Platelet Rich Plasma & Stem Cell injections can help you heal faster—but what are they and how do they work? We explain the basics here.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a concentration of platelets and growth factors created from your own blood or bone marrow. Platelets are obtained by spinning your whole blood in a special centrifuge. Platelets are what naturally begin the healing process in your body anytime an injury occurs. The platelets release proteins that attract your body’s stem cells to the injured area. The concentration of platelets in PRP stem cell injections allows your body to recognize the injury as a priority and heals it more quickly and more thoroughly than your body can by itself.
Stem Cell therapy uses your body’s own stem cells from bone marrow or fat cells, to treat orthopaedic injuries and joint disease. Regeneration occurs at the cellular level and may help preserve joint health, treat chronic pain and swelling, and heal orthopaedic injuries.
Stem Cell Therapy Frequently Asked Questions
What can be treated with stem cell injections and therapy?
- Arthritis
- Joint Pain
- Muscle Injury
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Meniscus Tears
- Sprain & Ligament Tears
- Tendinitis
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Swelling
- Cartilage Injury
What is the process like for PRP?
For Platelet Rich Plasma, we draw a small amount of blood from your arm and then spin the blood in a special centrifuge that separates and concentrates the platelets and other beneficial growth factors from the blood. After the spinning is complete we will then inject the platelets at the source of the injury. The entire process takes approximately 30 minutes.
Stem Cell Concentrate is placed at the treatment site using ultrasound guidance. The therapy jump starts the healing process at the cellular level.
Are there any risks or side effects to cellular therapy?
Risks are very low because this is your own platelets or cells being injected back into your body. Side effects are very uncommon.
Am I a candidate for PRP or Stem Cell Therapy?
We will do a thorough evaluation to determine if this treatment is right for you. If you are taking anti-inflammatory medications or blood thinners, you may have to discontinue them until after your treatment.
Will my insurance cover this PRP stem cell injections?
CNOS currently requires prepayment for this service because at this point in time insurance companies are still considering this to be an experimental treatment.
Download PRP Informational Brochure
Download Stem Cell Therapy Informational Brochure
Request an Appointment for Stem Cell Therapy
We’re committed to keeping you healthy. We know you have a choice when it comes to choosing a specialty healthcare. Our multidisciplinary approach to quality care includes integrating medical and surgical specialities, rehabilitation, and full diagnostic capabilities for sports medicine, podiatry, rheumatology and spine health.
The CNOS team is dedicated to providing you with the expertise you need to live a better, longer, improved life. Start the conversation with a CNOS specialist today, and we’ll start you on the path to healing. Request an appointment now at one of our local clinics near you or call 605-217-2667.