PRP Injections - Orthopedic Indications
What is PRP?
Platelets are blood cell fragments that are rich in growth factors. When an injury occurs, platelets rush to the injury site and release growth factors to start the healing process. Platelets can be drawn from a patient’s own blood and concentrated. This is called platelet rich plasma or PRP. PRP can be injected into an injured ligament, muscle, joint or into the spine. This can accelerate or reinvigorate healing by stimulating new tissue production resulting in stronger tissue, reduced pain and improved function.
PRP Injections for Spine and Orthopedic Conditions
Many studies have become available demonstrating the safety and efficacy of PRP for a variety of health conditions. PRP has been shown to be effective for spine and orthopedic conditions that have failed other treatments, such as: rotator cuff tears, degenerative discs, sciatica, tennis elbow, meniscal tears, arthritic joints, plantar fasciitis and ankle sprains. Some studies have shown that PRP can to stop the progression of arthritis. Kobe Bryant, Rafael Nadal and Tiger Woods have had success with PRP.
How is PRP done?
There is significant variation in the way PRP is done among providers. There are many different PRP machines and some providers use very different protocols for pre and post injection care.
PRP can be performed in the office. Ultrasound or x-ray guidance is strongly recommended. Blood is drawn from the patient and placed in a special centrifuge that separates the platelets from the red blood cells. The concentrated platelets are then used for treatment. The injured area is first anesthetized with an anesthetic before the actual injection is performed under x-ray or ultrasound guidance. The entire procedure takes less than an hour.
Not everyone is a good candidate for platelet rich plasma. A proper medical and orthopedic evaluation with imaging is strongly recommended to avoid a waste of time and expense.
Hear CBS Sports Analyst and former NFL Linebacker Brian Jones describe his response to PRP for a rotator cuff tear in his shoulder and stem cell therapy for a meniscal tear in his knee. Both treatments were done by Dr. Alicia Carter.
Dr. Carter can do a preliminary telehealth visit for those interested in PRP therapy, if an in-person office is difficult due to travel distance. Patients can also use the live chat or our contact form to request an appointment or to get an approximate cost for PRP injections.
Why choose Dr. Alicia Carter?
There is significant variation among providers in the way PRP is done as well as the pre and post injection care.
- Dr. Carter is a Top Doctor and a regenerative medicine expert. She has been using PRP to help her patients, including professional athletes and dancers, for over 15 years.
- Dr. Carter uses one of the best PRP machines on the market. Her patients typically only need 1 injection; not a series of 2-3 treatments recommended elsewhere.
- The entire procedure is done by Dr. Carter – not a nurse or physician assistant.
- Dr. Carter prescribes and uses medication to control injection-related pain before, during and after the procedure for minimal discomfort.
- Patients of Dr. Carter’s are given a complete treatment plan, not just the injection.
- Dr. Carter has some of the best outcomes and her treatments last much longer than most. How do we know? Dr. Carter often sees patients who had PRP elsewhere. When their treatment does not work as expected or does not last, those same patients eventually come to see Dr. Carter.
Call or Text us to learn more: (305) 680-3527
Our Services
Dr. Carter has an excellent safety record and has taught injection techniques all across the country.
Dr. Carter’s PRP protocols are backed by the latest scientific data. Her pre-and post injection protocols are unique and specifically tailored to the individual patient’s goals and objectives.
Fitness and sports enthusiasts of all levels, from weekend warriors to professional athletes have benefited under Dr. Carter’s care. Performing artists with career-threatening injuries have been able to return to their profession with Dr. Carter’s holistic approach to treatment.
Miami Office
4770 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 1100
Miami, Florida 33137
Tel: (305) 680-3527
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