What is PRP?

PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma. Plasma is the liquid part of our blood and contains the blood components like red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Platelets are one of the elements of blood that help the body clot when it gets a cut. Platelets also contain proteins and growth factors that are crucial for healing that cut. They are the cells responsible for initiating the healing cascade.  Through harvesting and concentrating platelets we can use this solution as a potent stimulant for accelerate tissue regeneration and healing. From chronic muscle or joint pain to new injuries or arthritis, PRP can be beneficial solution.

What areas can be treated?

·       Arthritic joints

·       Knees

·       Shoulders

·       Elbows

·       Hips

·       Tendons & Ligaments

·       Spine

·       Ankle & Foot

·       Hands

How many treatments are needed?

Response to treatment varies, most people require 1-3 appointments. Each appointment is spaced out about 4-6 weeks. Some patients start to notice some improvement in their symptoms around 3-4 weeks with most noticeable results in 3-6 months.

How much does it cost?

$1200 per appointment. Insurance does not cover this procedure.

Why Choose Lenoue Integrative Medicine for PRP?

There are several reasons Lenoue Integrative Medicine is one of the top medical practices in Washington State performing PRP for musculoskeletal injuries.

Ultrasound Guided Injections

o   All PRP injections are done under ultrasound guidance. This ensures the PRP is being injected into the target injury, joint, or tissue.

Specialized in Musculoskeletal Conditions/Injuries

o   Lenoue Integrative Medicine focuses on all types of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. After PRP our facility can further assist with successful rehabilitation.

 Board Certified RMSK Physician

o   Dr. Lenoue, III is a Board-Certified Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine who has RMSK certification, specializing in ultrasound diagnostics and injection techniques. Dr. Lenoue, III trains other medical providers throughout the United States on these techniques.

o   Dr. Lenoue, III has performed over 20,000 ultrasound guided injections administered to date.

 Orthopedic Grade Blood Collection Kits: Dose Matters

o   Orthopedic grade collection kits have been shown to produce the highest level of platelet recovery, sterility, and overall best outcomes.

o   Studies on PRP have shown that the higher concentration of platelets equates to better outcomes.

How to prepare for the procedure

The appointment takes about 1.5hrs. The first part of the procedure will entail the blood draw performed by our RN. Once it has been drawn the blood is processed to separate the blood parts. After about 30 minutes your blood will be ready for the procedure. The Doctor will then take you back to another room for the injection under ultrasound guidance.

·       Hydration – We cannot stress this enough – 2-3 days PRIOR to your treatment attempt to drink 80oz of water a day. Hydration will help your provider see your tissues better under ultrasound and make the blood draw easier.

·       Comfy Clothes – Make sure to dress in clothing that allows the treatment area to be easily exposed.

·       Time – The entire appointment length will be anywhere from 1-1.5hrs.

·       Driver - You WILL need someone to drive you home after your first procedure if the area being treated will impair your ability to drive safely.

What to expect after treatment

·       Soreness/Pain – The area treated with PRP may hurt or be tight immediately after. Your pain will likely increase over the first 1-7 days. Some patients have an increase in pain for upwards of two weeks after treatment. Patients have reported more discomfort after PRP than other injections. Please call our office if you have any questions or concerns.

·       Bruising/Swelling – It is possible to notice some bruising or swelling. This should peak around day 3-4 and go down from there. After 3-4 days you notice any rapid increase in swelling, bruising, or pain please call our office immediately.

·       Activity – Based on the area being treated, and the severity of your condition, your Doctor will give you specific guidelines for activity. A lot of patients reduce their workload or take a few days off after this injection to rest. The key is to listen to your body. If you feel fatigued or are in a lot of pain - rest!

Avoid:

• Anti-Inflammatory medications - Unless directed by your provider, avoid anti-inflammatory medications (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, Advil, Naproxen) for at least two weeks or more if possible.

• No icing – We want the body to infiltrate the area with your natural healing response. Icing prevents flow to the treatment area. After five days you can ice if needed.