Natural pain-relief solutions like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy are becoming increasingly popular among people with chronic pain conditions.
At New Tampa Interventional Pain & Sports Medicine, we provide innovative treatment options to address persistent pain from injuries and disease.
Our pain management team, led by Jose De La Torre, MD, focuses on nonsurgical therapies to ease the source of pain so you can stay active and healthy. Dr. De La Torre also offers drug-free pain management services to reduce risk factors for opioid dependence.
PRP therapy uses substances already found in your bloodstream. The plasma we use in treatment is drawn from a sample of your blood and prepared in a device that separates platelets from other materials. Dr. De La Torre then injects the platelet-rich plasma into tissues or nerves damaged by injury or disease.
The platelets contain essential growth factors that stimulate your body’s natural healing response. This triggers more blood flow to the area, a decrease in inflammation, and more efficient healing of damaged tissue.
PRP also enhances collagen production and supports the formation of new blood vessels to aid in pain relief. As damaged tissues heal, you’ll experience less pain and improved mobility in the treatment area.
Several pain conditions respond well to PRP therapy. Depending on your medical history, current health, and the severity of your pain, Dr. De La Torre might suggest PRP injections as part of your treatment plan for:
PRP therapy is also beneficial for soft tissue healing following surgery. Many people can heal faster and with less downtime when receiving post-surgical PRP injections.
PRP therapy isn’t an option for everyone. Our team offers comprehensive health exams and diagnostic testing in-office to identify the source of your pain. We may recommend other therapies before considering PRP injections based on the frequency and severity of your pain and other symptoms.
Our pain management team helps you prepare for your initial PRP therapy appointment. You may need to stop taking certain medications, including blood thinners, in the days leading up to your visit. It’s also important that you’re hydrated to support good blood circulation.
After we draw and prepare a sample of your blood, Dr. De La Torre uses image-guided technology to get a better view of the injection site. He injects precise amounts of PRP into soft tissues, which can cause some mild discomfort and bruising. The number of injections you receive depends on the condition you’re treating.
Results of PRP therapy aren’t usually noticeable for a few weeks. It takes time for new cells to grow and tissues to heal before inflammation and pain subside. However, in the weeks after treatment, you should notice less pain and increased mobility in the treatment area.
Dr. De La Torre continues to monitor your progress with PRP therapy. He may recommend maintenance injections to keep you pain-free and active. You might also benefit from physical therapy, at-home exercises, and other strategies that support your musculoskeletal health.
Call New Tampa Interventional Pain and Sports Medicine in Wesley Chapel, Florida, today to find out if you’re a candidate for PRP therapy. You can also use the online feature to book an appointment.
