Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

  • PRP stands for platelet rich plasma and it is known for its potent healing activities. PRP is created by concentrating platelets found in your own blood. It is a regenerative biologic created by you, for you. It is designed to work similarly to prolotherapy but provides a stronger healing response

  • Platelets are the initial responders when tissues are injured and need repair. Their function is to produce the initial growth factors for repair and cytokines to recruit additional WBC's for sustained repair. By injecting platelets we are mimicking a healing response that naturally occurs in injured tissue without further harming the area.

  • Yes, not all PRP is created equally. Some PRP systems only do a single spin which only concentrates platelets ~1.5-2.5x. Most credible PRP systems focused on repairing tissue use a double spin system to concentrate platelets to between 5-12x, with variations depending on individualized needs. 

    Dr. Orser uses a double spin PRP preparation system which allows for customizations such as leukocyte rich vs leucocyte poor plasma, final PRP volume, total platelet concentration to individualize your treatment program.

  • The duration of effect and impact on quality of life greatly depends on the individual. These variables include tissue type injured, degree of injury, duration of injury, age, metabolic health, lifestyle factors like alcohol or smoking or environmental toxins, and additional comorbidities. A healthy vital patient will expect a stronger response to PRP

  • The healing process takes between 8-12+ months before all phases of the healing process are mostly completed.

    Phase 1): Inflammation: this phase lasts from ~days 1-10 and typical peaks within the first 3-5 days following the injection. Its purpose is to recruit more cells for growth & repair

    Phase 2) Proliferation: this phase lasts from ~days 4/5 to 6+ weeks. This phase is for the production of collagen (connective tissue) and removal of damaged tissue.

    Phase 3) Remodeling: This phase lasts from ~weeks 3 to 12+ months. In this phase the collagen is remodeled and tightened to resemble functional tissue capable of handling normal activity stressors

  • Dr. Orser conservative estimates between 1-3 sessions spaced every 4-6 weeks is a great start for most injuries. Some tissues and patients respond differently and an individualized treatment frequency is always recommended by Dr. Orser.

  • The doctor will draw your own blood and place it into a specialized container and centrifuged for its initial spin.

    Next, the centrifuge will separate the denser & heavier red blood cells (RBC's) from the lighter white blood cells (WBC's), platelets, and plasma (fluid). 

    Then, the WBC's, platelets, and plasma are removed and centrifuged a second time to increase the concentration of platelets

    Finally, the PRP solution is prepared and ready for injection into painful and degenerated tissue

  • - Individuals dealing with chronic infections 

    - Individuals with active auto-immune conditions 

    - Individuals with thrombocytopenia (low platelets)

    - individuals needing acute pain reduction or pre surgical pain reduction