Platelet Rich Plasma Injections
Toronto SEMI is pleased to offer a brand new, very exciting therapy, for both chronic injuries, and, acute injuries where speeding up healing is a priority. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections involve withdrawing 20-60 cc of a patient’s OWN blood. Next, the blood is processed in a special centrifuge, which separates the blood into various components. One of the components, PRP, contains a high concentration of blood platelets, and as a result, a high concentration of Growth Factors. The PRP is then injected into the damaged tissue. This is where the excitement begins!
What are platelets and growth factors?
Platelets are one type of cell found in blood. These specialized cells have many functions, including helping blood clot when you are bleeding, providing a ‘scaffold’ for tissue healing when injured, and producing a myriad of ‘growth factors’ that help the body heal itself once injured. Growth factors are compounds that are made by platelets, examples of which include Platelet Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), TGF-B (Transforming Growth Factor-Beta) and VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor). These compounds are instrumental in attracting other cells that aid in healing, stimulating new blood vessel formation helpful in the healing process and promoting reproduction of cells necessary for healing. Processing the blood into PRP results in an average 4-5 fold increase in the concentration of these important growth factors. Thus, when injected into the injured tissue, a big ‘hit’ of healing compounds flood the injury, stimulating healing.
What is PRP used for?
PRP is used in a variety of problems…basically, anywhere an injury is slow in healing, or, when you may want to speed up healing beyond the averages that most people experience. Tendon injuries, ligament injuries and cartilage injuries are all potential targets for PRP injections. Conditions like plantar fasciitis, muscle tears, ligament tears, rotator cuff tendinopathy and cartilage tears may all respond to PRP. Speeding up ‘normal’ healing is also a very powerful part of PRP injections. For instance, any athlete with an upcoming important competition can benefit from PRP injections to speed up healing. An individual with a planned active vacation where an injury may negatively affect the trip can also benefit, with the hope of healing to the point where the vacation can be actively pursued and enjoyed.
How long has PRP been used?
The earliest work with PRP began about 20 years ago, but really has come to the forefront of sports medicine care only recently. In the past, it has been used to speed up surgical healing, and now it’s application has expanded to non surgical situations. In fact, PRP is often used prior to surgical intervention, and can definitely reduce the chances that you will need surgery for a stubborn injury.
Are the injections guided by ultrasound?
Many times, the structure being injected is very easy to localize, and the injection is very straight forward. These do not require ultrasound guidance. However, sometimes, ultrasound guidance is used to ensure accurate needle placement, especially for more difficult injections.
How many injections will I need?
Often one is it. Sometimes, more are needed depending on the injury and the individual.
Is there any science to support it's use?
Absolutely … more than you will care to read! See the reference list at the end of this article.
Questions?
Call us to book an appointment at 416-223-SEMI (7364) to discuss!
Table Of Contents
- EREPORTS
- Achilles Tendinopathy
- Active Release Technique
- Acupuncture and You!
- An Introduction to the Sacro-iliac Joint
- An Introduction to Viscero Somatic Pain Referral
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
- Assessing Your Mental Game
- Back Pain - Courtesy of the Iliopsoas Muscle
- Biodex
- Bunions
- Choosing the Right Shoe
- Chronic Proximal Hamstring Pain in a Runner
- Golfer's Back
- Groin Strain
- Hamstring Strains
- Heat Alert! Exercise and Hyperthermia
- Iliotibial Band Syndrome
- Intravenous Nutrition
- Is Acupuncture for You?
- Is Your Computer Hurting you?
- Knees - Your Friend or Foe?
- Leg Pain in Runners
- Low Back Pain and the Core Stabilizers
- Meniscus Tears
- Overtraining Syndrome
- Patellofemoral Paim Syndrome
- Pilates
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Platelet Rich Plasma Injections
- Plyometrics in Rehabilitation
- Predictable and Unpredictable Pain
- Q & A for the Injured Athlete
- Running Too Much? How to Stay Injury-Free as Race Day Approaches
- Shockwave Therapy
- Shoulder Instabilities Dislocations
- Shoulder Tendonitis
- Skier's Thumb
- Snowboarding Injuries
- Spring into Action ... Prevention!
- Stretching
- Tennis Elbow
- The Bothersome Hammertoe
- The Female Athlete Triad
- The No-Crave Diet
- The Thoracic Spine
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
- When It Comes to Orthotics, First Impressions Count
I have just finished a number doctor and physio sessions at SEMI. I wanted to thank your staff for the first class treatments that I received. My knee feels great and I am looking forward to resuming my workouts. I particularly want to thank the physiotherapist for all their hard work. They are professionals in every sense of the word. It is too bad the only time I see them is when there is something is wrong with me. Also thanks to your front end staff who are efficient and pleasant-it makes coming to SEMI my pleasure.
