PRP

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a type of regenerative medicine, an innovative set of techniques that boost your body’s natural ability to heal itself. Miguel Pappolla, MD, and the caring team at St Michael's Neurology and Pain Medicine in Houston, Texas, perform PRP injections to treat a wide range of painful disorders. To find out if PRP is right for you, call or book an appointment online today.

PRP Q & A

• What is PRP?

Your blood consists of solid components, including red and white blood cells and platelets. When you remove these solid parts, the remaining fluid is called plasma. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a special preparation of plasma that contains a high concentration of platelets but no blood cells.

When you have an injury, platelets flood the site to stop bleeding and enhance tissue repair and regeneration. They’re an essential part of your body’s healing process. Injecting PRP into an injured area optimizes your body’s ability to heal.

• What conditions can PRP treat?

For several decades, doctors have been using PRP in operating rooms to facilitate wound healing and promote bone development in spinal fusion. More recently, PRP has emerged as a breakthrough treatment for musculoskeletal disorders like cartilage damage and ligament tears.

At St Michael's Neurology and Pain Medicine, Dr. Pappolla uses PRP to treat a wide range of conditions, including:

• Arthritis
• Chronic tendon injuries
• Ligament sprains and tears
• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Joint pain

From shoulder injuries like rotator cuff tears to osteoarthritis of the knee, PRP helps relieve pain and improve function in patients of all backgrounds, from weekend warriors to professional athletes.

• What happens during a PRP treatment?

PRP comes from your own blood, so there’s minimal risk of adverse side effects.

To obtain PRP, Dr. Pappolla or a member of the St Michael's Neurology and Pain Medicine team takes a small amount of blood from your vein. Then, they process the blood to separate the platelets and purify the PRP.

Dr. Pappolla administers the PRP injection with guidance from imaging technology like fluoroscopy or ultrasound to ensure delivery in the precise location of tissue damage.

• What should I expect after a PRP injection?

Unlike other injections, such as a corticosteroid shot, PRP doesn’t provide immediate relief. That’s because PRP boosts your body’s natural healing response without administering medication.

You should notice gradual improvement, including less pain, reduced inflammation, and better functioning, over several weeks or months. Most people are satisfied with one treatment, but complex conditions may require additional injections.

To learn more about PRP, call St Michael's Neurology and Pain Medicine or book an appointment online today.