PRP Therapy
Regenexx SCP platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy is being offered by Dr. Attaman in Seattle and Bellevue. Feel free to call us at 206-395-4422 (Seattle) or 425-247-3359 (Bellevue), or schedule an appointment online.
We are Washington’s only licensed Regenexx network clinic. Regenexx SCP is the most advanced form of PRP available in the world with the most research to support its use.
Overview
Regenexx SCP platelet rich plasma therapy is an injection of a concentrated mixture of the patient’s own blood. Platelet Rich Plasma injections have been shown to relieve acute and chronic pain and accelerate healing of injured tissues and joints. The injured tissues are often healed by Regenexx SCP platelet rich plasma therapy, in contrast to steroid injections which generally suppress symptoms. Many patient turn to Regenexx SCP platelet rich plasma because it is a way to heal damaged tissue, and because more conventional treatments such as steroid injections and surgery have failed them in the past. However, some physicians and patients believe the best pathway is to treat damaged tissues with Platelet Rich Plasma therapy before steroid injections or surgery are attempted! That said, no treatment is ideal for all conditions, and a comprehensive clinical consultation is required to know whether Regenexx SCP platelet rich plasma is good for your particular issues. If Regenexx SCP platelet rich plasma is not for you, Dr. Attaman has many other treatment options that are likely to be appropriate.
Can It Help Me?
Conditions aided by Regenexx SCP platelet rich plasma include chronic back pain, chronic knee pain, achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, meniscus tears, osteoarthritis of the spine, sacroiliac joint hyper mobility, hip and knee injuries, ligament sprains, rotator cuff tears, lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow), and tendon injuries (tendonopathy). Platelet Rich Plasma therapy can also be applied to many other locations in the body.
Benefits of Regenexx SCP Platelet Rich Plasma
The limited blood supply and poor healing properties of ligaments, cartilage and tendons may make treatment necessary after injury. Unlike medications that don’t treat the underlying cause of pain, Platelet Rich Plasma can accelerate the healing process – eliminating the cause of pain.
What will I experience during the procedure?
The Platelet Rich Plasma process begins by taking a sample of the patient’s blood from their vein. Most physicians take a very small sample of 5-10 mL. Such a small sample is easier to obtain and process, but results in a poorly concentrated Platelet Rich Plasma solution. In contrast, Dr. Attaman takes a minimum 60 mL sample up to 240 mL; this allows Dr. Attaman to produces a VERY concentrated Platelet Rich Plasma injectate very dense in platelets and healing factors. The blood sample is then processed using the patented Regenexx SCP platelet rich plasma protocol in our laboratory. Our laboratory is state of the art and more advanced than almost all others in the state.
We use this laboratory to separate the blood into its primary components – platelets and white blood cells, plasma, and red blood cells. Our laboratory includes a clean hood, centrifuges, cell counters and microscopes. Using the patented Regenexx SCP platelet rich plasma process, we concentrate the platelets to a very concentrated form for re-injection.
Injecting the Solution
A portion of the plasma is removed. The patient’s concentrated platelets are mixed with the remaining plasma to form a concentrated solution. This platelet rich solution is then injected into and around the injured tissues. Most physicians perform these injections “blindly,” which means the injections are done without any sort of image guidance. Such physicians will often suggest 5 or more Platelet Rich Plasma injections are required. They require so many injections simply because they are missing the target most of the time.
In contrast, Dr. Attaman performs all Platelet Rich Plasma injections using ultrasound or X-ray image guidance. This allows for much enhanced safety, accuracy, and efficacy. Generally only 1-2 Platelet Rich Plasma injection treatments are needed. Dr. Attaman can directly visualize the damaged tissues under ultrasound, and ensure that 100% of the Platelet Rich Plasma is deposited into injured tissue only. This also allows Dr. Attaman to perform an advanced technique called needle tenotomy, which is when the needle is used to break up scar and calcium deposits in the injured tissue, and prepare the tissue for better healing.
