Advanced PRFM for Pain Management

The platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) method is a unique process of extracting platelets from a patient’s own blood to relieve pain and inflammation, combat scarring, and aid in tissue regeneration.

Similar to PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), PRFM is a controlled process that removes almost all contaminants within the blood to create a nearly-pure platelet-rich solution.

In this blog, we’re going to take a look at exactly what PRFM is and how it can be used to manage your pain more efficiently.

What is Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix?

PRFM is a non-surgical and minimally-invasive therapy that’s used to promote your body’s natural healing abilities. This type of regenerative therapy boosts your body’s healing processes by using your own blood to release a variety of special growth factors and signaling proteins which ultimately reduce inflammation and promote healing.

As it’s prepared from your own blood, there isn’t any concern that the therapy will be rejected by your body and there is little risk of an infection.

PRFM consists of collecting and injecting:

A concentrated solution of platelets
Growth factors
Signaling proteins
Other proteins (these play a vital role in assisting the healing process and regenerating tissue)

Almost all of the red blood cells are removed during a controlled separation process to create a platelet-rich plasma solution or PRP.

PRFM takes this solution and puts it through an extra proprietary step- transforming the platelet-rich solution into a gel-like substance. The advantage of this step is that it helps protect and preserve the life of the platelets and it helps to anchor the PRFM in the exact area that you need it most- helping to naturally repair damaged cartilage, cells, and tissue.

PRFM has been shown to help with tendon, ligament, joint and spine issues. It often offers pain relief within weeks of administration and the therapeutic benefit can be long lasting. Depending on the severity of your condition, your provider may recommend 1-3 PRFM injections.

This same non-surgical PRFM method is successfully used in cosmetic regeneration of the face to reduce wrinkles and lines as well as in hair restoration.

What are growth factors?

Growth factors are protein molecules that naturally exist inside your body.

They’re released by the platelets in your blood. There are hundreds of different types of them- each serving a different role in the healing cascade.

Each one of these protein molecules helps to signal the healing response in different ways, including regulating cell growth, preventing cell death, modulating inflammation and increasing circulation.

Growth factors also have the ability to act as a sort of chemical messenger that communicates with the cells and tells them when to grow and repair.

These growth factors are very important when it comes to regenerative therapy.

How does PRFM work?

Your practitioner will identify the right PRFM solution for your painful condition, and then our staff will draw 30 cc’s of blood from your arm.

This blood sample is then run through centrifugation. This spinning process separates particles based on their size, shape, density, etc.- separating the plasma in your blood from red blood cells and any other contaminants.

Next, the plasma, which contains the platelets needed for the therapy, is collected and refined into a platelet-rich concentrate.

Your personalized PRFM solution is then mixed and injected into the area where you have pain. This could be into a torn or damaged tendon, an arthritic joint or even your spine. The concentrated platelets and growth factors stimulate healing responses in the area that was injected. Depending on your condition several sites may be injected in one session.>

How long does it take for PRFM to relieve pain?

Most patients experience pain relief within several weeks after the first session and healing from PRFM can last up to 6 months. One advantage of PRFM as compared to steroid injections is that there is no harm in re-injecting an injured area if needed. The number of treatments it takes to relieve pain completely depends on each individual.

What is PRFM used for?

If you suffer from chronic shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, foot or ankle pain you might be a candidate for PRFM for pain management. If you have chronic neck or back pain unresponsive to other therapies then PRFM could be the answer to relieve your pain.

PRFM has been known to help with:

Osteoarthritis
Ligament sprains and tears
Tendon tears
Tendonitis
Labral tears
Arthritis
Bursitis
Pulled muscles
Chronic back pain
Tennis elbow
Degenerative disc disorder
Spondylosis
Joint issues
Inflammation

Are there any side effects of PRFM?

To date, no known side effects have been reported for PRFM regenerative therapy. Do take note that like with other injectable procedures, some patients might experience a little irritation, discoloration, itching, swelling, bruising, or tenderness near the injection site for 4-7 days following an injection. If this does happen, don’t be alarmed as these symptoms are only temporary. If they persist, be sure to contact your physician. Most post injection soreness can be effectively treated with topical ice, salves and Tylenol. We suggest you avoid Aspirin, Motrin and Aleve for several weeks after a PRP/ PRFM injection as they can block the healing response. Limiting exercise for 4-7 days can also mitigate post injection soreness. Once the initial soreness from the injection resolves then return to activity can be gradually ramped back up.

Check out our PRFM for pain management success stories on the Barr Center YouTube channel as well as our website.

Want to know more about regenerative therapy and how PRFM can help you with your pain? Check out our regenerative medicine page.

Here at the Barr Center, we help people like you get pain relief to live happier and fuller lives. Interested in PRFM a therapy? Call us at 757-578-2260 or email us at [email protected] to get started on your journey to a pain-free life.