PRP Therapy Specialist
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New Orleans Orthopedic Institute
Orthopedic Shoulder Surgeons & Sports Medicine located in Slidell, LA & Metairie, LA
Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP therapy, is a type of regenerative medicine used to encourage your body’s natural healing process. If you injure a knee or suffer a ruptured tendon, your doctor might recommend PRP therapy as an alternative to surgery. At New Orleans Shoulder Institute, in Metairie, Hammond, and Slidell, Louisiana, orthopedic shoulder surgeon, Brian Kindl, MD, and the team, proudly offer PRP therapy to both men and women. To see if you’re a candidate for PRP therapy, call the office nearest you or use the online booking tool today.
PRP Therapy Q & A
What is platelet-rich plasma or PRP?
Your blood is mainly a liquid, but it also contains microscopic solids, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. If you suffer a cut or laceration, your platelets help clot your blood; they also contain proteins known as growth factors. These growth factors help your body heal after injuries.
PRP is a plasma that contains more platelets than what’s typically found in your blood. In fact, the concentration of platelets is 5-10 times greater. When Dr. Kindl injects the PRP solution into your bloodstream, it promotes circulation, eases inflammation, and encourages your body’s healing process.
How does PRP therapy work?
Experts aren’t entirely sure how PRP therapy works. However, clinical studies show that the increased concentration of platelets in your blood can potentially speed up recovery following a personal or sports-related injury.
During a PRP therapy session, Dr. Kindl draws a sample of your blood and places it into a machine called a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins around rapidly and separates your platelets from the rest of your blood.
To encourage healing, Dr. Kindl carefully injects the PRP solution into the site of an injured or damaged joint or soft tissue. For example, if you have Achilles tendinitis, Dr. Kindl might inject a solution of PRP directly into your inflamed tendon. Once your platelets enter your bloodstream, your body’s natural healing process begins.
What conditions can PRP therapy treat?
At New Orleans Orthopedic Institute, Dr. Kindl and the team use PRP therapy to treat several conditions, including:
- Chronic tendon injuries
- Acute muscle injuries
- Acute ligament injuries
- Knee arthritis
Dr. Kindl might also recommend PRP therapy after surgery. For example, if you undergo a knee replacement or rotator cuff repair, Dr. Kindl might recommend a series of PRP treatments to speed up your recovery.
Am I a good candidate for PRP therapy?
Only an orthopedic specialist like Dr. Kindl can determine if you’re the right candidate for PRP therapy. That said, if you’re in relatively good health and suffering from joint or musculoskeletal pain, you can probably benefit.
After a physical exam, review of your medical history, and discussion of your symptoms, Dr. Kindl and the team can make recommendations that align with your individual goals.
To request a PRP therapy appointment at New Orleans Orthopedic Institute, call the office nearest you or use the online booking tool today.
