Christopher Ng, MD, an SSM Health Fond du Lac Regional Clinic physiatrist, and Jacklyn Osborne, APNP, an SSM Health Fond du Lac Regional Clinic orthopedic nurse practitioner, are now utilizing a new therapy – platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection – an innovative treatment that uses the body’s own healing cells to treat injuries.

Joint and tendon pain are common concerns. While traditional treatments, like physical therapy and medications can help, some people explore different pain treatment options.

PRP therapy uses platelets and other materials inside a patient’s blood. Platelets are a type of blood cell that helps blood clot. Platelets also help wounds heal more quickly.

“Everyone’s blood is made up of different cells, such as white and red blood cells and platelets,” Dr. Ng explains. “Platelet-rich plasma is created by concentrating the platelets, which are your body’s cells responsible for healing, in your blood. Providers can concentrate platelets from your body and inject this higher concentrated blood at the point of pain or injury.

“We’re basically harnessing your body’s own healing potential,” Dr. Ng adds. “It’s a good alternative to other injection therapies, such as steroids.”

Dr. Ng recommends evaluation of PRP injections for those with joint or tendon pain who haven’t had success with other treatments like physical therapy.

There are several steps involved with PRP therapy. First, a provider will take a small sample of blood. Next, they will put the blood sample into a special machine that separates platelets and the plasma part of blood from other materials in the blood. Then, the provider will inject platelets back into the body, close to the pain or injury.

PRP therapy is generally considered safe. Individuals may experience mild side effects, like injection pain or temporary inflammation.

Patients with sports-related injuries and those with brain or neck injuries have similar recovery time. Typically, patients can resume normal activity within a few days after the procedure and are likely to see improvements within one to three months.

“The human body has amazing abilities,” according to Osborne. “It can grow new life, heal its wounds and protect itself. In the past two decades, experts have realized the potential of a body’s blood, specifically platelet-rich plasma (PRP), as a healing tool for orthopedic and pain issues.”

 To learn more about PRP injection therapy or to make an appointment with Dr. Ng, call 920-926-8571, or Osborne at 920-926-8616.

Christopher Ng, MD

Jacklyn Osborne, APNP