INTRODUCTION TO PLATELET RICH PLASMA THERAPY

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) is a new and innovative treatment that naturally heals injured joints and tissue by using the body's own healing process. Dr. Daniel Kassicieh, an Osteopathic board-certified Sarasota neurologist, performs PRP therapy for patients suffering from joint and knee pain, lower back pain, rotator cuff tears and other orthopedic type injuries.

Since the time I started practicing medicine and specifically neurology, I was amazed at the number of patients who had had spinal or joint surgery who continued to have pain. They are in chronic pain and are frustrated that no one can help them. They are amazed that surgery did not fix them. I frequently hear, "surgery was the only option that I had." Unfortunately, all too many patients fall into the trap that surgery is the only answer to their pain problem and were convinced that surgery would "cure" their pain. The most unfortunate thing is that surgery was most likely not appropriate for the patient is the first place. Surgery will more frequently than not, fail to relieve spinal pain. That is because in the majority of the time, back and neck pain is not due to a spinal problem. The problem most likely due to soft tissue pain: muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia (the cover tissue of muscles.)

I have searched out many different ways to treat patients effectively and relieve their pain without surgery or narcotics. A few years ago, I learned about platelet rich plasma therapy. This incredible therapy was never taught in medical school. Basically platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP) uses your body's own natural healing process to repair damaged tissues. To make PRP, two ounces of your own blood is taken and processed to extract out PRP. In whole blood, PRP is only one percent of the volume of blood. With platelet rich plasma processing, we can concentrate platelets by 500-600%. This concentrated platelet rich plasma can then be injected directly into the area of damaged tissue. This may be in the knee or shoulder joint, lower back, neck or into injured tendons or ligaments.

In patients who have bone fractures, PRP dramatically accelerates bone healing and pain relief. Platelet rich plasma therapy is a remarkable treatment. It will let patients avoid surgery and general anesthesia, has no rehabilitation time and uses the body's own healing mechanism to get natural, stronger healing. If you think you may be a candidate for PRP, please visit PRP Stops Pain or call Sarasota Neurology at 941-955-5858 for an appointment.