Who May Not Be a Candidate for PRP Therapy?
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Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections can reduce discomfort in many areas of the body. Whether the source of your pain is arthritis, tendonitis or a torn tendon, PRP therapy is one of the most innovative procedures we offer at Asheville Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine.
Because platelet-rich plasma is considered a natural treatment, most people could be considered for this procedure. However, not everyone is a candidate. As a board-certified doctor of physical medicine and rehabilitation, Dr. Christie Lehman can review the details with you during a consultation in Asheville, NC.
About platelet-rich plasma
Although platelet-rich plasma has surged in popularity over the last several years, it’s been used by medical professionals for decades! It began as a way to help people recover from invasive surgeries, such as open-heart operations. PRP injections are now effective for treating soft tissue injuries that affect your tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Some patients may even avoid the need for future surgery with the help of platelet-rich plasma.
Asheville Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine specializes in PRP therapy to repair damaged tissue in the knee, hip, shoulder, foot, ankle, hand, wrist, and elbow. It can also be used for back and spine injuries to reduce unwanted inflammation.
Candidates for PRP injections
Many people who seek platelet-rich plasma treatment are athletes or active individuals who suffer from a common soft tissue injury, or those who have degenerative arthritis. They may experience pain and discomfort, damage, or swelling in the affected area. Because PRP is nonsurgical, athletes can return to training without spending weeks or months in recovery. Even if you’re not an athlete, platelet-rich plasma is a great option for adults who want to look into more natural remedies before seeking invasive options in Asheville, NC.
Who is not a candidate for PRP?
An assessment with Asheville Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine will let us know whether you are a candidate for PRP. Of course, some people are simply not right for platelet-rich plasma because of their health or lifestyle choices. For example, frequent smokers or people with certain illnesses are less likely to respond to PRP. This is why it is important for Dr. Lehman to learn about your health history before getting started. Be sure to share any current pharmaceutical and over-the-counter medications you are taking as well.
People who may not benefit from PRP include adults with:
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A personal history of active cancer
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Blood-related conditions, such as severe anemia or leukemia
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An infection in the treatment area
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Active smoker
PRP treatment technique
Candidates for PRP therapy are asked to stop anti-inflammatory medications for one week prior to treatment and several weeks after the last session. On your procedure day, we draw a small amount of blood from your arm, which is then processed and prepared for re-injection. Asheville Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine isolates the growth factors in your blood for best results. While outcomes vary depending on your condition and the area treated, most people can return to regular routines within six weeks.
Treat your soft tissue injuries
with PRP
Platelet-rich plasma is an advanced procedure that’s highly effective for most kinds of chronic pain and soft tissue injuries. It uses your body’s own natural abilities to work. If you are interested in learning about your candidacy for PRP in Asheville, NC, request an appointment with Dr. Christie Lehman. The professionals at Asheville Regenerative Orthopedics & Sports Medicine understand how to apply treatment so you can return to your daily life free from pain.