Injections Specialist

What is platelet-rich plasma therapy?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative therapy injection that leverages your body’s natural healing properties to restore your health.

To perform a PRP injection, Dr. Leathers takes a sample of your blood. Your blood contains liquid, or plasma, in addition to solid substances such as red cells, white cells, and platelets. Platelets not only help your blood clot when you sustain an injury, but they also contain vital growth factors that help heal damage within your body.

After your blood draw, it’s put through a centrifuge to concentrate its healing growth factors making it five to ten times richer. When Dr. Leathers injects this concentrated blood sample directly into your injury site, it triggers a natural healing process, including the growth of new tissue.

What is stem cell therapy?

Stem cell therapy is another regenerative injection treatment. This technique uses your body’s natural building blocks — your stem cells — to trigger tissue regeneration.

In regards to stem cells, there are the adult and embryonic stem cells. Dr. Leathers uses adult stem cells found in several areas of your body, including your blood and bone marrow. Adult stems cells can regenerate indefinitely and can even renew different types of cells.

After harvesting your stem cells, they’re processed and prepared for your injection. Dr. Leathers delivers your stem cell therapy directly to the damage in your body causing your pain. Following your stem cell injection, new cells begin to grow within approximately ten days.

What is a cortisone injection?

Dr. Leathers uses cortisone injections to relieve pain and inflammation, especially in joints. These injections typically combine local anesthetic and corticosteroid medication. Corticosteroids are steroid hormones that have anti-inflammatory properties.  

To protect your cartilage from further deterioration, Dr. Leathers typically performs cortisone injections on a limited basis, often three or four times each year.

What conditions do therapeutic injections treat?

Dr. Leathers might recommend injections to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Arthritis
• Fractures
• Chronic tendon injuries
• Acute ligament or muscle injuries

In some cases, regenerative injection therapies are used during surgical procedures to aid the healing process.

For more information on therapeutic injections, call Michael P. Leathers, MD, or schedule an appointment online today.