Platelet Rich Plasma - PRP

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy at ICIM: Expert Care for Faster Healing

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive treatment that leverages your body’s own healing power to address various musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain. By concentrating platelets from your blood and injecting them into the injured tissue, PRP aims to accelerate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain.

At ICIM, the effectiveness of PRP therapy is maximized by combining expertise, precision, and adjunctive treatments. When you receive anatomically specific injections, you want them performed by a doctor who is fully trained and certified, not any regular practitioner that is just jumping on the wagon.  Dr. Noah Edvalson carries two doctorate degrees (ND & DC), is trained in sports medicine (CCSP), and is certified in musculoskeletal ultrasound (MSKUS) – ensuring that every injection is delivered accurately to the injured tissue.  It’s  Ultrasound guidance not only improves safety but also enhances PRP’s regenerative potential by precisely targeting the affected area. The quality of the PRP is another thing that really matters, and we use one of the most studied and sophisticated systems on the market (Emcyte), which yields high platelet counts (10-20 billion per kit).  In addition to PRP, we often incorporate shockwave therapy, which stimulates tissue repair and blood flow, and therapeutic peptides, which can support cellular regeneration and reduce inflammation. Together, these combined approaches aim to optimize healing, accelerate recovery, and improve overall functional outcomes for our patients.

What Is PRP Therapy?

PRP therapy involves drawing a small sample of your blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting this enriched plasma into the site of injury or degeneration. Platelets contain growth factors that are essential for tissue repair and regeneration. By delivering a higher concentration of these platelets directly to the injured area, PRP therapy aims to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.

Conditions Treated with PRP Therapy

PRP therapy has been explored for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including:

While PRP therapy shows promise for these conditions, its efficacy can vary depending on factors such as the specific condition, the PRP preparation method, and the patient’s overall health.

Steroids vs. PRP: Understanding the Differences

Feature Steroid Injections PRP Injections
Mechanism Reduce inflammation and pain Stimulate tissue repair and regeneration
Duration of Relief Often short-term; repeated use may weaken tissues Potential for long-term benefits
Side Effects Possible weakening of tissues, joint infection Minimal; typically limited to injection site discomfort
Suitability Effective for acute inflammation Beneficial for chronic conditions and tissue repair
Regenerative Potential Low High

While steroid injections can provide quick relief from inflammation and pain, they do not promote tissue healing and may lead to tissue weakening with repeated use. In contrast, PRP therapy focuses on enhancing the body’s natural repair mechanisms, potentially offering longer-lasting relief and improved tissue function.

Research Supporting PRP Therapy

Numerous studies have investigated the efficacy of PRP therapy across various conditions:

  1. Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis by Roy et al. (2025) demonstrated that PRP injections resulted in significant short-term pain relief and functional improvement in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy. However, the study found no superior long-term benefits over placebo or corticosteroid treatments.

  2. Osteoarthritis: A systematic review by Xiong et al. (2023) indicated that PRP injections effectively improved pain and function in patients with osteoarthritis, with leukocyte-poor PRP showing greater efficacy.

  3. Multiple Injections: A study by Partan et al. (2024) found that multiple PRP treatments reduced pain more effectively than a single injection, suggesting the benefit of repeated sessions for chronic conditions.

  4. Bone Healing: Research by Bacevich et al. (2024) highlighted PRP’s potential in enhancing bone healing, particularly in non-union fractures when used in conjunction with surgical interventions.

  5. Safety Profile: A comprehensive review by Alves et al. (2018) confirmed that PRP therapy is relatively safe, with minimal adverse effects, making it a viable option for various conditions.

  6. Erectile Dysfunction:  A review of seven studies including 641 men with primary organic erectile dysfunction found that intracavernosal PRP injections generally improved erectile function compared to placebo, without significant severe side effects.

  7. Vaginal Rejuvenation:  A study compared the effectiveness of intravaginal PRP therapy to local hormonal treatments in postmenopausal women. The findings suggested that PRP injections were a safe and effective alternative, particularly for patients who had contraindications to hormone therapy. PRP therapy improved hydration of the vaginal mucosa, offering a non-hormonal option for vaginal rejuvenation.

ICIM Success Stories Using PRP

“I’m a competitive athlete and frequently incur injuries. PRP injections have helped me recover and return to training more quickly.”
— A.B., 28, Nampa, ID

Learn More About PRP at ICIM

PRP therapy is a promising treatment option for individuals seeking to enhance their body’s natural healing capabilities. While it is a newer procedure and may not always be covered by insurance, many patients find it a valuable step toward improved healing and quality of life. Contact our office today at (208) 629-5374
to discuss whether PRP may be right for you.