Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

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Dr. Espinoza on PRP Treatment.

If you have chronic pain and are looking for non-invasive ways to find relief, PRP Therapy may be a treatment option for you. In this video Dr. Espinoza explains the experience of PRP treatment starting from initial evaluation, to post treatment care, and answers common questions along the way. This video is an excellent introduction to the world of biologics and Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment.

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy?

TSAOG Orthopedics & Spine is offering Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy in San Antonio, TX. We are excited to offer PRP Therapy, in which a high concentration of the patient’s own platelets and growth factors are injected directly into the injury site to promote healing and give patients another treatment option for dealing with orthopedic conditions such as joint pain and several types of injuries.

You May Benefit From PRP Injections If You Have:

Tendonitis/Tendinosis
Lower Back Pain
Acute/Chronic Sprains and Strains
Osteoarthritis Pain
Cartilage Injury
Neck Pain
Bursitis
Whiplash Injuries
Plantar Fasciitis
Labrum & Meniscus Injury

How Does Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy Work?

Blood is made up of four main components:

Plasma, which is mostly water and acts primarily as a conduit for the other three components
Red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the body’s tissue and remove carbon dioxide
White blood cells, which help the body fight infection
Platelets, which promote healing by promoting a cascade of healing effects.

Platelets promote healing through the collection and release of growth factors, which aid healing In PRP Therapy, a sample of a patient’s own blood is drawn and spun down to collect only the platelets and white blood cells from the sample. The result is a highly concentrated dose of platelets, which are then injected directly into the injury site to promote inflammation and speed the healing process

PRP Therapy Pricing

Platelet Rich Plasma

TSAOG Orthopedics and Spine offers a wide array of PRP injection services, ranging from single joint, to multiple joint injections. All Injections will be ultrasound guided.

The starting price point for a single PR injection is typically around $500, final price may vary depending on injury and pathology treated, and will not be covered by insurances, ask your doctor if PRP is right for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy?

TSAOG Orthopaedics & Spine is offering Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy in San Antonio, TX. We are excited to offer PRP Therapy, in which a high concentration of the patient’s own platelets and growth factors are injected directly into the injury site to promote healing and give patients another treatment option for dealing with orthopedic conditions such as joint pain and several types of injuries.

PRP Therapy vs. Steroid Injections

Steroid injections are not considered a long-term solution and frequent steroid injections to control pain can deteriorate tissue in the treated area. PRP Therapy offers the opportunity to treat the affected area, which can be potentially a longer term solution.

PRP Therapy vs. Surgery

If an injury or pain is severe enough, consider a consultation where you can discuss if you are a valid candidate for PRP therapy. Assuming you are a candidate for PRP Therapy, it is a less invasive option which could provide long term relief. Compared to surgery, PRP Therapy also offers a lower out-of-pocket cost, reduced risk of infection, and shorter recovery period. Ask your Physician how PRP therapy and other orthobiologics may be used to augment and optimize your recovery in conjunction with surgery.

What to Expect

Initial Visit – An initial consultation with your physician will be required to find out if you are a candidate for PRP Therapy. In some cases, an MRI may be recommended to confirm your diagnosis and rule out any underlying conditions that could cause complications. If you are determined to be a candidate for PRP Therapy, your procedure will be scheduled for another day. This initial consultation is usually covered by your insurance plan.
Preparation – In the week prior to your injection, do not take anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDS).
Procedure – PRP Therapy is an outpatient procedure done in the office and should last about one hour. Your injection will be guided by ultrasound to ensure optimal placement of the PRP. When the injection is done, it will induce inflammation, which causes immediate pain. Swelling and redness at the injection site is common and can last up to 2 days. Swelling and redness at the injection site is common, and may last up to a few days. Depending on treatment plan, the affected limb may be immobilized.
Managing Pain – Warm compresses and acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be used for the pain. If your pain persists after injection, you can contact your doctor’s office for other approved medications (prescription). Note: If your doctor requires you to take baby aspirin, this regimen may be taken pending your physicians advice.
Recovery – Activity may be restricted based on your condition and what is being treated, discuss with your doctor. Healing and improvement in pain can take approximately 6-12 weeks. A second or third injection may be required, depending on the severity of the problem. Relief from PRP Therapy can vary depending on the patient, condition, and individual response to therapy.

Is PRP Therapy Covered By My Insurance?

Unfortunately, no. Although PRP therapy has been in use since the 1970s, major insurers have yet to update their policies regarding its benefits in certain specialties, including orthopedics. For this reason, insurances will not cover PRP therapy and patients can expect an out-of-pocket cost of $500 – $800 per joint injection and $1,000 per spinal injection. FDA Still considers PRP experimental greater so

References

Moraes VY (April 2014). “Platelet-rich therapies for musculoskeletal soft tissue injuries”. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 29.
Yu W, Wang J, Yin J (2011). “Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Promising Product for Treatment of Peripheral Nerve Regeneration After Nerve Injury”. Int J Neurosci 121 (4): 176-180.
Borrione P, Gianfrancesco AD, Pereira MT, Pigozzi F (2010). “Platelet-rich plasma in muscle healing”. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 89 (10): 854-61.
Alan Schwarz (2009-02-16).“A Promising Treatment for Athletes, in Blood”. New York Times (New York).
Foster TE, Puskas BL, Mandelbaum BR, Gerhardt MB, Rodeo SA (2009). “Platelet-rich plasma: from basic science to clinical applications”. Am J Sports Med 37 (11): 2259-72.
Griffin XL, Smith CM, Costa ML (2009). “The clinical use of platelet-rich plasma in the promotion of bone healing: a systematic review”. Injury 40 (2): 158-62.7. Mishra A, Woodall J, Vieira A (2009). “Treatment of tendon and muscle using platelet-rich plasma”. Clinics in Sports Medicine 28 (1): 113-25.