PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
PRP therapy uses your own blood to stimulate tissue repair. Platelets, rich in growth factors, enhance healing and reduce inflammation.
Benefits of PRP Therapy
1. Promotion of Healing: The growth factors in PRP stimulate tissue repair and regeneration, which can help to preserve cartilage and soft tissues in the joints such as meniscus, tendons, and ligaments.
2. Reduced Pain and Inflammation: PRP therapy has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation, improving the quality of life and function for patients.
3. Minimal Risk: As PRP uses the patient’s own blood, the risk of adverse reactions or rejection is minimal.
Mechanism of Action
PRP therapy works by harnessing the healing properties of platelets. Platelets are small cell fragments in the blood that play a crucial role in wound healing. They contain growth factors that can stimulate cell proliferation, angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), and tissue regeneration. In PRP therapy, a sample of the patient’s blood is taken and processed to concentrate the platelets. This concentrated platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the affected joint. The growth factors in the PRP promote the healing of damaged cartilage and reduce inflammation, leading to improved joint function and pain relief.
Will I feel immediate results from PRP therapy?
You will feel a notable increase in pain in the days immediately following the injection. Pain intensity becomes less each day as functional mobility and general functional ability increase along with endurance and strength. You will notice gradual improvement 2-6 weeks after PRP therapy. Some patients report ongoing improvement 6-9 months after PRP therapy is administered. In some studies, Ultrasound and MRI images have shown definitive tissue repair has occurred after PRP therapy, supporting the proof of the healing process. By treating injured tissues before the damage progresses, surgical intervention may be avoided.
Which injuries are usually treated with PRP therapy?
Injuries treated with PRP therapy include: rotator cuff, quadriceps, hamstring, Achilles tendon injuries and tennis elbow. Essentially any tendon or ligament injury except complete tears may be treated successfully with PRP. PRP therapy is exactly the treatment needed to reduce the downtime of the athlete while also reducing the chance for re-injury or perhaps the risk of a more serious injury that will result in surgical intervention or permanent disability.
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