By Dr. Ayo Bankole

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is revolutionizing musculoskeletal health by dramatically shortening recovery time from injury and providing an option to surgery.  Hines Ward of the Super Bowl winning Pittsburgh Steelers and other athletes are using it as described in an article in the New York Times in February 2009.  In PRP, platelets are taken from the patient’s blood then separated and concentrated from the red blood cells and plasma with a special centrifuge machine.  The platelets are then injected with a small amount of plasma into the patient’s site of injury.  Just as in prolotherapy, treatment of damaged ligaments and tendons triggers a wound healing cascade.   Upon activation, platelets release several different growth factors.  Activated fibroblasts then form new collagen in the treated area which, over time, tightens and strengthens the joint and improves cartilage health.  

PRP therapy enjoys increasing popularity among orthopedic doctors and pain specialists, however, it is not new.  Its use started in surgical settings where PRP improves the success of bone grafts and shortens healing time in plastic surgery.  PRP is now successfully used in the treatment of chronic pain, tennis elbow, rotator cuff injuries, osteoarthritis, tendonitis, meniscal tears and other conditions.    

When should PRP be considered?

Traditional prolotherapy is great for every day joint pain and mild injuries.  However, individuals with more severe arthritis and joint degeneration or individuals such as athletes with higher grade injuries might consider PRP.  Patients who have limited results from traditional prolotherapy are also good candidates for PRP.  Prolotherapy with PRP can make joint replacement unnecessary in older patients with severe arthritis of the hip and knee and should first be considered.   

After Platelet Rich Plasma

After the therapy patients may experience about three days of soreness and stiffness.  Some patients may prefer to take Tylenol during this time.  I advise against the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications as they inhibit repair.  Patients are encouraged to remain active as tolerable, but to avoid aggressive activity.

How many treatments are needed?

Typically two to four treatments at four to six week intervals are required.  Occasionally relief is gained after just one treatment.  The number of treatments needed depends on the extent of damage, the complexity of the joint treated, and your age and state of health.  It has been our experience that one PRP treatment is worth three or four traditional prolotherapy treatments. 

Dr. Ayo K. Bankole

Prolotherapy and PRP is performed by Dr. Ayo K. Bankole.  He is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor treating pain, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, thyroid and autoimmune conditions.   He has advanced training in prolotherapy and platelet rich plasma for repairing injured, painful and arthritic joints.  He also possesses advanced training in environmental medicine and uses detoxification and chelation therapy for heavy metal toxicity.   

He is a member of the Naturopathic Academy of Therapeutic Injection www.injectiontx.org, the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians www.naturopathic.org, the California Association of Naturopathic Doctors www.cand.org, and the American Academy for the Advancement of Medicine www.acam.org.  For additional reading on prolotherapy and PRP go to www.prolotherapy.org.

To learn if prolotherapy and PRP is right for you call (951)801-2302 for a free consultation.