Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections.

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

Platelet-Rich plasma is simply blood that contains a higher percentage of platelets than normal. The plasma consists of two parts, plasma and platelets. Platelets are cells which play a significant role in healing the body. They help to trigger cell reproduction, tissue regeneration and healing in the area which is being treated.

To create the platelet-rich plasma, blood is drawn from the patient and placed into a centrifuge. This device spins the sample causing the platelets to separate from the other contents of the blood and concentrating them in the plasma.

What does a Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injection do?

At Agile we use ultrasound imaging to ensure the PRP is injected directly into the problem area. The aim of the PRP is to trigger cell reproduction and healing in the affected area.

What can PRP Injections treat

Tendon, Ligament, muscle and joint injuries

Post surgical healing

Osteoarthritis

Tennis elbow, shoulder pain, wrist pain, ankle pain

Unstable ACL/PCL, Achilles tendonitis, rotator cuff tears, meniscal tears 

The PRP Injection procedure

At the beginning of the treatment, your practitioner will check the area using ultrasound imaging in order to make sure there hasn’t been any change, and prepare for the injection.

Your blood is then drawn from your arm using a needle, and then spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets into the plasma. At Agile we perform a dual spin on the sample in order to maximise the concentration of the plasma, and ensure that you are receiving the highest quality treatment.

Once the PRP is ready it will be injected under ultrasound guidance into the area.

Research

1. Xu J, Du W, Xue X, Chen M, Zhou W, Luo X. Global research trends on platelet-rich plasma for tendon and ligament injuries from the past two decades: A bibliometric and visualized study. Front Surg. 2023 Feb 10;10:1113491. doi: 10.3389/fsurg.2023.1113491. PMID: 36843990; PMCID: PMC9950278.

2. Zhang J, Li F, Augi T, Williamson KM, Onishi K, Hogan MV, Neal MD, Wang JH. Platelet HMGB1 in Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) promotes tendon wound healing. PLoS One. 2021 Sep 16;16(9):e0251166. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251166. PMID: 34529657; PMCID: PMC8445483.

Why choose Agile

Ultra sound guided

Dual spin - high quality

Closed system to reduce risk of infection

What are the risks & side effects of PRP injections

As with all injections there is a minor risk of infection, bleeding, and pain. Because the platelets are being returned to the same patient (this is a product of your own body), it is unusual for there to be any adverse reaction or allergy response.

One common side effect can be pain and discomfort in the injection site for a week or two after the treatment.

Does insurance cover PRP injections

What next?

If you think that PRP is right for you, click here and book an appointment. If you would like to know more, or you are unsure if this is the right procedure for you book a free 15 minute consultation here.

For any other questions, or if you need help booking please contact us on (250) 381-2239 or email hello@weareagile.ca