What it is

The FIG Procedure is a precision, image-guided treatment that uses your body's own healing power to reduce pain, repair injured tissues and restore function, all in one coordinated visit.

It uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP), prepared from your own blood and placed exactly where your body needs it, to reduce inflammation and support healing of joints, ligaments and nerves.

Why it treats more than one structure

Whiplash injuries often involve multiple injured structures. Traditional treatment addresses one painful structure at a time, which can leave other sources of pain untreated.

The FIG Procedure is designed to identify and treat all clinically significant pain generators during one coordinated procedure whenever appropriate.

Every traumatic injury deserves a comprehensive neurological evaluation. Many injuries improve with conservative care, but others may involve damage to the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves or musculoskeletal system that can go undetected without a specialized assessment.

Which FIG treatment is right for you?

Based on your diagnosis, the team customizes your FIG Procedure to treat the combination of injured structures responsible for your symptoms, not simply the area where you feel the most pain. That is why every FIG Procedure is different.

Comprehensive FIG Procedure™

Comprehensive treatment for multiple pain generators, designed for patients with multiple sources of pain. It can treat the facet joints, ligaments and SI joints, and the discs or epidural space if indicated.

Targeted FIG Procedure™

Focused treatment for fewer pain generators, designed for patients with limited sources of pain, such as the facet joints, the ligaments or the SI joints.

Your treatment plan is based on your unique injuries, symptoms and functional goals, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

What happens on treatment day

The FIG Procedure is typically performed in one outpatient visit and takes about 60 to 90 minutes. All patients return home the same day.

IV and blood draw. An IV is placed in your arm and a small amount of your blood is drawn to prepare your platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The same IV is used for your sedation.
Comfort and sedation. You receive medication through the IV that helps you relax and fall asleep. This is conscious sedation, not general anesthesia. You are asleep for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Image guidance and injections. While you are asleep, advanced X-ray or ultrasound imaging is used to deliver PRP and other medications precisely to all identified pain generators, during the same coordinated procedure whenever appropriate.
Recovery and home. You wake up when the procedure is complete. After a couple of hours of observation and support, you go home the same day with a family member or friend driving.

How PRP works

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is concentrated from your own blood and contains natural growth factors that stimulate healing, reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.

Blood draw. A small sample of your blood is collected.
Preparation. Platelets are separated and concentrated.
Growth factors. PRP contains natural growth factors that support tissue repair and regeneration.
Precision injection. Using advanced imaging, PRP is delivered exactly where it is needed.
Healing response. Your body's natural healing process is activated to help restore function.

After your procedure

Every patient's recovery is unique. You need a driver to take you home.

The rest of procedure day. Rest and take it easy. Light activities around the house are fine. Avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting and intense exercise.
The next morning. You can return to your normal daily activities. Most patients feel comfortable resuming work and routine activities.
The days and weeks ahead. Some patients notice improvement within a few days. Healing and tissue repair continue for weeks to months.
Ongoing support. Follow-up visits check that you are healing well. Continue any specific instructions from your physician.

Common questions

Is this surgery?

No. The FIG Procedure is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure performed without surgical incisions.

Will I receive general anesthesia?

No. Conscious sedation is used. You keep breathing on your own while you stay comfortable and monitored.

Will it hurt?

During the procedure you receive conscious sedation and are typically asleep and comfortable. Most patients remember little or none of the treatment.

How long does it take?

The procedure typically takes 60 to 90 minutes, followed by a short observation period.

When can I drive?

You need someone to drive you home. Most patients resume normal activities the following morning.

When will I notice improvement?

Every patient heals differently. Some notice improvement within days, while regenerative healing continues over weeks to months.

Download the FIG Procedure brochure (PDF, 10 MB, in English)

Conditions it is used for

Emergency? If you have sudden weakness, numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, a severe headache, or symptoms after a head injury, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room now.

This is general information, not medical advice for your case. To talk about your symptoms, book a visit or call 1-855-DRCHAGO.

The FIG Procedure™