Natural Biological Treatments & Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy in Anchorage, AK

Biologics are a newer class of therapies that have great possibilities for orthopedic injuries and inflammation. At AFOC, we offer a variety of innovative natural biological treatments, including Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

Are you struggling with a nagging sports injury or chronic pain that just won’t go away? Millions of people worldwide face this challenge, resulting in frustration, missed activities, and a diminished quality of life. But there’s hope. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy can help accelerate healing, reduce pain, and get you back to doing what you love faster – all without surgery.

What is PRP therapy?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is an extensively studied treatment option using the patient’s own blood. A small amount of your blood (usually 20-50cc) is drawn into a syringe. (This is a relatively small amount of blood, about the same or less than when you donate blood to the blood bank.) This blood is run through a centrifuge, which separates the PRP from the rest of the blood. The platelets are suspended with additional fluid called plasma. Together, platelets and plasma have multiple growth, healing, and anti-inflammatory benefits when injected at an injury site.

PRP therapy is used to help with wound healing, tendon repair, and it also has significant anti-inflammatory effects that help joints decrease the pain of arthritis. PRP has been shown to contain at least five growth factors. The most important activities of these factors are to:

• Increase the healing cell population at the surgical site
• Stimulate blood vessel growth and promote hemostasis (your body’s process to stop bleeding) at the surgical site
• Increase the rate of wound healing
• Accelerate bone repair

Why choose PRP therapy?

PRP therapy offers a unique and effective alternative to traditional pain management methods like surgery or medication. Here are some reasons why you might choose PRP:

• Non-surgical and minimally invasive: No need for scalpels or lengthy recovery times. PRP injections are a quick and comfortable procedure performed in-office.
• Faster healing: PRP can significantly accelerate tissue repair, allowing you to get back to your activities sooner.
• Reduced pain: The growth factors in PRP have anti-inflammatory properties, providing natural pain relief and improved function.
• Safe and effective: PRP uses your own blood, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions or side effects.
• Promising results: Research shows PRP therapy can be effective for treating a variety of conditions.

What are PRP injections used to treat?

• In a recent Stanford University study, PRP was reported to help with tendon repair by accelerating healing.
• Participating in a tennis elbow study, our very own Dr. Doug Vermillion found PRP therapy improved the elbow in over 90 percent of patients.
• Patellar tendinitis (pain from diseased tendons under the kneecap commonly referred to as Jumpers’ Knee) showed favorable results when patients performed physical therapy following PRP therapy.
• For rotator cuff tears, we have used PRP therapy in conjunction with surgery. Our literature supports that patients treated with this adjunct had better outcomes.
• Dr. Doug Vermillion also found that using PRP in all of his total-joint surgeries results in a very low infection rate (<1%).
• When using PRP to treat osteoarthritis, we see about 12 months of lasting anti-inflammatory symptomatic relief.

The bottom line – PRP can help keep you moving and active. In addition, our PRP patients receive site-specific rehabilitation processes and guidance, so you achieve the best outcome possible.

Bone Marrow Aspirate

Bone marrow aspirate is usually taken from the pelvic bones in the iliac crest. We have utilized it to help accelerate healing for rotator cuff tears and cartilage repair. Studies have shown that, in shoulder rotator cuffs, there is a lower re-tear rate in this group of patients when compared to those who have not had it.

Amniotic Cell Treatments

Amniotic cells come from placenta tissue and have shown a great deal of promise. In a double-blind randomized study, amniotic cell treatment was effective for patients with knee arthritis. It has also shown promise for healing tendon injuries.

Adipose Cell Treatment for Cartilage Repair

Fat cells, or adipose cells, are abundant in all age groups and can be harvested in a liposuction-type procedure. Some early reports have shown this may have promise for the repair of focal cartilage defects and may help with knee arthritis symptoms.

Are Natural Biological Treatments Right for You?

Dr. Doug Vermillion is a leading pioneer of biologic therapies in Alaska. He may be able to relieve your pain and re-establish your range of motion – all without surgery. Call to schedule an appointment today, and we’ll see if AFOC’s natural biological treatments are right for you.