Platelet-rich plasma, also known as PRP, could be the solution you've been searching for.
PRP treatments could benefit multiple conditions. Some of the better-known uses for PRP include tennis and golfer’s elbow; Achilles tendonitis; osteoarthritis in the knees, hips, SI joints, fingers and spinal areas; and ACL and rotator cuff injuries.
Dr. Autumn Dugas, founder and owner of RegenND Naturopathic Clinic
Dr. Autumn Dugas, the owner and founder of RegenND Naturopathic Clinic, can also formulate and administer PRP eye drops for conditions such as dry eye disease, corneal ulcers and post-surgical healing.
Additionally, PRP is used to treat hair loss in both men and women, as well as female sexual wellness and incontinence issues.
The goal of PRP is that your body becomes its own medication for healing — no painkillers, no over-the-counter medications and no surgery. Healing is initiated by your own biological processes.
Dr. Autumn Dugas, a local Billings naturopathic doctor, serves southeastern Montana, northern Wyoming and the western Dakotas, empowering her patients with choices in their healthcare.
Naturopathic physicians are licensed medical professionals with the same foundational education as medical doctors, or MDs. However, naturopathic doctors, or NDs, specialize in natural therapies to help patients heal and prevent disease. Like MDs, NDs have NPI and DEA numbers, allowing them to prescribe medications when necessary.
Dr. Dugas takes an integrative, evidence-based and collaborative approach to care, combining naturopathic and conventional medicine to create personalized treatment plans. She specializes in regenerative medicine, women's health and pediatrics, tailoring each treatment to the patient’s unique needs.
What is PRP therapy?
Regenerative PRP therapy involves injecting a concentrated solution of the patient’s own blood platelets into damaged tissues to accelerate the healing of tendons, muscles, joints, bones, ligaments and vaginal tissues.
The process begins with drawing the patient’s blood in the office, which is then spun in a centrifuge to separate the red and white blood cells, plasma and platelets. Once the concentrated PRP solution is prepared, it is injected into the area of injury or applied through eye drops. The platelet-rich plasma stimulates an inflammatory response, could enhance the body’s natural healing process by amplifying the number of reparative cells and accelerating the growth factors that promote tissue repair.
“The fact that we can help a patient return to everyday activities — whether that’s picking up a grandchild, playing sports, riding a horse or going back to work — without the need for medication or surgery is life-changing. It’s truly an honor to be a part of that journey,” said Dr. Dugas.
What to expect at your appointment
Patients will receive a comprehensive physical and orthopedic exam. X-rays or an MRI may be requested to ensure the root cause of the issue is properly identified. If you don’t already have imaging, Dr. Dugas will order it as needed.
For small tears, sprains and strains, a PRP treatment plan may involve one to three treatments over several months. Many patients notice improvements around week three.
“The biggest benefit for patients is that PRP treatments take only about an hour, cost significantly less than surgery and promote faster healing, allowing them to get back to their lives,” Dr. Dugas said. “It’s usually at their follow-up visit when they have that lightbulb moment — ‘Oh, I can pick up my grandkids now,’ or ‘I don’t need my crutches anymore.’ And I remind them, ‘You did that. Your body was its own medicine, working to heal itself.’”
If Dr. Dugas determines that additional medical interventions are necessary, she will discuss the best next steps and refer patients to the appropriate medical professionals.
Schedule a consultation
Patients experiencing pain, limited mobility, ocular concerns, sexual dysfunction or incontinence can schedule a free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Dugas to determine if PRP treatment is right for them.
For more information about PRP and other services at RegenND, including women’s health, pediatrics and primary care, visit regennd.com.
