WILMINGTON, Del., Feb. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Vic Kalman, orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist offers Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy for injury recovery and joint pain relief at the Morgan Kalman Clinic in Wilmington, DE.
The procedure is gaining increased popularity in the sports medicine field nationally especially because it is more of a "natural" therapy, using the patient's own blood.
PRP injection therapy involves injecting some of the patient's own blood into the chronically damaged tendon, ligament or joint. A small amount of the patient's own blood is drawn in the office, similar to getting a standard blood test. The blood is then spun down in a centrifuge, which highly concentrates the platelets in the blood. The resulting platelet concentrate is then injected directly into the damaged portion of the ligament, tendon or joint under ultrasound guidance.
PRP is an emerging treatment in a new health sector known as Regenerative Injection Therapy (RIT). This philosophy merges cutting edge technology with the body's natural ability to heal itself. In the last 20 years we have learned that when activated in the body, platelets release healing proteins called growth factors. We are therefore able to deliver growth factors that can enhance recovery.
How many treatments depends on the injury and response to the PRP. Most injuries respond to one to three treatments. The actual injection takes a minute or less. The entire process, from drawing the blood, to spinning it down in the centrifuge, and then injecting it normally takes 30 minutes.
Prior to injecting the platelet concentrate, the injured area and overlying skin first are anesthetized to reduce any discomfort from the injection. There is a period of several days of soreness after the treatment. Patients are discouraged from taking anti-inflammatory medications, such as Motrin or Aleve, since these can actually hinder the healing process. Tylenol is allowed during this time.
Most tendon, ligament, joint injuries and some muscle injuries can be treated with PRP. Studies also support PRP for knee osteoarthritis pain.
The risks from treatment are very rare and are related to the injection itself, not the solution injected. They can include localized infection, bleeding or bruising or, very rarely, temporary nerve damage.
The treatment may not be covered by your insurance plan.
Call (302) 529-5500 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Vic Kalman, he looks forward to helping you.
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SOURCE Morgan Kalman Clinic
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