How to Relieve Joint Pain Using Your Own Platelets

Top 5 FAQ’s about Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

  1. What is Plasma Rich Platelet (PRP) Therapy?    

PRP is an innovative treatment that uses your body’s own platelets to stimulate healing and reduce pain.  PRP therapy introduces a high concentration of platelets (extracted via blood draw) to a damaged or injured area.  The platelets surround the affected area and trigger an immune response (just as your body would naturally) to treat the pain and possibly stimulate healing. 

  1. Who is a candidate for PRP?

Anyone suffering from joint pain or chronic tendonitis due to a sports injury or arthritis is a candidate for PRP.  

  1. What is the success rate and is it safe?

According to PRP specialist Dr. Matthew Kanaan, about 90-95% of patients experience a substantial decrease in pain and many are able to delay or even avoid surgery with the help of PRP.  The technique (such as performing the injection under ultrasound guidance) is essential to ensuring accuracy and enhancing efficacy.  Since the platelets are your own, there is little to no risk of harm.  In fact, PRP injections are performed on adolescents all the way to 100+ years old. 

  1. Is there any downtime?

There is minimal downtime after a PRP injection.  Most patients can return to work the next day but should avoid heavy activity for a few weeks.  This is one of the reasons PRP is used by professional athletes, as the goal is to return to regular activity as quickly as possible. 

  1. Is PRP covered by insurance?  

Although PRP has a growing body of data supporting its use, it is not yet covered by insurance since it is still a newer treatment. However, it is affordable for most patients. 

Schedule a PRP Consultation in Raleigh, NC

Dr. Matthew Kanaan is a Duke-trained sports medicine physician who has performed thousands of PRPs and is dedicated to offering the latest in nonsurgical orthopedic treatments.  Telehealth visits available. To schedule an appointment call our office at (919) 719-2270.

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OUR LOCATION - WHERE IS WAKE NONSURGICAL ORTHO?

3237 Blue Ridge Rd.

Raleigh, NC 27612

Phone: (919) 719-2270

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