The Body Reacts
The concentrated platelets release many growth factors that promote a natural immune response. Macrophages – specialized white blood cells – rush in to remove damaged cells and prepare the tissue for healing.
Stem cells and other cells multiply, repair and rebuild the damaged tissue. This accelerated healing response reduces pain, promotes increased strength, and improves joint function. Healing after Platelet Rich Plasma therapy occurs over a period of many weeks. Generally patients will not see significant changes in their chronic pain until the 6-12 week mark. Some people obtain relief faster than this but this is generally an exception.
Long-term Outcome
The entire Platelet Rich Plasma treatment process takes about an hour – the patient will be able to go home the same day. Full recovery from the injection usually occurs within three days of the procedure. Specialized physical therapy is often prescribed after Platelet Rich Plasma injection to accelerate the healing process. Many patients require one to two treatments before the injured tissues are completely healed and they return to a normal active lifestyle. The good news is that some studies indicate that the healing process continues for as long as a year after Platelet Rich Plasma injection therapy, and possibly beyond. This suggests that as time goes on after Platelet Rich Plasma injection therapy, the treated tissues continue to get healthier and stronger.
Good morning, I have a bald spot in upper knee bone where cartiledge has wirn away. I have had micro fracture surgery w limited success. I’m 56 years old. I’m interested in stem cell injections and PRP as a potential next step. From my limited knowledge, it looks like you’re performing PRP, but perhaps not the stem cell extraction. Am I understanding that correctly? I’m curious as to your experience with any similar situations such as mine, with a perfectly good knee re ligaments etc., but a bald spot that really limits my athletic endeavors. Thanks in advance. S.
Dear S,
Thanks for your question. I perform both PRP and Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC) stem cell extraction/injections. I have seen many people in your general situation and the results with PRP and BMC can be very good. Please read a blog post on BMC injections on my website here:
https://jasonattaman.com/bone-marrow-concentrate-bmc-in-bellevue-and-seattle/
Kind Regards, Dr. Attaman
Dr. Attaman, Can this procedure help someone with painful arthritis in the ankle?
Yes, absolutely! Dr. Attaman
I am curious as to whether these treatments are covered by insurance and if not, what would be a typical out of pocket cost for PRP for hip joint treatments?
Hello,
Regenerative Injection Therapies (RIT) such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC) Stem Cell, Placental Stem Cell (PSC) and Prolotherapy (Prolo) are not covered by 99% of insurance companies. The cost for PRP ranges hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the area treated and the complexity. The costs vary for the others as well. It is best to schedule an in person or phone consultation to discuss whether you are a candidate. Kind Regards, Dr. Attaman
Hi
I have a friend with a partial glut medius tear i believe in the tendon insertion. Have you done PRP injections for this sort of injury? what is the success rate for reducing pain and increasing strength over time
Dear Karla,
Yes, I have done PRP on many patients with gluteus medius injuries, particularly at the tendon insertion. It tends to work rather well for this particular issue. Kind Regards, Dr. Attaman
I have severe DDD…can you help?
Dear JJ,
Thanks for your question. I perform both PRP and Bone Marrow Concentrate (BMC) stem cell extraction/injections. I have seen many people in your general situation and the results with PRP and BMC can be very good for DDD. Please read a blog post on BMC injections for Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) on my website here:
https://jasonattaman.com/bone-marrow-concentrate-bmc-treatment-for-back-pain/
Kind Regards, Dr. Attaman
Hello,
I am 36 years old and an avid powerlifter. I have had many knee injuries throughout the years and have developed what my current doctor described as a “shocking” amount of arthritis in my right knee (couldn’t help but laugh the way he said it). I have been told that surgeries can be risky now since they can inflame the joint and speed up the arthritis. I know continuing to compete might be a pipe dream, but my first concern is to maintain mobility and have manageable pain or be pain free if possible. Is PRP treatment a good idea for my situation? If so, do many insurances cover this (mine is Premera)?
