What is Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP)?
Human blood is a liquid that has red and white blood cells and platelets. These platelets help in our healing process by clotting blood and by transporting proteins called growth factors that are crucial in the healing of injuries. Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy increases this count by 500% more platelets than what is usually found in someone’s blood. This concentration of platelets and the accompanying increase in growth factors are known to help healing with a high potential to regenerate cartilage and stimulate tissue growth.
Request an AppointmentWhat Conditions can be treated with PRP?
The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons notes that ACL tears and injuries, tennis elbows and tendinopathies, as well as rotator cuff injuries, can be helped by PRP.
How Does It Work?
First, an individual’s blood is drawn and is placed in a test tube. This blood is placed in a centrifuge. The centrifuge creates a low gravitational force that separates your plasma (liquid part of blood) and platelets from the red and white blood cells. This increases the concentration of platelets when combined with the remaining blood. The PRP is then carefully injected into the injured or inflamed area. You can opt to include Shockwave therapy with the PRP treatments. Ask us about incorporating Shockwave and physical therapy into your care.
What Are the Risks?
The risks of PRP treatment are minimal. There are instances where there is pain in the injection site but the rate of this happening is no different than other shots such as cortisone application.
A medical professional must clear a person for PRP treatment to make sure that there are no adverse reactions to the therapy. For more information visit Orthoinfo.org.
