Physical Therapy Rockville, MD
What is PRP Therapy?
Platelet-rich plasma injection therapy, PRP, has been around for a while. As more and more research emerges supporting this treatment for joint, tendon and muscle injuries, PRP is being more commonly considered as a non-invasive alternative to surgery. Many Rockville MD athletes have chosen PRP treatments over surgery because of its quicker recovery time and its ability to reduce pain and even heal the affected area.
What is PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma therapy is involves taking a small portion of your own blood, separating the platelets from the red and white blood cells, and then re-injecting the platelet-rich plasma back into the affected area. PRP has the potential to heal damaged soft tissue by helping the body to heal itself. There are very few side effects from the injections themselves because your own blood (rather than a foreign material)is being injected back into your body. You may experience localized swelling, some pain, or a limited range of motion for a few days depending on how your system reacts to the injection.
Is physical therapy needed after PRP injections?
Your Rockville MD doctor may or may not prescribe physical therapy after receiving a PRP injection. Studies have shown that a physical therapy plan following PRP injections can work with the body to strengthen the affected area, increase range of motion, and generally offer a more improved quality of life than without physical therapy. Without the addition of physical therapy, you run the risk not getting as much range of motion and mobility back. Physical therapists who work on rehabilitating patients after PRP treatments can work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Your doctor might recommend starting a physical therapy regimen about seven to ten days after an injection. This is because of the swelling that occurs at the site of the injection. Doctors might tell you not to use anti-inflammatory medications or ice during this time, as the inflammation is actually part of the healing process.
How long does it take to feel positive effects of platelet-rich-plasma injections?
Generally, it takes about six to eight weeks to feel the full effects. The PRP is actually repairing and healing the soft tissue, and that is a natural process for the body, so the healing is done at the pace of the body’s physiology.
Your range of motion may be restored after several months, but you may feel less pain and start to regain strength before then. Physical therapy can benefit you during the entire process by gradually increasing exercises to help with endurance, strength, and power.
If you are suffering from pain caused by the following issues, you may be a candidate for PRP therapy:
- Arthritis or osteoarthritis, especially degenerative knee cartilage
- Torn ligament
- Tendonitis
- Bulging or herniated disc
- Sports injuries
- Chronic pain in neck, knees, shoulders, or lower back
- Sciatica
Platelet-rich plasma therapy used in conjunction with physical therapy may be the non-surgical solution you’re searching for to help with any of the issues listed above. Talk to your doctor to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure. Be sure that the doctor you select has successfully performed PRP injections and can fully explain the procedure and what to expect. The combination of PT and PRP can build strength and stability and increase your quality of life while avoiding invasive surgical options.
At the Pain & Arthritis Relief Center, we offer both PRP therapy and physical therapy services to our patients. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for some of the most trusted PRP therapy and physical therapy Rockville, MD residents count on for real results.
