What is PRP?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is concentrated from your blood which contains healing factors, such as white blood cells and bioactive proteins called growth factors and stem cell markers. These cells are vital for tissue regeneration and repair.
Platelets, once thought of being responsible for only clotting, have been scientifically proven to be a reservoir of these vital healing components. With advanced techniques we can concentrate these regenerative healing cells in a simple outpatient setting. Since PRP works by helping with generating tissue, any condition that can benefit from tissue repair in a potential candidate.
For example:
- Wounds
- Osteoarthritis
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Muscle tears
- Tendonitis
- Ligament sprains or tears
- Bursitis
Little to No Risk Factors
PRP is from your own blood “autologous” so there is little to no risk when conducted by a trained professional. Since the cells are autologous there is no risk for an allergic or immune reaction. Side effects or complications with PRP are extremely rare.
PRP Treatment Process
Procedure
A small amount of blood is taken from the patient and placed into a FDA medically approved container. This sterile disposable container is placed in a specialized centrifuge, for spinning, to separate the whole blood sample into “layers” of platelet rich plasma (PRP) and red blood cells. The PRP layer is aspirated form the red blood cells and is injected or applied, under sterile conditions, into the localized area of abnormality. The total process can last up to an hour. However, most of the time will be used for processing by a trained specialist.
Recovery
For most patients, the procedure only takes an hour and you can come home immediately after. Once the numbing effects of anesthesia subside, you will experience some soreness at the site of the treatment. As with most pain, icing the injection area for 15 minutes 2-3 times a day for the first few days will help ease the pain and inflammation. Most people experience noticeable improvement in their mobility within a week or two and can resume normal activity.
The Healing Process
PRP signals for stem cells and regenerative cells to repair and rebuild the damaged tissue. This accelerated healing process reduces pain, promotes increased strength, and improves overall function. The process called the healing cascade can be active and take place over a 4-6 week period.
Long Term Outcome
Patients can expect to see significant improvement in symptoms over the course of healing time. This procedure may eliminate the need for further invasive treatment, such as surgery or prolonged use of medications. While treatments such as corticosteroid injections may provide temporary relief and stop inflammation, PRP injections stimulate healing of the injury over a shorter time with less side effects. Patients may experience a dramatic return of function and relief within 2-3 months.