The Tribune

Family Medicine Centre 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 Centre’s services 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. Now, the Family Medicine Centre— a multi-specialty healthcare facility — announced that it has added PRP therapy to its ever-expanding list of services.

Dr Turner, who joined the Family Medicine Centre 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,” said Dr Turner said.

The treatments are beneficial to people suffering from chronic overuse syndromes, like Achilles tendonitis, elbow tendonitis, knee tendonitis, plantar fasciitis 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 Centre, said he embraces the technological advances in medical treatment options and is pleased to introduce this innovative approach to healing at their facility on Blake Road.

“We strive to be at the pulse of wellness, recovery and healing,” he 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 Centre was founded with a focus on a whole-life approach to healthcare, specialising in physical, mental and emotional well-being. For more information, call 702-9310 or visit www.familymedicinecenter.org.