PRP for Arthritis Near Scranton, PA
Platelet-Rich Plasma
Welcome to Ramos Rheumatology, where we prioritize your health and well-being. Led by Dr. Ramos, a highly experienced rheumatologist with over 21 years of expertise, our practice is dedicated to providing exceptional care for patients suffering from rheumatic conditions.
One of the innovative therapies we offer is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. This cutting-edge treatment utilizes a patient's own blood components to stimulate healing and reduce pain in various musculoskeletal conditions. With Dr. Ramos's extensive knowledge and skill, you can trust that your PRP therapy will be administered with precision and care.
Dr. Ramos and his team understand that dealing with chronic pain and inflammation can be a challenging journey. That's why we approach every patient as a member of our own family, ensuring personalized care and support throughout their treatment.
Contact Ramos Rheumatology today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward finding relief.
Regenerative Medicine in Avoca, PA
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Arthritis & More
Platelets contain many growth factors which have been shown to be very important with regard to healing. PRP therapy involves taking the patient’s own blood and placing it in a machine called a centrifuge which separates the blood into several components, one of which is called platelet-rich plasma.
Here’s how it works:
- The process of centrifuging the blood sample concentrates platelets so that they are present in much higher numbers than what would typically be found in the bloodstream.
- That platelet-rich plasma is then injected at the site of the injury to induce and potentially accelerate the body’s natural healing process.
The technology has been used for years in surgical applications and wound care. The use of PRP for musculoskeletal injuries is fairly new and evolving into a promising treatment for both acute and chronic injuries. There are a number of medical studies supporting the use of PRP for tendon and ligament injuries.
PRP can be used to offer relief throughout the body for a wide range of diagnoses, including (but not limited to) the following:
- Shoulder: Rotator cuff tendinitis or tear, rotator cuff impingement syndrome or bursitis, bicipital tendinitis, labrum tear, arthritis, instability
- Elbow/wrist/hand: Tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis, trigger finger, arthritis, other wrist and finger tendinitis
- Knee: Patellar tendinitis, partially torn or strained major ligaments of knee (ACL/LCL/MCL), meniscus tears, chondromalacia, arthritis, instability
- Ankle: Achilles tendinitis, peroneal tendinitis, ankle sprain, instability, other foot or ankle tendinitis
FAQs on Platelet-Rich Plasma:
Is PRP painful?
Patients typically tolerate the procedure well, although post-injection soreness is expected given the PRP-induced inflammatory response, in some cases.
How long does PRP therapy take?
Generally, a PRP injection requires an initial visit to see if the injury would benefit from such treatment, and then a follow-up visit for the treatment itself is scheduled. The actual injection process takes about 45 minutes and a majority of that time involves drawing and processing the patient’s blood for the injection.
Most patients notice some element of improvement by 2 to 6 weeks after the treatment. You may require one to three treatments depending on the degree of injury and how long the injury has been there.
Does insurance cover PRP?
No, PRP isn’t covered by insurance or Medicare/Medicaid and is considered an out-of-pocket expense.
Are there any exclusion criteria that inhibit someone from getting PRP?
Severe anemia, low platelet count, abnormal platelet function, active systemic infection, or active cancers are all contra-indications.