Our PRP procedures is led by Dr. Yves Benabu head of IRM Sud Ouest’s ultrasound and Msk department. Dr. Benabu, is one of the most prominent radiologists in Montreal, with over 10 years experience in pain management, he developed a special niche in regenerative medicine and PRP treatments with a very high success rate.

Dr. Yves Benabu graduated with honors from the University of Montreal and the University of Laval. Dr. Yves Benabu is a fellow of the royal college of medicine. He specializes in all musculoskeletal-related imaging and pain management, head and neck and neuroimaging.

What Is PRP?

Our blood is made up of a liquid called plasma in which red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are suspended.

Platelets play a major role in blood clotting during an injury. In addition, these blood cells contain many proteins that are involved in the proper functioning of our body.

Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) is extracted from patient’s own blood. The blood sample is placed in a centrifuge which separates the platelets from the other components. We then obtain a plasma rich in platelets, concentrated, ready to be injected. The high concentration of blood platelets prepared from the patient’s own blood stimulates the healing process through growth factors. Growth factors accelerate the formation of new blood vessels called angiogenesis.

Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) is a long-term form of autologous treatment which means that it is done by using patient’s own cells. It is intended for long-term repair of injured tendons and is not a short-term analgesic. It is used to heal the joints and tendons of the musculoskeletal system, usually after failure of the conservative treatment.

PRP exam takes approximately 30 minutes including preparation and recovery time. It is performed by trained radiologists under ultrasound guidance to ensure proper deployment of the PRP in the precise location that is needed. It is a safe treatment with no allergic or infectious reaction because it is your own blood.

REFERENCES FOR PRP INJECTION

A prior consultation and discussion with your treating physician about a PRP therapy is requested. The day of the procedure, the radiologist will answer all your additional questions.

FOLLOW-UP AFTER TREATMENT

Physicians may require or suggest to a patient:

Do not take anti-inflammatory; another analgesic may be prescribed by your doctor.
Use a splint to protect and immobilize the affected joint; patients may be advised to use crutches after an injection to the ankle, knee or hip.
Use a cold compress a few times a day for 10 to 20 minutes to reduce post-injection and swelling.

PRP Questions and Answers

What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a medical treatment that involves using a patient’s own blood to promote healing and tissue regeneration.

What is the entire process of the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection?

The PRP process works by drawing a small amount of blood from the patient, separating the platelets from the rest of the blood components using a centrifuge machine, collecting, and concentrating the platelets into a small volume of plasma, and then injecting the PRP into the site of the injury or tissue damage.

How does platelet-rich plasma (PRP) work?

The platelets in the PRP release growth factors and other bioactive substances that stimulate the body’s natural healing process, attracting stem cells and other reparative cells to the site of the injury. PRP therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions, including sports injuries, arthritis, and tendonitis.

How is the recovery of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy?

After the injection, patients may experience mild discomfort or soreness at the site of the injection. However, recovery is generally quick, and most patients can resume their normal activities within a few days.

Can platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy be used to treat arthritis?

Yes, PRP therapy can be used to treat arthritis! Particularly osteoarthritis, which is the most common type of arthritis.

The therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets, growth factors, and other bioactive substances into the joint to promote healing and tissue regeneration. The growth factors released by the platelets are thought to stimulate the growth of new cartilage, reduce inflammation, and improve joint function.

How effective is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for arthritis?

While the research on the effectiveness of PRP therapy for arthritis is still evolving, some studies have shown promising results. For example, a 2017 study published in the Journal of Orthopedic Research found that PRP injections were effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Another study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine in 2016 found that PRP therapy was more effective in reducing pain and improving knee function than hyaluronic acid injections, another common treatment for knee osteoarthritis.

What are some conditions that PRP therapy has been approved for?

PRP therapy has been approved for chronic tendinopathies (such as tennis elbow and Achilles tendinopathy), osteoarthritis, acute muscle injuries, and bone healing (in fractures and other types of bone injuries).

What are the mechanisms of action of PRP therapy?

The mechanisms of action of PRP therapy are complex and multifaceted. PRP contains numerous growth factors, cytokines, and other bioactive molecules that play a critical role in tissue regeneration and repair. When PRP is injected into an injured area, these growth factors are released, stimulating the body’s natural healing response. Some of the growth factors released by platelets have anti-inflammatory effects, reducing inflammation and pain.

PRP contains high levels of growth factors that can stimulate cell proliferation, attracting stem cells and other reparative cells to the site of the injury, helping to regenerate damaged tissue.

PRP has also been shown to modulate the extracellular matrix (ECM), the non-cellular component of tissue that provides structural support, improving tissue quality and function.

How does platelet-rich plasma (PRP) promote healing and tissue regeneration?

When PRP is injected into a damaged or injured area, the concentrated platelets release growth factors that stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. These growth factors promote the formation of new blood vessels, a process called angiogenesis, and the recruitment of stem cells to the area, which can help to regenerate damaged tissue.
In addition to promoting tissue regeneration, PRP also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce pain and swelling in the affected area. This can help to speed up the healing process and improve overall outcomes.
PRP is commonly used in orthopedic medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including tendon and ligament injuries, osteoarthritis, and muscle strains. It may also be used in other fields of medicine, such as dermatology and dentistry, to promote tissue regeneration and wound healing.

How can the effectiveness of PRP therapy be improved?

To improve the effectiveness of PRP therapy, it is important to optimize the preparation method, use the right concentration of platelets and target the injection site.

A validated PRP preparation method that results in a consistent and high-quality product should be used.

What factors can influence how long it takes for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to work?

The length of time it takes for PRP therapy to work can be influenced by several factors, including the condition being treated, the severity of the injury or damage, and the individual patient’s response to the therapy.

Acute injuries, such as sprains or strains, may begin to show improvement within a few days or weeks, while chronic injuries, such as tendinitis or osteoarthritis, may take several weeks or even months for patients to experience the full effects of the therapy.

In some cases, multiple PRP treatments may be necessary to achieve optimal results.

What are some steps that can be taken to prepare for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy?

To prepare for PRP therapy, it is important to inform your doctor of any medications you are currently taking, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and tobacco, and eat a healthy, balanced diet in the days leading up to the treatment.