Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, therapy is a revolutionary technique that harnesses your body’s own ability to heal itself. Safer and more effective than surgery, PRP injections can address chronic pain, treat acute injuries and do so much more.
The Basics of Platelet-Rich Plasma
To understand platelet-rich plasma injections, you first need to understand blood. Blood is made up of plasma, which is the liquid that people associate with blood. But it’s also composed of solids, such as red and white blood cells and platelets. The platelets, known to the medical community as thrombocytes, are blood cells responsible for clotting the blood and other necessary growth healing functions. Without platelets, your body couldn’t heal itself.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections
The process of PRP injections is fairly simple. First, your blood is drawn. Then, it’s put into a centrifuge where it’s spun down, separating the platelets and the red and white blood cells. The platelets are then extracted and injected directly into the treatment area. The concentrated platelets release concentrated growth factors that stimulate the growth of reparative cells in the area.
Is PRP Therapy Safe?
Platelet-rich plasma therapy is incredibly safe. Since it uses your body’s own platelets to heal, there’s no risk of the treatment being rejected. While many professional athletes and chronic pain sufferers use this safe therapy to avoid surgery, it’s also a great complement to surgery. For example, torn tendons are often treated with PRP and surgery. This speeds the recovery after surgery.
How to Prepare for PRP Injections
Not a lot of preparation is required on your part before PRP therapy. Simply stop taking NSAIDs for a couple days before and after the treatment. PRP injections trigger a healing inflammatory response. It can take weeks for your body to heal itself. But this pales in comparison to the months it can take to recover from surgery or the years most people deal with chronic pain.
Am I a Good Candidate?
Because PRP therapy is so safe, nearly everyone is a good candidate for treatment. The proteins and growth factors in the platelets are most effective for repairing degenerative tissues, like ligaments, muscles and tendons, that healed incorrectly after an initial injury or overuse. However, people with chronic pain from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other medical conditions can make great candidates, too.
Schedule Your Initial Consultation
The benefits of PRP injections are numerous. It’s amazing how the human body can heal itself with a little help. Are you interested in learning more about this innovative treatment? If so, book an appointment at Phoenix Regenerative Medicine in Tempe, AZ. Contact our office today to set up your consultation!
