Platelet Rich Plasma / Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy is a relatively new technique that uses the growth factors in your own blood to accelerate healing old damaged tissue. It is most commonly used for ligament and tendon strains and sprains. It is also popular to decrease the pain and promote healing of joints with osteoarthritis. A small sample of the patients’ blood is drawn and the platelet rich component is removed, this component of platelets also contains the body’s growth factors that are used in healing damaged tissue. The concentrated platelet rich plasma is then injected into and around the point of injury, jump starting the healing process. Since your own blood is used, there is no risk of a transmissible infection.

More recently FDA approved, stem cell rich amniotic fluid has gained popularity over platelet rich plasma as it contains more growth factors and stem cells. Many acute injuries do not heal adequately and can lead to chronic pain and loss of function of the injured area, in many cases PRP and stem cell therapy are indicated.