Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is used to help injured joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles heal faster. It’s primarily used by athletes and active individuals who wish to quickly return to their sport or activity. It’s something that healthy people think about when the first-line of therapies, medication, and physiotherapy has failed in treating their injury.
PRP has been used for years and has gained popularity among high-profile sportsmen who have sustained injuries. It’s an orthobiologic medical treatment that involves collecting a patient’s blood and concentrating the number of platelets and other growth factors to promote healing in damaged system tissue. PRP Injections are used to treat soft tissue injuries that have a history of poor recovery. PRP isn’t normally regarded to have any serious side effects because, except for a patient’s blood, no other elements are added to the injection.
It is the PRP tube and the centrifuge machine that plays an important role in preparing an effective PRP solution. The Plasmolifting World Company produces the best tubes for platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The founder Dr. Renat Akhmerov, D.Sc., Ph.D. has also created certain simple and easy techniques to use PRP in his Online Academy to help all healthcare professionals. The tubes that the company offers meet all security and safety guidelines and technical specifications.
What is PRP Therapy?
Plasma is the liquid component of our blood. It also has three major solid components:
- Red blood cells (RBCs)
- White blood cells (WBCs)
- Platelets.
Platelets help in blood clots. They also contain unique proteins known as growth factors, which aid in the healing process of our bodies.
Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is a mixture of platelets and plasma with a high concentration of platelets. Platelet-rich plasma includes more platelets and extra concentration form of growth factors seen in regular blood, thereby offering greater healing qualities.
PRP Usage
- Majorly, this method is used for various orthopedic conditions like tendonitis, ligament injury, joint injury, arthritis-related problems, fractures, Tennis elbow, etc.
- It is now also used by dermatologists to repair damaged skin due to aging.
- Doctors are also recommending PRP therapy for male pattern baldness.
- Orthodontists also believe that PRP therapy can help in treating various periodontal diseases.
PRP Therapy Process
- Your doctor draws about 10 ccs of blood from a large vein in your elbow.
- The blood is then spun for a few minutes in a centrifuge machine to separate the platelets from the remaining blood elements.
- A local anesthetic is then used to anesthetize the injured part of your body.
- Your blood’s platelet-rich portion is then injected into the damaged area.
- In specific circumstances, your doctor may also use ultrasound images to ensure proper needle insertion.
Risks Involved in PRP Therapy
Although there are no major risks involved in the PRP therapy because the PRP solution is the patient’s blood which is stored and protected from contaminations.
However, patients can feel some minor effects –
- Pain and calcification in the injected area.
- Damage to nearby nerves or tissues.
- Infection
These are minor problems that go away with time. If the pain or other problems are unbearable then you may contact your doctor, but don’t try any medication on your own.
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