PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a natural way to stimulate healing in the body. It is a small procedure where the patient's own platelets are injected into various sites covering the body. This is done in three steps: drawing blood, processing the blood, and re-administering the processed blood back into the desired area.
PRP injections are prepared by taking your own blood and running it through a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. These activated platelets are then injected directly into your injured or diseased body tissue. Injected PRP introduces the patient's new platelets into the body and allows those platelets to release growth factors which stimulate tissue renewal by increasing the number of reparative cells your body needs to heal. These are both parts of cell reproduction that naturally occur in the body. Injecting these platelets into the body will accelerate healing, and improve musculoskeletal problems for things like injuries to tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints. It has a localized effect, meaning it must be delivered to the area that has been injured or is experiencing chronic pain. Improving function and reducing pain.
Plasma is the liquid portion of whole blood. It is composed largely of water and proteins, and it provides a medium for red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to circulate through the body. Platelets, also called thrombocytes, are blood cells that cause blood clots and other necessary growth healing functions.
PRP can be done as one treatment or in most cases treatments are done in a series of three separate
visits, each within a 4-6 week time period. Touch ups of a single session may be required every 6-12 months.
Platelet-Rich Plasma has been found to significantly enhance the healing process for pain and injuries such as:
PRP Therapy is also used for aesthetics including things like:
Some of the key advantages of PRP injections are that they can reduce the need for anti-inflammatory or stronger medications like opioids. In addition, the Side Effects of PRP injections are very limited because, since the injections are created from your own blood, your body will not reject or react negatively to them.
When you compare PRP to surgical procedures, the outcomes are generally in favor of PRP. There will be some cases that PRP cannot treat, for example a severe ligament tear that requires surgery. However, for milder issues, PRP reduces recovery time without the complications of surgery.