Dear AL,
In general, PRP or bone marrow concentrate (BMC) stem cell injections can help with this sort of situation. I have seen many people in your situation benefit from this treatment, though I cannot comment on your situation specifically. Neither PRP nor BMC stem cell therapy is covered by any insurance.
It may interest you that my very first PRP patient years ago was herself a powerlifter like you. She also had knee problems.
Kind Regards, Dr. Attaman
Dr. Attaman, I would like to know what is the cost of PRP , I have osteoarthritis in my left hip.and pain all time,I’am 62 years old ,I work full time and is very painfull
to do my duties every day,thanks for your attention.
Rosa Condorpusa.
Dear RC,
The cost of PRP varies based on the location that needs to be treated, what types of imaging modalities are required, and other factors. I suggest you schedule a consultation with me which is covered by insurance and we can explore whether you are a good candidate for PRP and the associated cost. Kind Regards, Dr. Attaman
What is the cost of each treatment, and is it covered by insurance?
Dear CG,
The cost varies based on how complex the area to be treated is. It is not covered by insurance, as there is no pharmaceutical nor medical device company that has a vested interest in this treatment. New medical treatments are rarely covered by insurance or Medicare unless bureaucrats in DC are heavily lobbied.
Kind Regards, Dr. Attaman
Will this help heel spur?
Dear CB,
Yes, this can help with the pain from heel spurs. I’d be happy to see you in consultation to determine if you are an appropirate candidate. Kind Regards, Dr. Attaman
Hi Dr. Attaman,
I have surgery scheduled in a few weeks for hand arthritis of my right thumb. I have had it for three years and it is getting worse. Plus I have it in my left. I would like to come see you but would like you to comment on PRP vs Surgery and what the realities are. I have had success with other surgeries but I am just learning about your procedure now. How can I short cut my research.
Thanks.
Dear BD,
Fortunately, this is a very small joint, and tends to respond well to PRP or stem cell therapy. I would suggest a consultation so we can see if you are candidate, or whether surgery is a better option for you. It depends on the severity of your degeneration and any bony damage you may have in the thumb.
Happy to see you in clinic!
Best, Dr. Attaman
Dr,
I have tennis elbow (that’s what I think). It’s painful and limits my ability to lifit weight. I am able to do all the activities but with pain – I am able to do almost all acitivities. IT started from my right elbow and now my right elbow is find but has moved to my left elbow. Please sugguest if Plasma Rich Platelet Therapy will helpful to me.
Regards,
Dear VS,
PRP works very well for tennis elbow! In fact, it is one of the best uses of PRP. I’ve seen some very dramatic improvements with this condition and PRP. I would be happy to see you in consultation to see if you are a candidate. Kind Regards, Dr. Attaman
Dr Attaman
I was recently diagnosed with a small labral tear and mild gluteus medius tendonopathy in my right hip.
Is this something you have had success in treating with prolotherapy or PRP?
Dear C,
Yes, both these issues can respond very well to PRP and prolotherapy, in particular the gluteus tendonopathy. I would encourage you to make a consultation so that we can go over your imaging and do a physical exam with you and see how we can best help you.
Best Regards, Dr. Attaman
I had breasts reduction surgery 20 years ago. Can you inject PRP and PPP into my breasts to heal nerve and vascular damage? Had it done in Lynwood, but she used an Eclipse centrifuge and I know the buffycoat stuck to the plug they use to seperate the blood cells from the plasma.
Dear Elizabeth,
I’m sorry to hear of this. Oftentimes a nerve called the intercostobrachial nerve is damaged during breast surgeries. It is fairly common. You can read about it here:
https://jasonattaman.com/intercostobrachial-neuralgia/
In some cases I can inject a substance called platelet lysate around this nerve and this may help it to heal. You can read about it here:
https://orthoregenerative.com/platelet-lysate/
I cannot repair any breast tissue damage you may have but I may be able to help with your nerve injury. Please call to schedule a consultation.
