Pain-Free at Last: Robert’s Journey Back to Mobility with PRP Treatment

Robert Furlow, from Godfrey, Illinois, had been struggling with hip and lower back pain for years. “The pain was constant,” Robert says. “I couldn’t walk, bend down to tie my shoes, or even sit comfortably in a chair.”

He tried everything from resting to icing the painful area, over-the-counter medications, and even physical therapy. Nothing seemed to help. For a long time, he didn’t know what was causing his pain or how to fix it.

“During my annual physical, I couldn’t get out of the chair in the patient room very easily,” Robert says. That prompted his primary care physician to take a closer look at his hips. An ultrasound revealed tears in the tendons of both hips, an explanation for the pain he was experiencing for many years. 

Robert’s primary care physician recommended BJC Medical Group sports medicine physician Michael Messmer, DO, of Alton Memorial Hospital. 

Discovering PRP therapy

Dr. Messmer specializes in nonsurgical treatment for musculoskeletal injuries and conditions, including tendon and ligament injuries, arthritis, and muscle or joint pain. 

After evaluating Robert, Dr. Messmer suggested platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, a treatment that uses the patient’s own blood to stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation. 

“PRP injections can help those with chronic tendon tears, ligament injuries, and arthritis when traditional treatments haven’t worked,” Dr. Messmer says. “We concentrate the platelets that contain growth factors and inject them directly into the injured area. It’s especially useful for injuries that aren’t healing on their own.”

“I was nervous at first because I had never heard of this type of treatment,” Robert says. “But Dr. Messmer explained everything and reassured me this could help.” 

The treatment is designated as an investigational by the FDA but is considered safe since it uses the patient's own blood. Some insurance companies may not cover the injections because it is a relatively new application of PRP.

The PRP procedure

Because Robert had tears in the tendons of both hips, Dr. Messmer first performed diagnostic ultrasounds to visualize the injury and plan the procedure. “For tendon and ligament injections, we always do a pre-procedure ultrasound,” Dr. Messmer says. “It helps us target the exact spot and determine if we need to do a needle tenotomy, a tiny scraping that triggers healing when combined with PRP.”

On the day of the procedure, Robert’s blood was drawn and spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets. The process takes about 25 minutes. While nerve blocks are administered for some PRP procedures, Robert’s injections were completed without one and were guided by ultrasound to ensure precise placement. For tendon injuries, a needle tenotomy may take a few extra minutes. 

“The entire procedure can be as short as five minutes or up to 15 minutes, depending on the injury,” Dr. Messmer says. Afterward, patients rest until the initial discomfort subsides and are sent home with crutches or braces to protect the area. 

A remarkable recovery

Robert received PRP injections earlier this year and while his recovery was gradual, it was remarkably encouraging. “I had to use crutches for three days, and I couldn’t bend down or touch my toes,” he says. “After those three days I could put about half my weight on my legs, and within a week, I was walking without crutches. A few days later, I was pain free.” 

About three weeks after the injection, Robert began physical therapy following a PRP-specific protocol for four to six weeks and it went smoothly. 

Today, Robert is back to his normal routine, walking comfortably, climbing stairs easily, and completely free of pain.

Returning to the things he loves

A devoted St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues fan, Robert is excited about getting back to watching games in person. He’s already been able to attend a Blues game and hopes to attend more. “The stadium stairs were much easier for me this time now that I am pain-free,” Robert says.

“I am very thankful for Dr. Messmer. These PRP injections have allowed me to get back to doing everything I enjoy. They truly changed my life.”

If you're living with pain, visit BJC Medical Group Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at Edwardsville or call 618-463-7100 to schedule an appointment. 

Learn more about PRP