Overview
Platelet-rich therapy (PRP) harnesses the natural healing properties of your own blood platelets, which play a vital role in the body’s repair mechanisms. They aid in forming blood clots and stabilizing tissue after an injury, facilitating the repair process. Platelet therapy offers several benefits, including:
- reducing inflammation
- promoting cell growth
- speeding up tissue repair
Intravenous Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy, administered intravenously rather than via localized injections, enables PRP to circulate throughout the body. This systemic approach allows the therapy to potentially target and heal areas in need across the body. By activating the patient’s stem cells, it promotes tissue regeneration and optimizes conditions for effective PRP function.
Dr James discusses the platelet therapy and what types of patients may consider therapy.
Why it's done
Understanding how your body repairs itself can shed light on the effectiveness of platelet therapy. Platelet therapy leverages the natural healing cascade of the body, which involves signaling, inflammation, blood vessel growth, movement of healing resources, and remodeling to repair damaged tissues and restore function. Here are some conditions platelet therapy is effective for:
- Autoimmune disorders including Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Lupus, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, and others
- Lyme Disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Parkinson’s Disease
Intravenous platelet therapy treats a range of autoimmune and neurological conditions that lead to systemic issues and symptoms. This also revitalizes energy levels and mitigates the functional declines commonly linked to aging, such as joint pain and fatigue. making it comprehensive solution for reversing age-related changes.
Appointment process
Patients interested in intravenous platelet therapy must first be screened by a nurse and scheduled for an appointment with a clinician. If the patient has multiple health issues or is looking to establish or transfer their care to us, our Functional Consultation Series is necessary to determine if PRP is the appropriate treatment option. For Concierge clients who have had relevant blood work done within the last six months (including tests for platelets, vitamin D, G6PD, etc.), we will review the labs and determine if we can proceed with treatment.
This treatment is not suitable for patients with active cancers. However, if a patient has been in remission for some time, a nurse screening followed by a provider screening will be conducted. Additionally, this treatment typically does not cater to children under the age of 13.
How you prepare
If your platelet count is below the recommended 200,000 mark, we will advise you to take a papaya leaf supplement available at our clinic. If your platelets are above 200,000, taking the papaya leaf supplement is optional.
To ensure the blood draw process is as smooth as possible, it’s important to stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, including water, electrolyte drinks, and non-caffeinated beverages. Additionally, a vitamin IV infusion is recommended if feasible. Eat a balanced meal before your appointment. Plan to arrive 10 minutes early, and expect your visit to last between one to two hours.
What you can expect
During treatment
Make sure to come hydrated and dressed comfortably. As there is often a wait during processing, bringing something like reading material, an iPad, or other entertainment can make your time more enjoyable. Once you arrive, you’ll be escorted to the IV area where you can get comfortable. The procedure consists of four main steps:
- Initial blood sample. A fingerstick sample of your blood is obtained. This small sample is essential for the preliminary analysis and helps determine the exact dosage required for your treatment.
- Platelet analysis. The sample is processed in the platelet analyzer. This state-of-the-art technology calculates the perfect PRP dosage tailored to your unique needs, ensuring maximum efficacy and safety.
- Blood draw and preparation. An IV line is started, and a specific amount of blood is drawn from your arm. This blood undergoes a 15-minute, two-step centrifuge process to create your personalized therapy.
- PRP infusion and monitoring. The PRP is infused into the targeted area. The patient’s response is carefully observed to ensure the treatment is effective and well-tolerated. This step is vital for fine-tuning future treatments and maximizing therapeutic outcomes.
After treatment
How you feel after a PRP infusion can vary from person to person; some may feel tired while others might experience a burst of energy. After your appointment, we’ll have you take two capsules of of a binder at bedtime for three days, ensuring you take any other medications 30 minutes to an hour before the binder. We advise against undergoing any further treatments or therapies, such as hyperbaric chambers, IV vitamin infusions, or MAH/EBOO, for 7 days following your PRP infusion.
However, we do recommend Glutathione, available in supplement form or as an infusion, both available at our clinic. To monitor your progress and discuss any concerns, a nurse will reach out to you via phone or email. We closely monitor our PRP patients due to the potential for rapid results.
Results
Because PRP works in tandem with your body’s natural healing, its benefits aren’t immediate. Right after treatment, some discomfort or minor swelling at the injection site is normal, much like any other injection. In the weeks following, PRP stimulates tissue regeneration, with most people noticing peak results around six weeks post-injection.
For ongoing conditions like arthritis, additional PRP treatments can further aid in tissue repair. Your clinican can recommend a personalized injection schedule to best suit your specific needs for optimal recovery and relief.
Frequently asked questions
Explore this section for insights into platelet therapy and receiving treatment with our team.
We exclusively use your own blood to create the plasma and platelet solution. This autologous approach ensures compatibility and minimizes the risk of allergic reactions or transmission of diseases.
We recommend treatments every 8-12 weeks.
While some patients may notice immediate effects, most can expect continuous improvement over 8-12 weeks.