Understanding Chronic Pain
Any pain lasting more than 12 weeks can be considered chronic pain. It differs from acute pain, which is a normal sensation alerting us that something is wrong. Chronic pain can arise from an initial injury, but it can also have no apparent cause. It can limit a person’s movements and reduce flexibility, strength and stamina which can lead to difficulty in carrying out essential and enjoyable activities. The goal with treatment is to reduce pain and restore function.
Are You Suffering From Severe, Long-Lasting Pain?
Our Pain Management Service is designed to help manage your chronic pain. Some of our services may provide relief from pain for an unspecified amount of time. Consult with your doctor to find out if this form of treatment is right for you.
Did you know...
CAMIS offers Private Pain Management Services! Ask about private options when booking a PRP Appointment.
Reduce Pain And Restore Function
Treatment For Chronic Arthritis
Stimulates The Body’s Normal Healing Process
What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?
Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) is a Pain Management procedure that stimulates the body’s normal healing process by using a patient’s own blood. The blood is drawn and spun in a centrifuge to separate the blood cells from the platelets. The platelets are injected back into the patient at the site of injury or pain, which triggers a localized regeneration process, leading to a decrease in pain.
Pain Management Options
- Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP)
- Cervical, thoracic and lumbar spinal facet injections
- Hip injections
- Shoulder injections
- Miscellaneous joint injections
- Sacroiliac injections
- Lumbar medial branch blocks
- Lumbar transforaminal and interlaminar
- Epidural blocks
- Prolotherapy / Fenestration
- Therapy for Calcific Tendinopathy (Barbotage-MSK)
- Cortisone (Steroid) injections
- Viscosupplementation injections (Durolane / Synvisc)
Who Needs Platelet-Rich Plasma?
There are multiple indications for PRP treatment in the setting of joint pain. Current evidence suggests that PRP is of benefit in treating patients with chronic arthritis and inflammation. PRP may provide longer relief from joint pain than conventional corticosteroid injections.
Choosing CAMIS for PRP
Platelet-rich Plasma is not currently covered by Alberta health care. As a private service, we want to make sure you’re getting the best value for your money, which is why our PRP therapy is done under image guidance.
Image guidance means that we can be confident that when we inject the PRP into the affected area, we’re getting it in the right spot every time.
Our staff have had dedicated, specific PRP therapy training so they can adequately care for you and your needs.
Preparing For Your Appointment
PATIENT PREPARATION
- For all Epidural injections, Nerve Blocks and Cervical facet injections, blood thinners (Warfarin, Coumadin, Plavix, Aspirin, Eliquis etc.) must be discontinued prior to your injection, but only after your physician has provided written approval, post consultation. This varies from 2 to 5 days, medication dependent. Booking will confirm.
- You must not have an active infection at the injection site, be on IV antibiotics, or have a septic infection. Booking will discuss options if you currently have an active infection or are on IV antibiotics.
- Pain medications with the exception of narcotics, should be discontinued at midnight, the evening prior to your injection.
- Having a snack before your appointment is encouraged.
- Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment time.
- You should be accompanied by a driver, but if this is not possible, you will be asked to remain in the department for 15-30 minutes post injection.
- Additional instructions will be given at time of booking.
Covered by Alberta Health Care
Referrals are necessary for all bookings.
Exam Duration: 30 – 45min
Locations
Do you need a Pain Management exam?
Contact our CAMIS Care team to ask questions or to learn more about our services.
Book an Appointment
