Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, sometimes referred to as blood injection therapy, is becoming a more popular treatment option for people who suffer from musculoskeletal problems. These are issues that involve cartilage, connective tissues, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. Platelet-rich plasma is blood plasma that has been taken from the patient and turned into PRP. PRP contains almost 10 times the number of platelets than blood plasma.
There are a variety of degenerative conditions and injuries that PRP therapy can be successful in treating.
Preparing the Plasma
PRP therapy is a non-surgical process that uses the patient’s own platelets from their own blood. When the patient arrives at their appointment, blood will be withdrawn, similar to a normal blood test. The blood is then put into a centrifuge, which spins the sample at high speeds. This causes the platelets to separate from the red blood cells. The platelets and the white blood cells contain growth factors which heal injured tissues. The platelets are then injected into the site where the injury or area of pain is.
PRP Therapy Myths
Many patients have been successfully treated with PRP therapy, but there are still some common misconceptions that may make people hesitate to consider the treatment for this medical issue. The following are some myths we’ve heard at our practice:
- PRP treatments can be risky: The truth is that PRP therapy is one of the safest treatment options you can have. The treatment is minimally invasive. These treatments produce minimal side effects and are considered low risk. And there is no possibility for rejection of the plasma or disease transmission since it is the patient’s own blood that is used for the procedure.
- It takes a long time for the PRP treatments to work: The opposite is true. Healing is actually hastened with PRP therapy, as is the recovery time. The whole process from withdrawal of blood to the injection takes about an hour and there is no recovery or downtime required.
- I’m too young or I’m too old for PRP therapy: There is no age limit for a patient to undergo PRP therapy, although most of our patients tend to be over 18, have suffered painful injuries or suffer from a degenerative musculoskeletal or soft tissue condition.
- PRP therapy requires multiple treatments: In most cases, a patient will need no more than three injections over the course of three weeks. Many patients see an improvement after their second injection.
To learn if PRP therapy is something you should consider, contact an expert wellness center, can answer your questions about PRP therapy.
