Five Keys to Successful Outcomes with PRP Injections

1. Quality Equipment- we’ve chosen a PRP system created by one of the industry’s leaders in orthobiologic injections.. This is our 5th PRP system to use over the past 12 years. Thus, we are always searching for the best option to produce a high-quality PRP solution.

2. Appropriate Selection of Patients- we attempt to choose patients and conditions that are excellent candidates for PRP injections. Admittedly, not every patient is an ideal candidate, yet their options may be limited in terms of other forms of treatment, or they are willing to have PRP due to its excellent risk-benefit and cost-benefit ratio compared to more invasive treatments. Partial tendon tears, plantar fasciitis and osteoarthritis of the knee, hip and shoulder comprise 95% of our PRP injections.

3. Appropriate Pre-Procedure and Post-Procedure Instructions and Compliance-little things can be the difference between PRP succeeding or not succeeding or between a good outcome and a great outcome. For example, it’s important for a patient to be off any anti-inflammatories at least a week before and 2 weeks after a PRP injection. It’s also important to rest the treatment area, and this form of rest really varies depending on the patient and their area treated. A patient’s timetable for return to exercise and/or rehabilitation must be carefully outlined.

4. Quality Preparation of the PRP solution- not all PRP is the same. The platelet concentration and number of platelets can vary and are important aspects of the potential success of PRP. How much blood we take from the patient and the PRP system dictate these numbers. Also, we typically create a leukocyte-poor (low numbers of white blood cells) for joint injections and leukocyte-rich (higher white blood cells and the highest number of platelets) solution for tendon injections.

5. Accuracy of the Injection, Preferably with Ultrasound Guidance- using ultrasound for the injection often results in less pain, lower risk, and greater accuracy. We place the PRP exactly where it needs to be and avoid hitting other structures like bone, cartilage, nerves and blood vessels. We often say, “if you’re going to invest your time and money in this procedure, don’t you want it done as precisely as possible?”

More medical professionals are performing platelet-rich plasma injections than ever. This innovative treatment is not going away and will only evolve in the years to come. If you think you are a first-time or repeat candidate for a PRP injections, then come see us!

F. Clarke Holmes, M.D.

The Top 3 Activities that Lead to Summer Injuries in Adults

What are the top 3 activities that lead to summer injuries for adults?

1) Yard work- often a situation of doing too much at one time. Repetitive bending, lifting, pushing and trimming frequently lead to low back, neck, shoulder and elbow issues. Our advice- spread the work load among several family members and among several days. Instead of 4 hours of work on one day, divide the work load into 2-3 days. Get as close as you can to something you are lifting or trimming. Doing these with your arms further away from your body can overload the spine, joints and tendons. 

2) Tennis and golf- these are great warm-weather sports, but lead to a elbow tendon and low back problems quite frequently. The same concept discussed above applies: avoid overuse situations. Play 9 holes instead of 18 on some days. If you are a middle-ager, don't expect to play 72 holes on a weekend and not feel some aches and pain. With tennis, consider playing with a 2-handed backhand. Play some doubles, not just singles, as this can decrease your reps, but lead to similar enjoyment of the game. 

3) Running and power walking- many love just being outdoors for these fitness activities, while others are starting to train for 1/2 and full marathons in the fall. A couple of pieces of advice: if training for a race, follow a program/regimen. 12 weeks to train for a 1/2 marathon, 18 weeks for a full. To all: update your athletic shoes every 9-12 months or if any wear is present on the tread. Also, make sure your other shoes are supportive. Flimsy sandals and flip-flops lead to foot, ankle and knee problems, especially if these areas are already being stressed by other fitness activities. When it comes to summer shoes, to some degree, you get what you pay for. A quality pair of sandals or flip-flops will run you $50-$100. 

Enjoy the summer!