need to customize therapy.

Reviews

Covington Ortho has the happiest patients in the Greater
New Orleans North Shore Market

The staff were absolute angels. They were very friendly and informative. I definitely recommend that anyone needing care to go to the first, you’ll be glad you did. They are really concerned about getting you better.

Mark Flaugher

7 months ago

Dr Bonvillain and his staff did an amazing job leading up to and after my surgical procedure. Dr Bonvillain did not hesitate to take on my complex foot and ankle case and the results exceeded my expectations as I am now pain free. If you have foot and ankle problems, the choice is easy. Go see the only board Certified and Fellowship Trained Orthopaedic Surgeon on the Northshore, Dr. Bonvillain!

Jeremy James

A year ago

Just have to say how pleased I am with Dr. Darr and all the staff. In September, after years of putting it off, I had total knee replacement. It went very well and so well in fact that I decided to get the other knee replaced in December. This procedure actually came out even better than the first.

My physical therapist says that I am a poster child for knee replacement. I owe it all to the skill of Dr. Darr and his caring staff. I highly recommend him.

Frank Good

10 months ago

I have received care from Covington Orthopedic for over ten years and have never failed to be impressed by the smooth running of the office and the care received from the medical staff. My provider, Dr. Reiss Plauche, and his nurse, Michelle, are a dream team. Dr Plauche is very personable and so easy to talk to. He takes his time with you and does an excellent job of explaining what is causing your problem and the options to treat it. He surgically repaired a torn meniscus in my knee in August 2019 and had me up and running in time to take a two week vacation at the end of September. Michelle went out of her way to get me scheduled for physical therapy to make sure I was in shape to enjoy that vacation. They are the absolute best of the best and so obviously care deeply about their patients.

Lauren Michaud

5 months ago

I love the Dr’s and staff at Covington Orthopedic. Your always greeted with a warm comforting welcome and a smile. The nurses treat you with compassion and kindness. The X-ray tech is always patient when your hurting and having difficulty holding a position. Finally I love Dr. Rolling. Not only does he treat you for your physical movements, but he always encourages a better healthy lifestyle, such as exercise and eating habits. He cares about your overall health. I am confident that my quality of life is much better because of the Dr’s and staff at Covington Orthopedic Clinic !!

Joe Jarrell

6 months ago