Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) is a non-operative procedure to relieve pain in joints, tendons, ligaments, and other areas. It has become popular as a natural healing agent for professional athletes and active individuals. It is sometimes referred to as PRP Therapy, plasma replacement therapy, PRP injection therapy, or PRP shots.
PRP Therapy takes an individual’s blood platelets and injects it back into areas of chronic pain. Platelets help blood clot and wounds to heal. The blood platelets have natural healing factors which become concentrated when it is placed in a centrifuge.
The therapy requires three simple steps which are; collecting the blood, separate the plasma, and inject the plasma into areas affected by pain.
Healing Factors of Platelet Rich Plasma
When doctors analyzed the PRP, they found some intersting information. The PRP offers an alternative for treating arthritis and cartilage tears reducing the need for surgery. PRP has also been proven to efficiently treat shoulder labrum tears and labral tears of the hip.
Doctors also identified three healing factors in the platelet rich plasma which are:
Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF)
• Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) This factor promotes collagen and protein synthesis which can help create new cartilage. PDGF positively affects mesoderm-derived cells such as condrocytes, glial cells, vascular muscle cells, and fibroblasts.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) VEGF regulates vasculogenesis and aids in tissue regeneration.
Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)
• Transforming Growth Factor (TGF) This factor also encourages cartilage growth and will help curb the breakdown of cartilage.
What is Platelet Rich Plasma?
Blood contains 6% white blood cells, 93% red blood cells, and 1% platelets and plasma. A body’s first response to an injury is to provide platelets to the injured area. PRP is created from these amazing healing cells. Platelet-rich plasma is an individual’s concentrated platelets that contain growth factors which promote healing.
Platelets are the cells that are responsible for clotting the blood. These cells are spun and concentrated. Then the concentrated cells can recruit reparative cells, encourage soft tissue healing, and aid in tissue repair. PRP as been used in surgery to help repair rotator cuffs and Achilles’ tendons, also.
PRP Therapy Procedure
The procedure takes about an hour at a doctor’s office. A medical profession will draw a small amount of blood from the patient. This blood is then placed inside a centrifuge machine for 25-30 minutes. This machine spins the blood separating the red blood cells and the platelets.
The red blood cells will be discarded, and the concentrated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) will be used for the injections. This plasma will then be injected into the area causing the issue. If the area is close to the spine, an x-ray will be used to ensure safe and correct placement. An ultrasound may be used for guidance when the extremities are involved. The number of injections depends upon the patient and the issue.
Benefits of PRP
The conditions that benefit from having PRP Therapy are numerous. It is most effective in treating chronic ligament and tendon issues that did not heal with other treatments. These issues include:
• Sprains to the ankle
• Patellar Tendonitis
• Patellofemoral Sydrome
• Knee Issues
• Hamstring Pain
• Hip Strains
• Tennis Elbow
• Shoulder Discomfort
• Injuries to the Rotator Cuff
• Spine Disc Injury
• Achilles Tendonitis
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Osteoarthritis of the Hip, Knee, and Other Joints
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Joint Pain and Dysfunction
• Cervical Facet Irritation
It is possible to feel irritation at the injection site, but it will usually only last for a day or two. The PRP is created from an individual and returned to the same individual making the risk of any adverse reaction low.
Sometimes your doctor will recommend a second treatment. However, if no improvements happen with the first two treatments, a physician will typically not order a third session. Each treatment may be a series of three to five injections.
Within three to seven days after the procedure, normal physical activities can be resumed. However, the benefits of PRP Therapy are usually can be categorized as a permanent fix. The time frame for results depends upon the seriousness of the injury and what was injured. Most patients see results within four to six weeks with a decrease of discomfort and an increase in mobility.
Are you in Michigan and think you can benefit from this treatment? Reach out to our expert staff to learn more.