Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Blood is made of red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. PRP is blood plasma that contains a high level of platelets. Proteins and growth factors in these platelets facilitate this innovative treatment process by first inducing an inflammatory reaction that in turn stimulates and accelerates the permanent repair and regeneration of damaged or injured tissue.
PRP is created by taking a small sample of a patient’s blood and placing it in a centrifuge, a special device that spins at high speeds to separate the platelets from the other components in the blood. The platelets are then injected into the affected area, where they enable new collagen to develop. Over time, the damaged tissue improves. Often, only one treatment is necessary to realize results.
While the same-day procedure may cause some initial localized soreness, in the long run it significantly alleviates pain and poses little risk of complications. PRP, which Dr. Kripsak has performed for many years now, is used to treat a range of sports-related injuries and conditions, including tendonitis and tears of tendons and ligaments, as well as osteoarthritis.