Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are used to repair chronic degenerative joints, ligaments and tendon injuries. It is changing the way doctors and sports physicians treat injury, pain and aging. Conditions treated include: chronic injuries to the ankles, knees, shoulders; arthritic joints; chronic back and spine arthritis and pain; degenerative disc disease and more. More specific injuries treated include; tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, knee ligament tears, shin splints, partial thickness rotator cuff tears, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis ,and IT band syndrome.
PRP is taking a patient’s own blood to promote healing and tissue regeneration. Here is how the process works:
- Blood Collection: A small amount of the patient’s blood is drawn, usually from the arm, just like a regular blood test.
- Centrifugation: The collected blood is then placed in a centrifuge, a machine that spins rapidly to separate its components. This process separates the red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. The platelets contain huge reservoirs of bioactive proteins, including growth factors that are vital to initiate and accelerate tissue repair and regeneration.
- Platelet-Rich Plasma Isolation: The centrifugation process isolates the plasma portion of the blood, which is rich in platelets. This plasma, which now contains a higher concentration of platelets than normal blood, is referred to as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP).
- Preparation for Injection: The PRP is prepared for injection. Sometimes, it may be mixed with an activating agent, which helps to release growth factors from the platelets.
- Injection: The PRP is then injected into the area of the body that requires treatment. These bioactive proteins initiate connective tissue repair and regeneration, healing joints, tendons, muscles, or even the scalp and face (in the case of PRP for hair restoration or facials).
The idea behind PRP therapy is that the platelets in the plasma contain growth factors that can help accelerate the body’s natural healing processes. It’s important to note that while PRP has gained popularity and is considered a safe treatment, its important to research the techniques and effectiveness of the clinic you choose. Some clinics providing PRP give you 1 – 2 injections, which is not going to be as effective as 15+ injections to ensure the entire area regenerates as needed. Research your options and schedule a consultation to learn more about the clinic’s success rate and treatment protocols.
Watch how your blood is prepared for a PRP treatment…