Dr. Cormier is a specialist in the revolutionary treatment of Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP) injections that can help stimulate the healing of a sports-related injury for the patient who is looking to have improved recovery with a minimally invasive procedure.

This treatment is performed by taking the patient’s own blood and conducting a process called centrifuging, which separates the plasma from the blood cells and is then injected back into the injured area of the patient. The higher levels of plasma that are harvested contain growth-factors that stimulate the healing and recovery of the injury, allowing the patient to return to their sport or other desired activities.

Orthobiologic Treatments

PRP research has rapidly grown over the last two decades and has been very popular among athletes who are looking to maintain their performance level and treat injuries. This treatment could potentially eliminate the prolonged and invasive option of surgery. PRP Injections fall under the category of orthobiologic treatments, which are methods to rapidly treat injuries of the tendons, ligaments, and muscles using the healing properties that are derived naturally from the patient themselves. PRP and other orthobiologic treatments have come to the forefront for several reasons.

First, research in the field of tendon injury has informed us more about the process of tendon healing and what growth factors are involved. Second, we have seen advances in musculoskeletal ultrasound, which provides greatly improved tendon visualization. Third, recent evidence from veterinary and dental medicine also supports the use of PRP. Fourth, we also started to fully realize the potentially harmful effects of corticosteroid injections around tendons, as those injections tend to help decrease the inflammation, but do not augment the healing.

In contrast, PRP and other orthobiologic treatments allow providers to heal the underlying cause of the pain rather than simply removing the pain. Ultimately, the combined research reveals improved long-term outcomes from PRP injections in regard to pain and function in the knee, elbow, foot, ankle, hips, SIJ, and hands. PRP treatment utilizes the body’s own healing properties that are derived from the patient’s blood and has proven to be an effective treatment to consider when other options have failed. In addition to PRP treatments, there are other orthobiologics options that can be discussed and considered. These options offer patients a natural, non-chemical option to healing.

Dr. Cormier’s History with PRP Injections

Dr. Cormier was first introduced to orthobiologics in medical school and began to perform PRP injections during his residency. He chose his sports medicine fellowship at Spaulding/MGH due to the extensive exposure and training they have with orthobiologics. He has performed the procedure on patients ranging from weekend warriors to professional athletes. Being a sports enthusiast and realizing at a young age that he was not going to be a professional athlete, Dr. Cormier has chosen to focus his career on sports rehabilitation. Dr. Cormier is always looking for new ways of improving rehabilitation and expediting an athlete’s return to their sport. PRP has been used abroad for some time and was approved for use in the United States just before Dr. Cormier started his training. PRP injections provide a natural way to help with healing when paired with rehabilitation.

Dr. Cormier is enthusiastic about PRP injections and is able to provide his expertise to whoever feels that they could benefit from this treatment. It’s best to meet with a professional to discuss if you are a candidate for PRP injections. If you are looking to have a less-invasive treatment option for your sports-related injury, you can make an appointment to evaluate your injury and learn more about PRP injections with Dr. Cormier at our Lee or Somersworth offices.

About Seacoast Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Founded in 1972, Seacoast Orthopedics & Sports Medicine is one of the largest providers of orthopedic care, both in the Seacoast region and in the state of New Hampshire. From athletic injuries in the young to degenerative conditions with aging, our goal is to restore and maintain comfort and function for all of our patients.