TREATMENTS
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has the potential to regenerate tissues and decrease pain. Injecting platelet-rich plasma into damaged tissue is an effective yet minimally invasive treatment option used to relieve pain and other symptoms caused by the damage. When the therapy enhances the body’s natural healing abilities, patients are able to enjoy a faster and more thorough healing process that relieves symptoms and allows them to return to their regular activities sooner.
PRP is so successful in treating your pain because it doesn’t use synthetic chemicals or medicines to mask your pain or relieve it for a short time. It uses the natural healing power of your own body.
Your blood is made up of many different substances, all with different jobs. The plasma in your blood is mostly water and helps your blood cells and platelets move freely through your bloodstream. The platelets are where your body’s true healing power lies because they play a huge role in clotting your blood and repairing damage and healing injuries.
When injected, the PRP rushes to the site of the injury and damage and begins rebuilding tissues and muscles, reducing inflammation, and accelerating the healing process.
To encourage healing, platelet-rich plasma can be used in two different ways. It can be injected directly into an injured area, along with an anesthetic to ease pain and help the healing process, or it can be used in conjunction with surgery to promote faster healing times. The effectiveness of this treatment option depends on the area of the body and if the injury is chronic or acute; however, there are a few conditions and injuries in which PRP has been successful in healing:
- Acute muscle and ligament injuries: PRP therapy is most commonly associated with these types of injuries, as many professional athletes prefer it over surgery.
- Surgery:PRP has been used in surgeries for ACL tears and torn rotator cuffs to help increase healing times.
- Hip and knee arthritis:While there are many effective treatment options when it comes to hip and knee arthritis, many doctors believe that platelet-rich plasma can be just as – if not more – effective in helping reduce pain and inflammation.
- Chronic tendon injuries:When it comes to treating chronic tendon injuries, such as runner’s knee or tennis elbow, PRP has been shown to be one of the most effective treatment options. It has also been used to treat tendonitis and inflammation of the tendons in the knee
