PRP treatment, or platelet-rich plasma treatment, is a form of regenerative medicine that harnesses the body’s healing abilities and boosts the natural growth factors used by the body for healing tissues. This article answers frequently asked questions about the procedure.
PRP treatment entails taking the patient’s blood and placing it in a device called the centrifuge. This device separates all the components of the blood, including the platelet-rich plasma. Platelets have many growth factors that have been proven to play a crucial role in healing. The centrifuging process concentrates the platelets so they present in a higher concentration than what would normally be present in the bloodstream.
The platelet-rich plasma is injected in the area of injury to activate and speed up the body’s natural healing process. The technique has been used for many years in surgery and wound care. The application of PRP for musculoskeletal injuries is relatively new and evolving. Medical research exists to back the use of PRP for tendon and ligament injuries.
The patient’s blood is used for the process, so there is no risk of transfusion or blood-borne infection from a donor.
Generally, a PRP injection requires a consultation to see if the process would be beneficial for the patient, then a follow-up appointment is scheduled for the treatment itself. The actual process of application lasts for about 45 minutes, and most of that time is spent drawing and processing the patient’s blood for injection. Patients may start to notice signs of improvements after two to six weeks of injections.
Like any injection, patients may be at minimal risk of infection, bleeding or slight damage to the blood vessels. The doctor may use a sonogram to guide the injection process and prevent injury to the tendon or ligament during the injection. Although this is not regarded as a side effect, pain and discomfort may occur temporarily after PRP treatment. Patients who have been ill and experiencing a fever need to consult with the doctor before undergoing this procedure.
There is no general answer to the question. Most people get between one to three injections. This depends primarily on the severity and location of the issue. While some patients will only need one injection, others may need multiple injections spread out over a period to achieve significant results.
The doctor will numb the part of the body that is being injected to minimize discomfort. Most people handle the procedure well, although post-injection soreness may sometimes occur due to PRP-induced inflammatory response. Bruising and soreness may be noticeable around the injection, but these are temporary. The doctor should be informed if sharp or intense pain occurs afterward.
Patients with severe anemia, abnormal platelet function, low platelet count, active systemic infection or active cancer are not eligible for the procedure.
If you have additional questions about PRP treatment, contact the wellness center to book an appointment.
Get more information here: https://sjrm-tn.com or call Spine & Joint Regenerative Medicine at (423) 424-1529
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