Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

The CROM physicians who perform Regenerative Medicine and Platelet Rich Plasma therapy are board certified in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, which means they’re specially trained to treat the musculoskeletal system and administer injections.  CROM offers Platelet Rich Plasma therapy at multiple locations around Denver.

Platelet Rich Plasma Frequently Asked Questions

What is Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy?

Platelets are small biological packages that normally circulate in the blood. They contain blood clotting factors as well as many growth factors. The growth factors promote healing by encouraging the growth of news blood vessels to help heal tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. This healing ability can be harnessed by drawing a small amount of your blood, placing it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and re-injecting the concentrated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) where your body needs help healing muscles, joints, or tendons. Because joint linings, tendons and ligaments receive very limited blood supply, injecting them platelet-rich plasma can encourage the growth of new blood vessels and be of great benefit.

Who is a good Candidate for CROM PRP Injections?

Patients with osteoarthritis, chronic tendonitis (tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis, rotator cuff tendonitis etc), plantar fasciitis, or other chronic injuries or musculoskeletal or arthritic conditions including knees, ankles, and wrists that have not gotten better with traditional therapy. Increasingly, medical research is demonstrating that steroid injections may have some negative long term effects on tendon strength and joint surface. Recent studies have shown PRP injections are a superior treatment in some circumstances.

Why use PRP?

The body’s ability to repair and replace damaged cartilage, tendon, or other specialized tissue in adults is limited. Injured joints or tendons can be a source of chronic pain and can limit activities. PRP therapy can harness the body’s own healing ability to allow more complete healing than other alternatives. Furthermore, PRP is a natural treatment that uses nothing more than your body’s own blood.

How are PRP injections performed?

First, you will be seen by a CROM physician to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for PRP. This may include an ultrasound examination to determine the condition of your joints and/or tendons.

If PRP is deemed an appropriate treatment for you, it will be performed on a second appointment, which is a brief, simple, in-office procedure.

Step 1: A small amount of healthy blood is drawn from your arm.

Step 2: The platelet-rich plasma is separated from your blood using a centrifuge.

Step 3: The platelet-rich plasma is re-injected to the injured area, usually under ultrasound guidance.

The treated area will be numb for about an hour, and you may experience soreness or moderate pain for a few days after the injection. Your doctor will discuss rehabilitation with you and whether any bracing, physical therapy or limitations on activities will be required. In most cases normal activities, including driving, can be resumed immediately after the injection.

How Much Will it Cost?

In general, insurance covers the initial physician consultation, ultrasound diagnostic evaluations, and follow up medical visits. Most insurance does not cover the cost of the PRP injection itself, but CROM costs are competitive and are available by calling. If you have no insurance, cash prices for all of the services involved are available as well.

Does Insurance Cover PRP Injections?

PRP injections are included in the Colorado Workers’ Compensation Treatment Guidelines, and generally, Workers’ Compensation Insurance covers PRP injections. Other commercial insurances do not usually cover PRP injections. If you have commercial insurance that does not cover the PRP injections, you will still pay no more than the cash pay price above for the injections alone.

How do I get Started?

Call 303.685.2766 ext 2467 to find out more about PRP injections and to schedule an appointment.

For out-of-state patients, you can call the above number for more information and, if you wish, one of our physicians will review your records and set up a phone conference to help you determine if you are an appropriate candidate for this treatment. There is a one-time fee for this service for patients who are unable to come in for an initial consultation.

Related Posts:
Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment for Lumbar Back Pain