Do you have chronic pain in your knees or elbows? According to the Canadian Community Health Survey, about 1 in 10 Canadians aged 12 to 44 (9% of males and 12% of females) experience chronic pain. This is an estimated 1.5 million Canadians.
Knee and elbow pain is common among athletes, labourers, and patients suffering from osteoarthritis. At CAMIS, our patients are our first priority, which is why we offer Platelet-rich plasma therapy (also known as PRP) as a form of pain management. Currently, we offer PRP services on knee joints and the soft tissue around the elbow.
What is platelet-rich plasma?
Your blood contains microscopic solid elements, comprised of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. These platelets contain growth factors which help with healing and recovery. PRP is the separation of platelets and plasma from the rest of the blood, to achieve a higher concentration of platelets within the plasma.
Once the platelets have been separated from the rest of the blood the PRP is injected into the affected area to stimulate growth repair. At CAMIS, we use image guidance to ensure accuracy.
Why PRP?
Research shows that platelet-rich plasma therapy promotes healing and can last longer than other forms of pain management therapies. Extracting and reintroducing platelet-rich plasma has minimal side effects, as it is an organic substance that comes from your own body.
Image guidance means that we can be confident that when we inject the plasma into the affected area we’re getting it in the right spot every time.
How safe is PRP?
PRP is minimally invasive, which means there are little to no side effects. Platelet-rich plasma is organic, as it’s from your own blood, so it’s considered safe when conducted by trained professionals. Side effects or complications are extremely rare, but with any injection there is always a small chance of infection. If you have concerns, please consult with your physician for more information.
What should I expect with PRP therapy?
There is no scientific data to clearly indicate how PRP works, but some laboratory studies have shown that patients can expect to see a significant improvement in symptoms over time. PRP therapy may eliminate the need for further invasive treatments, such as surgery or prolonged use of medications.
Who cannot get PRP therapy?
We recommend those with the following conditions consult a physician before electing to receive PRP therapy:
- Fever
- Pregnancy
- Later stages of dialysis
- Platelet or clotting disorder
- Autoimmune disorder
At CAMIS, we recommend consulting with a physician before electing to receive any kind of pain management treatment.
What to expect after your PRP injection
While side effects are rare, some patients have reported an increase in pain, which usually subsides within the first 2-3 days.
Choosing CAMIS
At CAMIS, we are proud to have added PRP to our pain management options. Chronic pain can prevent anyone from living their life to its fullest. We look forward to helping you manage your chronic pain, and getting you back doing the things you love.
To learn more about pain management at CAMIS, click here, or phone 403-755-1056.
