Nashville-based Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance is leveraging platelet rich plasma to treat orthopedic injuries.
Here are four things to know:
1. PRP is intended to stimulate natural growth factors that accelerate the body's healing, decrease inflammation and reduce pain.
2. The procedure takes 15 minutes. A physician places a patient's blood in a centrifuge, which separates the PRP from the red blood cells. The physician injects the PRP into the injury site.
3. Chris Anderson, MD, a TOA sports medicine physician, noted PRP treatments have increased 21 percent compared to last year at the practice.
4. PRP treatment may help the following conditions:
• Tendonitis
• Osteoarthritis
• Tennis or golfer's elbow
• Jumper's knee
• Joint pain
• Rotator cuff tears
• Bursitis
• Muscle and tendon injuries
"The results I've seen demonstrate that PRP is an excellent alternative to surgery, other drugs or extensive rehab," said Dr. Anderson. "As a physician, I want my patients to heal as quickly, naturally, and with as little pain as possible."