What is PRP?

PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma.

The PRP consists of a high concentration of blood platelets. We produce this high concentration by centrifuging your platelets in my office (blood spinning).

How does PRP work?

Blood platelets contain growth factors that can stimulate tissue healing.

The aim of PRP injection is to promote healing of injured tissue by stimulating your body's normal healing cascade.

What types of problems can PRP be used for?

• Osteoarthritis of the knee
• Osteoarthritis of the hip
• Muscle tear after-effects
• Rotator cuff tendinopathy
• Epicondylitis or epitrochleitis tendinopathy
• Tendinopathy of the gluteus medius
• Hamstring or adductor tendinopathy
• Patellar tendinopathy (knee)
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Plantar fasciitis
• Sprain (e.g. ankle or knee)

What is the PRP injection procedure?

• The injection appointment lasts a maximum of one hour. You must be accompanied during this procedure.
• The nurse takes a blood sample and we put your blood in the centrifuge at a given speed. This separates your red and white blood cells from your platelets.
• Once centrifugation is complete, I remove the platelet-rich plasma from the tube and reinject it into your damaged tissue or joint. The procedure is carried out under ultrasound guidance and in a sterile environment.
• During the injection, your platelets, now more concentrated, release several growth factors. This release can create inflammation and pain, but it's what makes healing possible.
• The entire procedure is carried out in my office.

How many treatments are needed?

Response to treatment varies from patient to patient. Some patients require a second treatment, rarely a third.

I see you six weeks later and evaluate you again. Normal tissue healing takes 4 to 6 weeks. We'll discuss treatment options at that time, based on your condition and my examination.

What are the possible side effects?

• There are very few side effects, as this is a natural technique using your own blood.
• The most common side effect is increased pain following the injection. In rare cases, this pain can last up to two weeks.
• The acute inflammation I cause is necessary for your tissues to heal. You may have no pain at all and still heal.
• Risks of infection and allergy to xylocaine (anesthetic) are very rare.
• A clot may form, or I may touch a nerve.
• The risk of deterioration of your condition or tissue rupture is very low. You must adhere to my post-operative recommendations.
  treatment.

What are the recommendations following this intervention?

• You must avoid anti-inflammatory drugs (including Advil and Motrin) and cortisone one week before and one week after the procedure.
• It is useful to start a physiotherapy rehabilitation program two weeks after treatment.
• Depending on your response to treatment, sporting activities involving the treated area are generally not permitted for two to three months.

When should you consider this procedure?

Usually, this treatment is reserved for cases that have not had satisfactory results with conventional treatment (anti-inflammatories, physiotherapy, cortisone injections, rest, etc.).

On the other hand, with current knowledge of the multiple side effects of cortisone, patients may decide to turn to regenerative medicine with PRP injections more quickly.

What should I do if I want this treatment?

You must make an appointment with me. You don't need a referral to meet me. I will evaluate you at our first meeting and let you know if you are a good candidate for this treatment.

Before this first meetingI must receive :

• All radiology report that you consider relevant to the evaluation of your condition (magnetic resonance, radiography, ultrasoundetc.)