Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) are regenerative treatments that effectively help patients recover from wounds, muscle injuries, pain, and more. When these innovative therapies are combined, they create a synergistic effect, helping patients challenged with a wide range of conditions achieve optimal health results.
WHAT IS Platelet-Rich Plasma?
PRP therapy is a non-surgical procedure utilizing components of your own blood to stimulate healing in damaged tissue. Physicians extract and separate blood samples from patients into distinct layers using a high-speed centrifuge. One of these contains platelet-rich plasma, which is injected into the damaged area. The platelets function by releasing growth factors and other cytokines through degranulation which stimulates repair and attracts stem cells to the region. This leads to accelerated healing of bone and soft tissue.
PRP is 100% natural and extremely safe. Because the PRP is made from the patient’s own blood, there’s no risk of rejection or danger of contracting a blood-borne infection. PRP can be made to contain either a high or low concentration of leukocytes (WBC’s) depending on what’s needed. In general, the PRP with more Red Blood Cells and Leukocytes is more inflammatory. Additionally, the concentration (absolute number) of platelets administered is extremely important.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy?
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) uses 100-percent oxygen delivered under elevated pressure to saturate the blood plasma with oxygen levels 1,200-percent more than can be achieved otherwise. This process alters the inflammatory response and additionally increases the release and activation of stem cells from the bone marrow.
To learn more about hyperbaric oxygen therapy, check out Hyperbaric Medical Solutions.
Using PRP in Conjunction With HBOT
Together, PRP with HBOT are powerful healing accelerators and make the perfect OrthoBiologics combination.
PRP and HBOT have been shown to alleviate pain and treat tendon injuries, ligament sprains or tears, bursitis, osteoarthritis, tendonitis, and more.
A case series report published in the African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance in November 2015 linked the combined effects of HBOT and PRP therapies with a decreased healing time for professional rugby players with hamstring injuries. The study was conducted throughout three years, with 42 hamstring injuries identified as: either grade-one injuries—those characterized by minimally stretched or torn muscle fibers, some pain, and a 21-day sideline; or grade-two injuries—those with a greater number of torn muscle fibers requiring players out for 42 days.
The hyperbaric oxygen therapy process, which can be added before and after PRP injections, increases stem cell circulation.
After completing a course of HBOT, PRP injections and physical therapy, the study found the average healing time for grade-one injuries was 13 days (a 38-percent decrease), and 19.2 days for grade-two injuries (a healing time decrease of 46-percent).
Two more studies, both involving rabbits, proved HBOT and PRP can work together to heal fibula bone fractures and improve bone regeneration with autologous bone grafting.
HMS Providing Optimal Results
Northport Wellness Center’s affiliate Hyperbaric Medical Solutions (HMS) led by HMS Medical Director Dr. Alan Katz provides state-of-the-art regenerative medicine treatments to optimize healing, recovery, and performance. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy is combined with PRP, as well as other modalities, including intravenous vitamin and mineral infusions, to support tissue repair and restore health.
Hyperbaric Medical Solutions has five locations on the East Coast: Manhattan, Woodbury, Lake Success, Fort Lauderdale and Boston. Each location has several medical grade hyperbaric chambers designed to deliver up to 3 ATA (atmosphere absolute) of oxygen and are used to treat acute illnesses, injuries, and other health conditions.
All OrthoBiologics injections are performed as an in-office procedure with state-of-the-art ultrasound guidance to ensure precise location of the needle. The procedure takes approximately 45 minutes and only requires a simple blood draw from your arm. Each treatment plan is individualized based on the needs of the patient. Every program begins with a comprehensive consultation and evaluation. Dr. Katz uses a double-spin technique that allows him to obtain the required platelet concentration.
- Osteoarthritis
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Tendinitis
- Ligament Sprains
- Tennis Elbow
- Ankle Sprains
- Meniscus tears
