A Patient Story: Rose Swanger

“A Different Kind of Therapy”

As a business professional, wife, and mother, Rose Swanger doesn’t fit the typical profile of someone who would frequent a sports medicine doctor.  But, orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Gregory Hoover, MD, has proven that sports medicine isn’t just for athletes.    

Rose is an active “40-something” who came to Dr. Hoover seven years ago when he practiced at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, another Covenant Health hospital. He treated Swanger for tennis elbow.

“I loved playing tennis, but the pain was so bad in my right arm, I couldn’t lift it, and there was extensive nerve damage. Tasks like cooking, cleaning, and going to work became very difficult. Imagine being right-handed, trying to do your make up with your left hand!” – Rose Swanger

Finding the Answer – Platelet Rich Plasma

Dr. Hoover used platelet rich plasma (PRP) to treat Rose’s arm, and she says the results were fantastic.

Platelet rich plasma is made from concentrated platelets derived from the patient’s own blood to accelerate the body’s natural healing process. PRP therapy is used as a form of regenerative treatment.

These platelets are obtained by taking a sample of blood from the forearm, which is then placed in a centrifuge to separate out the platelets. Then, the platelets are carefully collected and injected back into the damaged tissue, such as damaged ligaments, tendons, and joints.  The injected platelets become activated and stimulate the stem cells to produce new host tissue quickly. The body will then begin the natural healing process, which is why PRP is so effective in the post-treatment healing process. PRP is injected into the damaged tissue by a doctor using precise imaging or ultrasound direction. 

“It is getting the right dose to the right place through precise imaging. Ortho biologics, such as PRP, enhance signals to the body to produce a healing response.  Steroid injections knock out both the bad and good cells and increase the chances of infection after one injection, PRP just knocks out the bad cells, and primarily recruits the healing cells.” – Dr. Hoover 

Roane Medical Center, where Dr. Hoover practices medicine and performs surgeries, is proud to have one of the most advanced PRP customized cellular concentrators, which will give a precise dosage of the concentrated platelets needed for that particular procedure.

“The mending of the tissue is better with PRP. I have always based my practice on the principle that what God made is better that anything we can make.  Anything that is our body’s natural way of healing is preferable to anything manufactured.” – Dr. Hoover    

Back in Full Swing

Rose has regained full function of her right arm. Presently, a joint issue has caused knee and foot problems, resulting in multiple imaging procedures, steroid injections and a lot of pain.  Because of the success of her previous treatment, Rose made the hour-long trip to see Dr. Hoover for PRP therapy in her knee and foot.  The 20-minute procedure is performed in the physician’s office at East Tennessee Orthopedics and Sports. 

“I trust Dr. Hoover.  I know him very well and if I could, I’d give him 6 stars. He is the nicest person and he is very knowledgeable. PRP is not synthetic or chemical.  It is your own body healing itself and I trust that.” – Rose Swanger

Three weeks after her PRP procedure, Rose is feeling great.

“My knee is much better and my foot is getting there!” 


Learn More

If you’re experiencing pain that could be related to an orthopedic condition or injury, call us at (865) 316-3650

Disclaimer: please note that this information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice. If you have a specific medical question or issue, we encourage you to call our office at (865) 316-3650 and schedule an appointment.


Gregory K. Hoover, MD
Gregory Hoover, MD

About Dr. Hoover

Gregory Hoover, MD is board certified in orthopedic surgery and orthopedic sports medicine. Click here to view his profile. He is accepting new patients, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (865) 316-3650

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