One of the things that makes my approach to
PRP different is that I don't think of it like a cortisone injection.
Too often, an injection is approached by finding the painful spot, injecting one or two locations, and hoping that addresses the problem.
That's not how I approach PRP.
PRP, or
platelet-rich plasma, uses components from your own blood to support the body's natural healing response. If we're trying to support healing, I want to address the entire injury.
PRP starts with a blood draw. We process your blood to concentrate the platelets and then inject the platelet-rich plasma into the areas we're treating.
Platelets contain growth factors and signaling molecules involved in the body's normal response to tissue injury and repair.
We're not simply trying to cover up pain.
We're working with your body to support healing.
An Injury Usually Isn't One Spot
Let's use the shoulder as an example.
You might point to one area and say,
“It hurts right here.”
But your shoulder isn't one structure.
The joint, capsule, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and their attachment points all work together. An injury involving one area can affect that entire system.
That's why I don't automatically inject the joint and call it a day.
Depending on what I find during my evaluation, I may treat the joint along with specific ligaments, tendons, or muscular attachment points involved in the injury.
I treat the area as a system.
Sometimes It Takes More Than One Treatment
PRP isn't always a one-and-done procedure. As much as Id hope for that, It does depend on the injury and the duration.
Some patients may respond well to one treatment. With more significant or chronic injuries, additional treatments may be appropriate.
Depending on the severity of the injury and how you're responding, I may recommend up to
three or four rounds
when warranted.
We treat, reassess (in about two-three weeks), and determine what makes sense next.
My treatment also doesn't necessarily end when the needle comes out.
I'll often apply
KT tape afterward to provide light external support, movement awareness, and sensory feedback to the treated area.
Appropriate movement, rehabilitation, nutrition, sleep, and gradually returning to activity all contribute to the bigger picture (typically, this takes about three days and depends on the injury).
As you can see, PRP isn't about finding one painful spot and injecting it.
I want to understand what was injured, which surrounding structures are involved, and how we can support the entire area.
Simply put, Treat the injury. Support the structure. Give the body the environment it needs to heal.
- Dr. C
