Regenerative Injection Therapy with Growth Factors in Platelets Rich Plasma

An alternative approach to healing tendon,  ligament and articular injuries

What are tendons and ligaments?
Tendons, composed of collagen fibres, connect muscle to bone making it possible for you perform every day physical activities. Overuse or damage to tendons over a long period of time causes the collagen fibres in tendons to form small tears, a condition called tendinosis. Damage most often occurs in the knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, wrist, biceps, calf, hamstrings and Achilles tendons.

Ligaments are also composed of collagen fibres, connecting bone to bone i.e. joints: ankles, knees, shoulders, spine, etc., stabilizing the joint and controlling the range of motion. A damaged ligament is no longer able to provide support, weakening the joints and shifting the burden of support to muscles (and then to the tendons) which should primarily act as movement engines. Tendons and ligaments have poor blood supply particularly where they connect to bone (entheses). Once injured (sprains or strains) they do not heal easily  and the damage progresses with the stress of day-to-day activities. As a result the tendons and ligaments become inefficient, the muscles are over-taxed causing chronic pain and weakness and further damage. Medical intervention may be necessary.

I’ve heard of Cortisone Shots; is this the same?
Studies have shown that cortisone injections may actually weaken tissue. Cortisone shots may provide temporary pain relief and stop inflammation, but they do not provide long term healing. PRP therapy heals and strengthens these tendons and ligaments, strengthening and thickening the tissue up to 40% in some cases.

What can be treated?
PRP injections can be performed in tendons and ligaments all over the body. Sports injuries, arthritic joints, lower back, degenerative disc disease and more specific injuries including tennis elbow, shin splints, rotator cuff tears, plantar fasciitis , etc  They may all be effectively treated with PRP

How many treatments are necessary & how many often is this therapy administered?
While responses to treatment vary, most people will require 1-3, some as many as 6 sets of injections. Each set of treatments is spaced approximately 4 to 6 weeks apart. There is no limit to the number of treatments you can have, the risks and side effects do not change with the number of injections.

Is PRP right for me?
If you have a tendon or ligament injury and traditional methods have not provided relief, then PRP therapy may be the solution. The procedure is less aggressive and less expensive than surgery. It will heal tissue with minimal or no scarring and alleviates further degeneration of the tissues. There will be an initial evaluation with your doctor to see if PRP therapy is right for you.

Are there any special instructions?
You are restricted  from the use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) one week prior to the procedure and throughout the course of treatments.

Initially the procedure may cause some localized soreness and discomfort. Most patients only require some extra-strength Tylenol to help with the pain. Ice and heat may be applied to the area as needed.

The first week after the procedure, patients will typically start a rehabilitation program with physical therapy. However, aggressive physical activity is discouraged.

How soon can I go back to regular physical activities?
PRP therapy helps regenerate tendons and ligaments but it is not a quick fix. This therapy is stimulating the growth and repair of tendons and ligaments, and requires time and rehabilitation. Through regular visits, your doctor will determine when you are able to resume regular physical activities.

Does insurance pay for PRP?
With the exception of Medicare, some insurance companies, including workers compensation, may cover partial reimbursement after pre-authorization.

What is Platelet Rich Plasma?
Platelet Rich Plasma, or PRP is blood plasma with concentrated platelets. The concentrated platelets found in PRP contain huge reservoirs of bioactive proteins, including growth factors that are vital to initiate and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration. These bioactive proteins initiate connective tissue healing: bone, tendon and ligament regeneration and repair, promote development of new blood vessels, and stimulate the wound healing process.

How does PRP therapy work?
To prepare PRP, a small amount of blood is taken from the patient. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins and automatically produces the PRP. The entire process takes less than 15 minutes and increases the concentration of platelets and growth factors up to 500%.

When PRP is injected into the damaged area it stimulates the tendon or ligament, causing mild inflammation that triggers the healing cascade. As a result new collagen begins to develop. As this collagen matures it begins to shrink causing the tightening ad strengthening of the tendons or ligaments of the damaged area.

What are the potential benefits?
Patients can see a significant improvement in symptoms. This may eliminate the need for more aggressive treatments such as long term medication or surgery as well as a remarkable return of function.

PRP injection Application sites:

• Shoulders
• Elbows
• Wrist and Hand
• Hip/Pelvis
• Knee
• Lower Leg
• Ankle and foot
• Arthritic joints

Click here to see before/after pictures.

If you want more informations please make a medical appointment with Dre Chantal Ducasse (Sports Med doctor). You will be examine by her and you will know if you are a good candidate for this new therapy. 

Fees to see Dre Ducasse is $300 for the first visit in Centre Multi-Medic private clinic .

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