Joint pain is difficult to live with. Whether it’s from an old injury, degenerative condition, or simple overuse, it can interfere with normal life and requires long-term management. Recent developments, however, suggest it’s possible to treat pain without surgery. Through platelet-rich plasma therapy, we can encourage your body to heal itself naturally – with no surgery required. At Advanced PainCare and BioHealth Institute, we serve Central Pennsylvania and beyond with this procedure and other state-of-the-art treatments.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy in Central Pennsylvania
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What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy?
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For the longest time, the only way to treat chronic joint or muscle pain was with surgery. Recently, however, researchers have discovered it’s possible to take advantage of the body’s natural ability to heal itself. Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) is one of the methods used. It’s non-invasive and appropriate for a variety of conditions, including:
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Torn or ruptured tendons
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Tennis or golfer’s elbow
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Tendonitis
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Arthritis
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Other soft-tissue injuries
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With platelet-rich plasma therapy, patients can avoid the long recovery times associated with surgery or replacement. The procedure is also very low in risk and doesn’t require high amounts of anti-inflammatory drugs, opioid painkillers, or other prescription medications.
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How It Works
Blood is made up of a few cell types, all floating in a liquid called plasma. One of these cell types, called a platelet, spends most of the time in a dormant state. When platelets become activated, however, they cause blood to clot and stop you from bleeding. They also assist in the healing process after an injury.
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To take advantage of this natural healing process, a platelet-rich plasma shot injects the patient with plasma that has a high platelet count. To prepare one, the doctor draws a sample of your blood. The sample is then run through a centrifuge to concentrate and activate the platelets. The concentrated platelet mixture is injected directly into the injured or diseased tissue with the guidance of ultrasound imaging. It immediately begins to stimulate the body’s healing ability and encourage self-repair.
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Because the PRP injection is taken from the patient’s own body, there’s no chance of rejection or negative reaction. This makes the procedure almost risk-free. Afterward, the patient must avoid exercise for a short period and then begin a rehabilitation program to guide the self-healing process.
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Choose Advanced PainCare and BioHealth Institute
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Dr. Santo uses patient-centered methods of treatment. We believe that a patient is more than their condition, and they all deserve in-depth, personalized attention and care. That’s why we take the time to address your concerns with our unique model that addresses stability, articulation, neuromuscular status, and symmetry. Between this comprehensive approach and our advanced treatments, we help you achieve better results that last longer.
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We’re also dedicated to keeping our patients safe on every visit. We clean and disinfect rigorously, all staff members wear appropriate personal protective equipment, and concierge services are offered to take patients directly from their car to a sanitized room. To learn more about platelet-rich plasma therapy at our campus in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, contact us today.
