What is PRP Therapy and How Can it Help You?
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy is a novel treatment in which a patient’s platelets and growth factors are concentrated in plasma and injected directly into the site of an injury. As a knee pain doctor in Collegeville, PA at Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania can explain, this injection intends to promote healing of injuries and provide a drug-free and minimally invasive treatment option.
What Kind of Injuries Can PRP Treatment Help?
- Chronic Tendon Injuries
According to several research studies, PRP is an effective and useful treatment for chronic tendon injuries. It has shown success in treating the common injury, “tennis elbow.” It has also shown promise as a helpful treatment for other chronic tendon injuries including jumper’s knee (inflammation or injury of the patellar in the knee) and Achilles tendonitis. - Ligament and Muscle Injuries
PRP has received widespread attention for its potential in treating acute sports injuries. Famous athletes, including basketball players, football players, and golfers, have reported the successful use of PRP treatments for such injuries as ACL and MCL tears, knee and ankle sprains, and pulled hamstring muscles. - Knee arthritis
Early studies have indicated that PRP is a helpful treatment for arthritic knees, but it is not known if it is any more beneficial than other therapies. - Surgery
PRP has is being used during specific kinds of surgery to act as an aid to soft tissue healing. It may be of benefit in surgical interventions to correct tears in knee ligaments and rotator cuff tendons.
Additionally, PRP Treatment is showing promising results for treating:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Whiplash Injuries
- Lower back pain
- Tendonitis and tendonosis
- Chronic strains and sprains
- Osteoarthritis
- Rotator Cuff tears
- Bursitis
- Plantar Fasciitis
How Does PRP Therapy Work?
To understand the healing action of PRP therapy, it’s helpful to understand the components within the blood. Blood is comprised of four main components:
- Red blood cells, which are cells that carry and deliver oxygen to the body’s tissue and removes carbon dioxide and other waste
- White blood cells, which are agents of the immune system that help the body fight infection
- Platelets, which are cell structures that help the blood to clot. They manage the clotting process through the collecting and releasing growth factors that promote healing and healthy regrowth of cells and tissues.
- Plasma, which is mostly water and acts as a fluid conduit for the other three components
PRP therapy uses a patient’s blood, which is processed in a special centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets and white blood cells from the sample. The resulting highly concentrated dose of platelets is then injected directly into the injury site, promoting and speeding the healing process.
Healing of pain and restricted movement can happen in about 6 weeks. Follow-up injections may be necessary. Depending on various factors, PRP therapy can provide relief that lasts anywhere from 6 months to a lifetime.
There is much evidence that PRP has clinical benefits in providing pain relief for patients with arthritis and injuries. Research shows that PRP can promote cell growth, increase cellular viability, and regenerate cartilage. To find out what PRP treatment can do for you, schedule an appointment with a qualified PRP doctor.