If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the following symptoms or conditions, call the office of Dr. Clint Morris at (830) 895-4466 for further evaluation.

What is Plasma and What are Platelets?

Plasma is the liquid portion of whole blood. It is composed largely of water and proteins, and it provides a medium for red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to circulate through the body. Platelets, also called thrombocytes, are blood cells that cause blood clots and other necessary growth healing functions and plays a key role in the body’s natural healing process.

What is PRP therapy?

Platelet-rich plasma, also referred as PRP, is a form of regenerative medicine that amplifies the natural growth factors your body uses to heal tissue, which means you are the source for the treatment material, rather than a donor.

What’s great about PRP is we’re using the patient’s own blood products, so aside from the usual adverse effects of any injection, there is little to no risk associated with PRP therapy for orthopedic conditions. Another benefit to PRP therapy is that it can reduce the need for anti-inflammatory medication, pain killers, and even surgery. Athletes, as well as active patients find that PRP therapy can cut down on the time spent away from the game and the things they love.

PRP therapy has been shown to be effective in promoting and speeding healing of injuries such as osteoarthritis, meniscal tears, rotator cuff, plantar fasciitis, ligament tears, chronic tendon injuries like tennis elbow, bursitis and tendonitis, as well as other musculoskeletal injuries.

Platelet Rich Plasma Injections

How is PRP administered?

PRP injections are prepared by taking anywhere from one to a few tubes of your own blood and running it through a centrifuge that involves separating the blood cells from the plasma, the liquid part of the blood and increases the number of platelets, which are then put back into the plasma. The activated platelets are then injected directly into the injured area. This releases growth factors that stimulate and increase the number of reparative cells your body produces.

What is the benefit to PRP therapy?

PRP therapy presents patients with a long lasting, permanent solution that will not wear off over time as with traditional pain injections or pain medications. For this reason, the use of PRP could help a patient avoid joint replacement surgery.
As with any treatment option, the effectiveness of PRP therapy depends upon the severity of the injury or condition.

Do PRP injections hurt?

Some patients may experience approximately two to three days of being sore after joint injections. People receiving PRP for soft tissue injuries can expect pain for a few days and may also experience stiffness. However, pain intensity becomes less each day as functional mobility and general functional ability increase along with endurance and strength. Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol, is often effective at managing the pain, but you should always consult with your doctor first before taking anything.

Is PRP therapy a better alternative to Cortisone injections?

PRP therapy generally results in long-lasting relief because the degenerative tissue has potentially started to regenerate or regrow itself. While cortisone shots do deliver instant pain relief, new research shows PRP to be more effective thanks to the healing properties of PRP, while Cortisone injections simply mask inflammation and have no healing capabilities.

How soon will I feel the results from my PRP injection?

You will notice gradual improvement 2-6 weeks after the PRP injection and your symptoms will continue to improve over a period of 3-9 months. The recovery time frame varies depending on what was treated. The pain or discomfort of osteoarthritis usually responds faster than tendon related pain such as tennis elbow, golfers elbow or patella tendonitis.

Dr. Clint Morris understands the frustration of living with pain and the fear that accompanies it. Often, most put off calling to schedule an appointment with an Orthopedic surgeon because they think the only other option is surgery, since they have already gone through traditional treatments with their primary physician… Physical therapy, injections and/or prescription drugs. Dr. Morris encourages his patients to communicate their needs as detailed as they can, trusting that together, you and Dr. Morris will work as a team to come up with the best treatment option for your condition. As one of the top board certified Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine surgeons in the Texas Hill Country, you can rest assure that Dr. Morris is fully committed to addressing the pain that is keeping you from enjoying a full life and getting you back to doing the things you love

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Clint Morris or for more information about his services, please fill out our form or contact us at our Kerrville location (830) 895-4466.