Chronic Pain
From old sports injuries to overuse and age, studies have shown that chronic pain affects 50.2 million adults in the United States, daily (Jason, et al). Chronic pain can limit daily functions, inhibit exercise, and even lead to depression. Our office currently offers two innovative forms of treatment for chronic pain: Platelet Rich Plasma and Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology.
Platelet Rich Plasma PRP
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) has been in use for the last thirty years for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. It has also been used in cardiac and plastic surgeries as well as dermatology. Platelets Rich Plasma is used by many professional athletes (Hines Ward, Super Bowl MVP used it after getting injured just before the Super Bowl) for their injuries to accelerate healing and return-to-play. PRP promotes healing and cell regeneration by increasing the concentration of platelets, and platelet factors at the injured site. These factors have powerful anti-inflammatory effects along with promoting the growth of new blood vessels and tissues . In order to increase the concentration of platelets, the doctor draws blood from the patient and separates the platelets from the red blood cells in a concentrated form. Once separated, the platelets are injected into the injured site. Healing has been seen anywhere from two to six weeks following treatment, but the relief can be felt almost immediately with the powerful anti-inflammatory effect.
Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology EPAT
Our second and newest form of treatment for chronic pain is Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology or EPAT, also known as Shockwave. EPAT is a form of shockwave therapy that helps promote healing at an injury by promoting blood flow at the injured site and surrounding areas. Similar to PRP, EPAT profits on the healing abilities already found in your body. By increasing blood and lymph flow to the injured site and surrounding areas, the healing cells and mechanisms can more readily aggregate in these areas promoting healing. EPAT is non-invasive so there are no incisions and a decreased risk of infection or other surgery-related issues. For most musculoskeletal injuries three treatments over three weeks are suggested.
Upon examination, the doctor can determine the most appropriate method of treatment which may include PRP or EPAT or even a referral for physical therapy or surgery. The doctor is also experienced and certified in musculoskeletal ultrasound to better diagnose the injury and for accurate placement of the treatment substances. To find out if you are a good candidate, call our office and schedule an appointment.
Sources: https://journals.lww.com/pain/Abstract/9000/The_prevalence_of_chronic_pain_among_adults_in _the.98045.aspx
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/chronic-pain-the-impact-on-the-50-million-americans-wh o-have-it#Chronic-pain-is-common
https://www.karger.com/Article/Fulltext/477353#ref4