Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a non-surgical treatment for a wide range of injuries, ailments and chronic pain. This innovative approach uses growth factors and protein from your blood to speed healing and alleviate pain. It is a fast-growing area of orthopedics and sports medicine. These “autologous” injections are derived from your own blood, and are not synthetic or taken from a donor.
What is Platelet-Rich Plasma?
Your body has an amazing capacity to heal itself. PRP therapy jumpstarts and nourishes that natural healing process using your own blood components.
Your blood contains platelets and plasma, in addition to red and white blood cells. The platelets and plasma contain proteins and growth factors, which are the desired substances when it comes to therapy.
Here is how the process works:
- Your blood is drawn from your arm
- The vials of blood are inserted into a centrifuge which spins them around at a high rate of speed
- The action of the centrifuge separates the various components of the blood, so that the plasma is isolated from the other components
- The isolated plasma contains many more platelets than a normal sample of blood
- The platelet-rich plasma is injected directly into the treatment area
- The growth factors in the platelets kickstart the healing process, and kickstart the production of new cells, collagen and tissue.
You should experience pain relief and injuries that heal faster as a result of your PRP treatment. It usually takes multIPLe sessions to get results, potentially stretching over several weeks or months. PRP therapy may make it possible to avoid surgery and the lengthy recovery that often accompanies surgery.
PRP Candidates
Platelet-rich plasma injections are used for:
- Tendon, muscle, ligament, joint or disc inflammation/deterioration/pain
- Tendon, muscle, ligament, joint or disc injuries
- Spinal pain
- Tennis elbow
- Plantar fasciitis
- Osteoarthritis
- MCL injury
- Athletic injuries
- Gluteal tendinosis
- Chronic pain
With PRP, it may be possible to avoid or reduce your use of pharmaceutical medications, in some instances.
PRP for Hair Loss
Platelet-rich plasma can be used to stimulate hair growth by injecting the blood directly into the scalp. The injections are a concentration of platelets from your own blood. While research is ongoing, the idea is that the blood and growth factors introduced to the hair follicles prompt the growth of hair. Find out if you are a candidate for this treatment if you are experiencing hair loss.
Frequently Asked Questions about PRP
The process starts with a quick blood draw, followed by centrifugation to separate the platelets. While the PRP is prepared, a topical numbing agent is applied. Injections are then placed every half-inch in the thinning area. The entire treatment usually takes less than 30 minutes.
Patients typically resume normal activities immediately. Some mild swelling or tenderness may occur but usually resolves quickly. It is advised to avoid anti-inflammatory medications after treatment, as they can interfere with PRP’s natural healing process.
Results vary, but most patients notice reduced hair shedding within a few months. Over time, hair may become thicker and fuller. Consistent treatments are essential for maintaining long-term improvements.
PRP therapy is generally safe, with a low risk of complications. Some individuals may experience mild discomfort, minor swelling, or temporary itching at injection sites, but these effects usually resolve quickly.
Arrange Your Consultation
The only way to know if PRP injections may be right for you is to schedule a consultation. An assessment will be made of your current symptoms and health conditions, which help determine the appropriateness of platelet-rich plasma therapy.