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Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Specialist

Orthopedic Associates PA

Orthopedic Surgeons located in Farmington, NM

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can speed healing and reduce symptoms of a variety of orthopedic conditions, including arthritis of the knee. Tyson Christensen, MD, and the team at Orthopedic Associates PA offer PRP injections at their clinic in Farmington, New Mexico. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today to find out if you’re a good candidate for PRP therapy.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Q&A

What is PRP?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a regenerative medicine treatment that uses components of your own blood. Plasma is the liquid base of your blood that contains solid substances, including red cells, white cells, and platelets.

In addition to clotting blood, platelets contain proteins called growth factors that stimulate your body’s healing process. PRP has about 5-10 times more platelets than regular blood. When injected into an area of damaged tissue, PRP releases a flood of growth factors that promote healing.

How effective is PRP?

Scientists are currently researching the effectiveness of PRP on various diseases and injuries. Existing research shows that PRP injections are more effective than other treatments, such as viscosupplementation, at reducing pain and symptoms in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

What does PRP treat?

In addition to arthritis, the team at Orthopedic Associates PA may use PRP to speed up the healing process for a variety of conditions, including:

  • Chronic tendon injuries like Achilles tendonitis
  • Acute ligament and muscle injuries like an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear
  • Post-surgical healing

They use PRP therapy on many parts of the body, including the foot and ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, hand, and wrist.

How does PRP work?

While more research is needed to understand exactly how PRP works, clinical studies suggest that it provides several benefits in orthopedic applications, including:

  • Stimulating tissue regeneration, including cartilage
  • Reducing inflammation and slowing the progression of arthritis
  • Increasing lubricating fluid in a joint
  • Relieving joint pain

PRP treatment can improve your quality of life and functional mobility while reducing the need for surgery and pain-relieving medications.

What should I expect from a PRP treatment?

PRP therapy is an in-office treatment that doesn’t require surgery, anesthesia, or risk of serious side effects. First, your provider at Orthopedic Associates PA draws a vial of blood, typically from your arm. They process the blood to obtain PRP.

Then, they inject the PRP into the area of injured or damaged tissue. The growth factors trigger a cascade of healing and tissue regeneration in the treatment area. Because inflammation is a natural part of this process, it’s normal to experience a temporary increase in swelling and pain for a few days.

To learn how PRP therapy can improve your quality of life, call Orthopedic Associates PA, or book an appointment online today.

 

Services

Our Orthopedic and Podiatric care encompass a wide range of specialties. Covering everything from sports medicine, total joint replacement and revision, osteoporosis, arthroscopic reconstruction of the knee and shoulder, pediatric orthopedics, foot and ankle reconstruction, and care for all foot and toe related pain or issues.