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A "revolutionary therapy" using a patient’s own blood plasma to treat chronic injuries and pain is now being offered at Milford Regional Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Center, which recently opened at 98 Prospect Street, in Milford, according to Milford Regional.
Primary care and sports medicine specialist Kevin Jillson, MD offers this unique treatment called platelet-rich plasma injections, or PRP, to patients who have not received relief from traditional treatments such as physical therapy or cortisone injections. PRP has shown to be effective in treating tennis elbow, arthritis (particularly arthritis of the knee), plantar fasciitis and rotator cuff tears, as well as other degenerative muscle, tendon and ligament issues.
“PRP uses a patient’s own blood so there is no risk of significant side effects or reaction,” says Dr. Jillson. “It is a really well-tolerated treatment and can provide potential prolonged relief from pain or stiffness.”
For this in-office procedure, a sample of blood is drawn from the patient and placed in a centrifuge which isolates the plasma from the blood. Plasma contains a higher concentration of platelets than is found in normal blood, and research has shown that platelets may stimulate tissue regeneration and promote healing.
Using an ultrasound as a guide, the plasma is injected back into the patient, targeting the area of damaged tissue. According to Dr. Jillson, treatment takes less than one hour and is performed under a local anesthetic.
“Patients can return to their normal activities within a few days of the treatment,” says Dr. Jillson.
PRP injections are currently not covered by insurance, and payment is the patient’s responsibility.
To view an informative video on PRP injections featuring Dr. Jillson, or to learn more about Milford Regional’s Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, visit https://www.milfordregionalphysicians.org/getmoving .
