Cahill Orthopedic Sports Medicine
and Joint Replacement Dr. James W. Cahill • Dr. Paul E. Kovatis • Dr. Michael C. Distefano

Stem Cell & Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

About Stem Cell & Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Newer technologies and treatments have allowed patients with inflammation in the tendons and other soft tissues to heal more quickly and in some cases, avoid surgery.

Stem cell and platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections are among such treatments that can help with healing these injuries. Stem cell and PRP treatments have received much press coverage over the years, with many famous athletes using the treatments to help them recover from injuries. There is certainly a lot of appeal to these treatments, as they involve using the patient’s own stem cells and/or plasma to promote healing. However, there is also a lot of misinformation that circulates about stem cell and PRP, so it is important that you consult with a qualified professional before seeking out these treatments.

Orthopedic surgeons like Dr. Cahill are the most qualified medical professionals to advise and administer treatments like stem cell and PRP injections. Dr. Cahill has access to all of the latest research on these treatments, and can ensure that these treatments are a good fit for your recovery plan as a whole. There are many clinics in varying fields that provide stem cell and PRP injections, but not all of these clinics are qualified to determine whether these treatments are a worthwhile pursuit for patients. Orthopedic surgeons like Dr. Cahill are best equipped to evaluate the patient’s condition and devise a treatment plan that will yield the best results, whether that involves stem cell and PRP injections or not.

Stem Cell & Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections

What are Stem Cell Injections?

Stem cells are immature cells that have the ability to develop into other types of cells to match their surroundings, such as muscle, ligament, or cartilage. Stem cells are often associated with embryos, but stem cells are also present in adults’ bone marrow. These stem cells can be harvested from the patient’s own bone marrow or a donor and then injected into a site of chronic tissue inflammation or injury to help promote healing. Because the stem cells are being delivered to an injury site in a highly-concentrated manner, they can help to speed up the healing process.

Though stem cells can be taken from donors, it is best to use the patient’s own stem cells.

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?

Our blood is comprised of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The platelets in our blood contain proteins called growth factors, which play an important role in healing injuries.

Platelet-rich plasma injections are prepared by taking blood from the patient and placing it in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the other blood cells and concentrate them. The highly-concentrated platelets are then injected into the site of the patient’s injury to promote healing. Because the concentration of platelets is higher, the concentration of growth factors is much higher, which may help to speed up the healing process.

What Conditions Can Stem Cell & PRP Injections Treat?

Research on the effectiveness of stem cell and PRP is continuing to grow. Dr. Cahill keeps current on the latest research in order to best advise his patients on a treatment plan. Not all orthopedic injuries will improve with PRP or stem cell injections, or certain injuries may require other treatments in addition to these injections.

Stem cell and PRP injections may be helpful in treating the following conditions and injuries:

Tendon injuries or inflammation
Tendonitis
Arthritis
Rotator cuff tears

Though stem cell and PRP injections are appealing to patients because they are much less invasive than surgery, Dr. Cahill will only recommend them if they are likely to help. He believes that treatment should be done properly, safely, and effectively to ensure the best results. If stem cell and PRP are not the right treatments for a particular case, Dr. Cahill will review treatment options that are likely to help.