Platelet-Rich Plasma Or PRP Is Turning Heads In The Medical Field

There is a new treatment available from doctors in Tulsa some say helps patients with arthritis and joint pain.

Several professional athletes are using the treatment to help get them back on the field after an injury.

Thousands of walkers, runners and bikers use RiverParks in Tulsa every day. Many of them have undoubtedly suffered with joint pain at some point in their lives.

A newer treatment, called Platelet-Rich Plasma or PRP, is turning some heads in the medical community.

Depending on what studies you've read, up to 90 percent of patients have seen an improvement in their symptoms, stemming from joint damage, tennis elbow, arthritis and more.

Basically, PRP works like this. Doctors draw your blood, put the vials in a centrifuge machine, separate the blood, take the platelets out, and inject them back into your body.

Doctors say it can be an alternative to surgery, but it's not a cure-all.

Again, PRP is not perfect.

The FDA hasn't weighed in on it yet and Dr. Stanley added that many doctors won't use it because of lack evidence that it works.

And it's not covered by most insurance, so if you want to get the treatment in Tulsa, it'll cost $1,000 to $1,200 out of pocket.

Read more information about PRP at American Academy Of Orthopaedic Surgeons website.