FMC Introduces New Service: Platelet Rich Plasma Injections 

Family Medicine Center is now offering platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy, an innovative treatment which helps in the healing of injured muscles, ligaments, and tendons.  It is a non-surgical treatment for chronic sports and musculoskeletal injuries.

Sports Medicine physician Dr. Meredith Turner officially introduced PRP to Family Medicine Center’s service offerings, when she treated the first platelet-rich plasma patient in mid-September. The procedures are performed in-office, and take about 30 minutes.

While PRP therapy has become popular in modern medical technology, it remains relatively new in The Bahamas. Family Medicine Center — a multi-specialty healthcare facility offering a wide range of services, including on-site lab, pharmacy, diagnostic imaging, and outpatient services — is pleased to add PRP therapy to its ever-expanding list of services. Since first opening its doors over 15 years ago, Family Medicine Center has earned a reputation for providing world-class healthcare and cutting edge treatment options, with PRP therapy being the newest addition.

Dr. Turner, who joined the Family Medicine Center medical team in August, said, “The goal of PRP injections is to promote the body’s healing process and prevent a need for surgery.”

Here’s how it works: Blood is drawn from the patient, and spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, which are then injected into the injured area. The platelets contain growth factors which help with healing and repairing the injured tissue.

Many professional and famous athletes have credited platelet rich plasma injections with helping them get back into their sport more quickly and effectively.

“PRP injections are considered safe and effective. We are injecting the patient with their own blood, which you cannot have a reaction to,” Dr. Turner said.

The treatments are beneficial to people suffering from chronic overuse syndromes, like elbow tendonitis, knee tendonitis, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fascilitis of the foot, or rotator cuff tendonitis. It can also help in the case of acute injuries, such as sprains in the groin, hamstring, or quadriceps.

Dr. Graham Cates, medical practitioner and founder of Family Medicine Center, embraces the technological advances in medical treatment options and is pleased to introduce this innovative approach to healing at the Family Medicine Center clinic on Blake Road.

“We strive to be at the pulse of wellness, recovery and healing,” Dr. Cates said. “Our patients trust us to provide the highest quality patient-centered care, and part of that is offering them progressive treatment options.”

Family Medicine Center was founded with a focus on a whole-life approach to healthcare, specialising in physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It encompasses a team of highly qualified doctors and healthcare professionals in many unique fields of medicine and with a multitude of specializations. For more information call 702-9310.

CAPTION: 
Sports Medicine physician Dr. Meredith Turner administering platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections to a patient at Family Medicine Center.