Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy

Not all PRP procedures are equal

The ability for PRP to make an appreciable difference in helping mend an injury and decrease pain depends upon several factors:

1) The correct dose of PRP ( the amount of initial blood draw)

2) The quality of the PRP being utilized and quantity of cells being used (double spin concentration and leukocyte selection)

3) Accurate placement

4) Restriction of medications such as Aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs that lessen and/or restrict the effect of PRP.

Dr Haskell is able to address each of these issues:

A) We exclusively utilize ARTHREX's ACP Max system for processing your blood. This system requires a minimum of 30ml of blood draw for small joints (ankle) and 60ml minimum blood dreaw for larger joint (knee). This allows for a minimum of 5 billion platelets for ankle and soft tissue targets and 10 billion platelets for knee joint targets. The required baseline platelet values is also ensured by utilizing a specific "Double Spin" protocol / technique. These baseline amounts of platelets have been independently reported to be the minimum threshold needed to facilitate repair of tissue. Therefore, the entire amount of concentrated end product platelets needs to be utilized at the specific injured target - the amount of platelets cannot be diluted by injecting them into multiple locations. Additionally, this system uniquely allows us to provide platelets with or without Leukocyte cells. This differentiation is important to know because depending on the site of injury, Leukocytes may further help or hinder your repair. For example, we typically select PRP without leukocytes when addressing joint damage such as knee and ankle arthritis. Conversely, we typically select PRP with Leukocytes to help amplify repair of soft tissue injury such as achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis. Thus, the critical questions to ask your doctor is: How many cells / platelets will I be receiving?  And, will I be receiving PRP that has been optimized by the addition or subtraction of Leukocytes for my particular type of injury? 

B) The placement of of PRP is critical. We utilize an Ultrasound guideded technique to help ensure accurate placement of the platelets into the damaged area.

C) Restriction of PRP damaging medications before and after your PRP injection. Several medications such as aspirin and other non steroidal antiinflammatory medications will minimize the platelet's release of repairative proteins and thus negate the benefit of PRP therapy. Thus, we limit PRP therapy to those patients who are able to discontinue all antiiflammatory drugs for 2 weeks prior to and 6 weeks after the PRP procedure. 

Who is a Candidate for PRP therapy?

Potential candidates for PRP therapy include patients of all ages that have acute or chronic musculoskeletal injury or who are suffering pain in ligaments, tendon or joints.

For example, we offer PRP therapy to patients suffering from ankle sprain and ankle weakness, ankle arthritis, plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. 

PRP is not a “magic shot,” and it isn’t the right fit for everyone. But for the right patient and the right diagnosis, PRP may help reduce pain, calm inflammation, and improve function over time—especially when paired with a smart plan (supportive footwear, orthotics, stretching/strengthening, activity modifications, or other podiatry treatments).

What to Expect at Your PRP Visit

While every patient is different, PRP treatment commonly follows a straightforward in-office process:

• Evaluation and Diagnosis

Your visit starts with a lower extremity exam. Imaging (like x-ray or ultrasound) may be used when helpful to confirm what’s driving your pain.

If you have active cancer, active infection or severe thrombocytopenia (abnormally low platelet count), you may not be an appropriate candidate.

• Blood draw and PRP preparation

A small blood sample is taken and processed to concentrate the platelet-rich portion.

• Targeted injection

The PRP is injected precisely into the area of injury. We use ultrasound guidance to improve the accuracy and delivery of PRP.

• Recovery and follow-up plan

You’ll get guidance on activity levels and next steps. PRP isn’t typically “instant relief”... it’s aimed at supporting a healthy healing process.

Why Patients Choose PRP with Dr. Haskell

Dr Haskell has been offering PRP type treatment for over 20 years. While the science is not new, the fine tuning of the process and the understanding of optimal diet, physical therapy and metabolic support continues to evolve. Dr Haskell's association with Doctors of Internal Medicine provides him with the ability to look beyond the injury and into your metabolic status to help fine tune and optimize your results. 

In short, we can optimize your chances of success by evaluating all of you and designing a course of action specifically tailored to your individual needs. 

Schedule a Consultation.

Dr Haskell is able to see patients in his McKinney, West Plano and Garland offices.

You may schedule an appointment by calling: (972) 812-4196

Please note: Just as every patient is different, PRP outcomes may vary: not all patients are capable of responding equally. PRP therapy may not be appropriate for patients with certain medical histories or diagnoses. As always, your treatment plan should be individualized for you. After an thorough exam, we can discuss your risks, potential benefits, and alternatives.

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