Plasma Rich Platelets and Plasma Rich Fibrin are non-surgical treatments that stimulate the body’s natural healing processes so your own body is stimulated to repair injured joints, cartilage, ligaments and muscles.

PRF vs PRP: Both PRF and PRP are derived from the patient’s blood under a phlebotomist’s care. PRF is a newer generation therapy that offers a more sustained release of growth factors. PRP, on the other hand, is a first-generation platelet concentrate that requires activation before use with anti-clotting agents like Heparin. PRF is recommended and preferred due to the results of the simplicity of the product, the quality of the procedure and the reported decrease in pain during recovery.

Success Rates of PRP/PRF

PRP and PRF are successful in the majority of cases, but depend on:

1. Severity of condition being treated
2. The patient’s general health
3. How well targeted the treatment is in body region

 

2 Types of PRP/PRF:

1. Single capsule injection for pain relief. Similar in intent to a steroid injection, but prolo does not cause dehydration of tissues like a steroid injection.
2. Ultrasound guided ligament/muscle tissue injection. A body region (ie. a knee) may consist of up to 4-14 injection points. The targeted procedure tends to demonstrate measurable joint improvement.

Example of knee injection sites:
ACL
PCL
MCL
LCL
Patellar tendon
MPFL
Knee capsule

 

What Is Treated

Osteoarthritis: PRP/PRF injection studies demonstrate pain reduction and improved joint function
Joint Pain: Patients with chronic pain may benefit from PRP/PRF with reduced pain and increased mobility.
Sports Injuries: Patients. with ligament or muscle injuries have reported significant improvements in pain and joint function.

Healing and Regeneration

Mechanism of Action
Athletes and chronic pain sufferers are demanding better and less invasive solutions for all types of musculoskeletal conditions. PRF is a fraction of whole blood containing concentrated fibrin, growth factors and proteins. In layman’s terms, fibrin is similar to a spider-web like material that generates vine-like connections between tissues that can lead to the regeneration of a muscle, cartilage or ligament.

Non-Surgical Options For Pain, Ligament And Muscle Damage:

AIM offers an alternative for individuals seeking non-surgical options to care for chronic pain and encourage joint function. Most patients report significant decreases in pain with increased mobility.

FAQs On PRP/PRF

1. What conditions can PRP/PRF treat?
   PRP/PRF can address musculoskeletal problems that include osteoarthritis, chronic pain, sports injuries, tendonitis, cartilage and ligament damage.
2. How long does it take to see results from PRP/PRF?
   Results from PRP/PRF can vary, but many patients start experiencing pain relief and improved function after 1 treatment session. Treatments are spaced apart by 4 weeks or more and joints require 1-3 treatments.
3. Is PRP/PRF a safe procedure?
   Yes, especially PRF, as it is 100% “you,” just in a concentrated form. PRF does NOT include any additives or blood thinners. 
4. Does Insurance or Medicare/Medicaid cover Prolo?
   PRP/PRF is an optional, cash pay procedure due at time of service.

What is the recovery time after PRP/PRF?

It is highly recommended that patients take it very easy for the first 24 hrs. after PRP/PRF, and be moderate for the next 2 days (3 days total) with their activities. Many patients where a sling or soft joint sleeve for the first 3 days to protect the joint area if it is possible.

PRF often has a “mushy” feeling for 3-4 weeks after treatment and the joint area may “feel soft”.

Talk to your provider before resuming intense physical activities like strenuous workouts or playing sports after an injection.