Pain Management
Using PRP, Cortisone and Synvisc procedures, to relieve you of your pain.
(For jaw grinding see “non-beauty services”)
PRP
WHAT IS PRP or PRP therapy?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a non-surgical regenerative procedure that uses your own blood’s platelets, which are injected into the problem area, to help heal your body.
The PRP is extracted by a process of centrifugal separation, this has 5-10 times the concentration of growth factors compared to normal blood and contains more than 1000% of the platelets.
Platelets are the part of the blood that aid in clotting, and they release special proteins that play an important role in healing and regeneration.
The growth factors present in PRP help reduce inflammation, promote tissue regeneration, and cartilage. Stimulating the production of new cells and collagen!
PRP is not covered by medicare.
What is PRP therapy used for?
● Chronic tendon pain
● Tendonitis
● Hip pain
● Gluteus medius tendon
● Knee pain
● Elbow pain
● Arthritis of the knee
● Sacroiliac joint (SIJ)
● Hip joint pain
● Ankle joint pain
● Shoulder joint pain
● Fractures
● Hair loss
● Acne scarring
Interestingly certain types of wounds can also be treated with some forms of PRP preparation.
Is platelet rich plasma safe?
Platelet rich plasma injections offer a relatively safe treatment option because there is no risk of adverse reactions as the plasma is the patient’s own; however, it does carry with it the relatively minor risks of infection or nerve damage if the injection is not completed in a sterile environment by a trained medical professional.
WHAT DO YOU DO BEFORE PRP TREATMENT?
Following an initial consultation with your doctor you may be required to do some further scans like an ultrasound or an MRI to help confirm your diagnosis and determine if PRP therapy is the most appropriate treatment for you.
Please let us know if you:
● are taking any blood thinning medications, including aspirin.
● have a current infection
● have been told you have a low platelet count
● are pregnant or are breastfeeding
● have an allergy to local anaesthetic
If you are taking any Anti-inflammatory medications it may affect platelet function, so should be stopped one week prior to your procedure and for 1 week following PRP treatment.
How long does it take for PRP injections to work?
The benefits of PRP injections may take between four and six weeks to be noticeable to the patient. Even beyond this window, the platelet-rich plasma will continue to aid in further healing for anywhere from six and nine months.
How long does platelet-rich plasma last?
Platelet-rich plasma lasts anywhere from six and nine months, during which time it will continue to aid in healing the soft-tissue injury.
How long after PRP can I take anti-inflammatory medication?
It is recommended that you avoid taking anti-inflammatory medications for up to six weeks after the procedure in order to avoid interfering with the natural healing process. If you have questions about this, please ask your physician before the procedure.
How often can you have PRP injections?
Your first PRP injection may bring satisfactory relief, and you may not need to have a second PRP injection; however, it is occasionally the case that multiple injections are best for your condition. When it is indicated that multiple injections may be needed, they are delivered four to six weeks apart, on average.
PRP Therapy Risks and Side Effects
A PRP injection is a low-risk procedure and does not usually cause major side effects. The procedure involves a blood draw, so you should make sure you are hydrated and have eaten beforehand to prevent feeling lightheaded. After the procedure, you may experience some soreness and bruising at the injection site.
Because PRP injections are made up of your own cells and plasma, the risk of an allergic reaction is much lower than with other injectable medications like corticosteroids.
Less common risks of PRP injections include:
● Bleeding
● Tissue damage
● Infection
● Nerve injuries
If you are considering PRP injections, be sure to talk with your health care provider about all the benefits and risks.
What is the Post-Procedural Care for PRP?
● It is normal to feel some discomfort at the injection site for a few days after your procedure.
● You will be prescribed pain medications as needed by your doctor.
● You may use cold compresses to alleviate your symptoms.
● You will be instructed to stop any anti-inflammatory medications.
● You may resume your normal activities but should avoid any strenuous activities such as heavy lifting or exercises.
● PRP Injections Recovery Time
● Gentle activity and rest is advised for the first 48 hours following your PRP injection
● Following this you can resume your normal activities and commence rehabilitation exercises – your Pain Specialist may recommend follow up with a physiotherapist to help guide your rehabilitation exercises.
● A moderate amount of discomfort is expected in the 2 – 5 days following the procedure. Simple pain relief medications such as paracetamol are recommended in this period.
● If you’re concerned about your pain in the post procedure period contact your doctor right away.
● The effects of PRP injections do not usually occur quickly but you may find that over the course of a few months, you make slow and steady progress and improvements.
Cortisone
A cortisone injection, also known as a steroid injection, is a shot of medicine that reduces pain and swelling caused by inflammation. Cortisone injections are commonly used to treat conditions such as:
Arthritis
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Bursitis
Lower back pain
Tendonitis
Herniated discs
Inflamed nerves
Cortisone injections are most often given into joints, but can also be used in the hands or feet. The injection works by temporarily reducing the activity of your immune system, which decreases inflammation.
Here are some things to know about cortisone injections:
How long does it work for?
Cortisone injections start working almost immediately, but it can take up to a few weeks to feel the full effect. The effects usually wear off after a few weeks or months.
Side effects
Common side effects include pain, bruising, dimples, facial flushing, insomnia, and temporary high blood sugar or blood pressure.
Frequency
Doctors usually limit cortisone injections to every 6 weeks and no more than four times a year.
Other treatments
Cortisone injections are not usually the first line of treatment. A doctor may suggest other medications, lifestyle changes, or physical therapy first.
Synvisc
Synvisc is a treatment for osteoarthritis (OA) knee pain that involves injecting a gel-like substance into the knee:
What is it?
Synvisc is a viscosupplement injection that contains hyaluronan, a natural substance that lubricates and cushions joints.
How it's used?
Synvisc is injected into the knee, by Dr Bauer guided by ultrasound.
Who it's for
Synvisc is for people who haven't found enough pain relief from other treatments, such as diet, exercise, over-the-counter pain medication, or physical therapy.
How long it lasts
A single injection of Synvisc-One can provide up to six months of pain relief.
Side effects?
Side effects can include pain, swelling, heat, redness, or fluid build-up around the knee. Allergic reactions can also occur.
Who should avoid it?
People with known hypersensitivity to hyaluronan products, or infections in or around the knee, should not receive Synvisc. It also hasn't been tested in children, pregnant women, or women who are nursing.
Insurance
Synvisc is covered by Medicare and most insurance plans