Activated PRP Plus Therapy
What Is Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma Plus?
Activated PRP Plus, otherwise known as Activated Platelet Rich Plasma, is a relatively new technique used to help aid in the recovery of soft tissue injuries and arthritic conditions involving tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.
A small amount of the patient’s blood is drawn and placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from other blood components. The blood is then activated using ultraviolet light prior to injection, which is the “Plus” component of this treatment.
These concentrated platelets contain large reservoirs of bio-active proteins, including growth factors that initiate and accelerate tissue repair. These proteins stimulate connective tissue healing, promote new blood vessel development, and support the wound-healing process. Activated PRP Plus improves both the effectiveness and precision of traditional PRP therapy.
What Conditions Can Be Treated With Activated PRP Plus?
Activated PRP Plus injections can be performed in tendons, ligaments and joints all over the body. Numerous common musculoskeletal conditions and sports injuries are treated with Activated PRP Plus; these include:
Knee Pain
- Patellar tendonitis or tendinosis
- Quadriceps muscle injuries
- Ligament sprains and tears
- Meniscal tears
- Bursitis
- Osteoarthritis
Hip Pain
- Hip muscle pain or injury
- Labral tears
- Bursitis
- Sacroiliac joint pain
- Hamstring tendonitis or tears
- Osteoarthritis
Shoulder And Arm Pain
- Rotator cuff tendonitis, tendinopathy, and partial tears
- A-C joint pain and arthritis
- Biceps tendonitis
- Medial and lateral epicondylitis (golfer’s and tennis elbow)
- Osteoarthritis
Lower Leg And Foot Pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Shin splints
- Peroneal tendonitis
- Ankle sprains
- Achilles tendonitis and partial tears
- Osteoarthritis
Is Activated PRP Plus Right For Me? What Are The Benefits?
Activated PRP Plus may be appropriate for patients with tendon or ligament injuries, arthritic joints, meniscus tears, rotator cuff injuries, shoulder pain, or bursitis when traditional treatments have not provided relief.
The procedure is less aggressive and more cost-effective than surgery and promotes healing with minimal to no scarring. Activated PRP Plus may help slow tissue degeneration and reduce the severity of arthritis. Many patients appreciate that recovery does not require extended time away from work or daily activities.
How Does Activated PRP Plus Therapy Work?
A small blood sample is drawn and placed in a centrifuge that spins at high speeds to separate platelets from other blood components. The platelet-rich plasma is then activated using ultraviolet light before injection.
The injection site may also be treated with Shock Wave Therapy to help further activate healing cells. MSK ultrasound guidance is used to improve injection accuracy and ensure precise placement into the treatment area. The concentrated platelet-rich plasma is injected into and around the injured tissue, enhancing the body’s natural healing response.
The injection process typically takes less than 15 minutes and increases platelet and growth factor concentrations to levels up to 500 percent higher than those found in normal blood.
Are There Any Special Instructions?
Patients should avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) one day before and one day after the PRP Plus procedure.
Some localized soreness or discomfort may occur following treatment. Most patients manage discomfort with extra-strength Tylenol. Ice or heat may be applied as needed.
Physical therapy usually begins during the first week after treatment. Aggressive physical activity should be avoided during early recovery.
How Soon Can I Return To Regular Physical Activity? What Are The Expected Results?
The goal of Activated PRP Plus therapy is pain reduction through tissue healing. Because this treatment stimulates repair of tendons, ligaments, and cartilage, improvement occurs gradually and requires time and rehabilitation.
Early intervention may significantly reduce the need for surgery by treating injured tissues before degeneration becomes irreversible. An evaluation with Dr. Darr can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
What Happens After Activated PRP Plus Treatment?
Dr. Darr personally monitors patient progress and treatment results to continually refine protocols and improve patient care.