Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy are effective, non-invasive treatments that provide pain relief while allowing damaged tissue to heal. Treatments are safe and produce long-term, permanent results.
What is PRP Therapy?
PRP therapy is an injection of platelet-rich plasma which is taken from your own blood. Naturally released from the blood when the body is injured, the plasma assists in healing- i.e. how a cut heals.
Mimicking this natural healing process, PRP treatments start by taking a blood sample and then separating the healing platelets and growth factors out. The process concentrates the healing cells in greater density, to then be injected into damaged tissue for relief. There are seven separate growth factors in PRP which assist the body in healing itself. Additionally, PRP therapy is an active attractant for the body’s own stem cells, helping to facilitate overall recovery.
By using your own blood for injection, the risk of your body not accepting the treatment is eliminated, as your body will see the injection as a natural occurrence and use the platelets effectively.
HOW IS PRP THERAPY USED FOR THE HIP, KNEE AND SHOULDER AREA?
When PRP therapy is used on a joint such as the hip, knee or shoulder, the treatment is first prepared, and then the injection is placed in the joint with sterile technique. The injection contains the concentrated materials, which sparks up inflammation in the area. This helps facilitate healing of the cartilage, tendons and ligaments. While the body provides platelets and growth factors naturally, this is done at a much slower rate than the accelerated pace that is offered through PRP injections.
With the increased amount of platelets, the area typically receives pain relief, while also healing. While many treatments offer short-term healing, the use of PRP can help the tissue to repair itself over time.
Arthritis occurs within the knee when the joints that are present in the area are no longer able to keep the bones properly spread apart. This allows the bones to rub together and makes the condition of arthritis worse. By preserving remaining cartilage and potentially producing more cartilage, the bones may not rub together anymore, and healing can occur.
Several high profile athletes over the past decade have turned to PRP therapy for non-operative assistance to help heal ligament, tendon and joint injuries. The therapy has helped revive careers, prevent the need for surgery and is often used in conjunction with stem cell therapy for optimal results.