After beginning life as a therapy for patients with thrombocytopenia in the 1970s, platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) has branched into other areas of medicine. At Carl Gittens, MD Regenerative Medicine, we use PRP as part of our regenerative medicine treatments. Our primary focus is to promote faster injury healing and to reduce pain. If you've considered using PRP and you're looking into your regenerative medicine options, we're here to explain how it works.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) involves using a purified version of your blood products to promote faster tissue healing. The process begins with one of our clinicians taking some blood from you. After taking your blood, we'll spin it rapidly in a centrifuge to separate the plasma from other elements of your blood. The plasma we generate is rich in platelets, hence the name of the therapy.
With regards to injury healing, we inject the PRP product into the injured area. The substance we inject is rich in clotting factors such as fibrin and growth factors. As a result, they accelerate your tissue healing rate, using products from your own body. Growth factors are especially important in the tissue healing process. They send signals from the injured cells to other areas of your body, so there's no delay to the healing process.
As PRP initiates an inflammatory response, it's an excellent tool for healing injuries to tendons and ligaments. As many sports lovers know, tendon and ligament injuries can see you off the bench for weeks or months at a time. When you use regenerative medicine, you stand a stronger chance of accelerating your treatment and using your joints as you're used to.
At Carl Gittens, MD Regenerative Medicine, we use PRP on several common injury areas. They include:
• Shoulder pain, including conditions such as tennis shoulder.
• Golfer's elbow and tennis elbow.
• Neck pain arising from repetitive strain injuries.
• Hip pain and associated knee pain.
• Wrist pain
If you don't see your condition listed above, don't worry. We assess each patient on a case by case basis. As such, you should call us to see if we're able to use PRP in your case.
In many cases, PRP doesn't cause a lot of pain. You'll experience the usual sensations that come with injections. Additionally, as the therapy initiates your body's inflammatory response, you may feel a little more pain than you would with any other injection. If you don't feel comfortable with this, you can always ask Dr Gittens about appropriate pain relief.
Most people find that PRP starts working within two to six weeks and they see the full benefits within three months. Depending on your case, you may need to attend more than one injection session to experience the full healing process. We'll make our injection recommendations after your first consultation with us.
PRP is a form of regenerative medicine that most people can use safely. However, there are certain blood clotting disorders that may exclude you from the treatment. Additionally, the treatment may not be suitable if you're pregnant or under the age of 18. If you're unsure, make an inquiry and we'll assess your case.
PRP has a strong history of being used in maxillofacial surgery and sports injury healing. Various clinical studies have proved its safety. However, as with any injectable, there's a small risk of infection at the injection site. Fortunately, with our robust approach to hygiene and your efforts, you can minimize those risks.
If you're interested in PRP or any of our other regenerative medicine treatments, call 561-337-3351.