Best, Dr. Attaman
Hello Dr. Attaman,
I have torn rotator cuffs in both shoulders with the left one being the worst and have been considering mini-incision surgery to repair the left one soon.
Have you had previous success with full thickness tears in the RC with this treatment and would I need more than 1 treatment.
I am on Medicare and I know they won’t cover it so I would really like to know the cost of one treatment so I could see if I can afford it before I come over for a consultation.
You can respond on my e-mail if you could please. Thank You.
Duncan DeBond
Dear Duncan,
I’m sorry to hear about your issues. Yes, I’ve had success with full thickness tears in the RC with this treatment. Sometimes if the tear is too large, we may need to use your own stem cells obtained from your bone marrow. You can read about the options on my other website:
https://orthoregenerative.com/stem-cell-treatments-for-shoulder-rotator-cuff-injuries-and-arthritis/
Cost is discussed in our FAQ, here:
https://orthoregenerative.com/regenexx-faq/
Please give us a call so we can discuss your issues further and answer any more questions you may have.
Best, Dr. Attaman
Dear Dr. Attama. I have very painful bursities in my left hip. Steroid injections help for up to three month. Would PPR be an alternative medicine. How often would it have to repeated ?
Thank you
Dear Irmela,
I’m sorry you are suffering. PRP can work fantastic for this issue, I’ve treated many patients successfully with this condition using PRP. Oftentimes it is curative, meaning it does not need to be repeated. I’d be happy to see you in consultation. Kind Regards, Dr. Attaman
Hi Dr Attaman,
Per contrast MRI, I have a medium size morton’s neuroma on my left foot between 2 and 3 metatarsal heads. I have had it for 11months and it is very painful. I have had three neurolytic alcohol injections without success. Does prp work for this condition?
Dear Stephanie,
Yes, PRP or more specifically platelet lysate can help with this condition. Platelet lysate removes the inflammatory components from Platelet Rich Plasma and leaves behind only the non-inflammatory growth factors which can help nerves heal. You may read more about it on my other website, orthoregenerative.com
https://orthoregenerative.com/platelet-lysate/
I’d be happy to see you in consultation. Kind Regards, Dr. Attaman
Hi Dr. Attaman. Dr. Buscher in Redmond suggested that you might be able to help me. I have a number of issues, including allergies, the MTHFR gene mutation, high lead levels, and adrenal failure. For the last 20 years I had had knee pain and X-rays have shown that I have many bone spurs in my knees. Doctors always tell me to get knee replacements, but I don’t think I am a good candidate for that. Do you think your treatments would help me?
Hi Dr. Attaman,
I am 35 yo male with diagnosed patellar tendonitis from my college baseball days and avid continual lifting, squats, etc..
I work as a fireman and this injury isn’t preventing me from doing my job or lifting but the pain never goes away and is becoming a nuisance. I have tried steroid injections with no relief and was told this therapy is my last and final resort to finally heal from this… is patellar tendonitis curable and what is the down time? When can I go back to work and start lifting again after the procedure?
Would PRP be helpful for rectal and vaginal neuropathic pain and spasms most likely from pudendal nerves/severe tight muscles over three years barely cansit it lie down. Have had every intervention doing radiofrequency Dec 12. Please let m know if there is anybody in Boston area please to help me. Thank you Ronda Giovangelo telephone 5087852383 call 5084793251
PRP is an effective hair restoration and skin rejuvenation technique that employs the utilization of the patient’s own blood. PRP replaces the epidermal tissue, only after successfully getting injected into the target area. PRP is an extremely simple outpatient procedure- https://www.bhrcscottsdale.com/injectables/prp-therapy/ . It increases collagen production. Normally, its consequences are long-lasting. PRP can treat fractures, back-pain, and other sports injuries. In other words, it is a great medication technique for unresponsive injuries.