By Devin Kyle
PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma. If you remember from school, our blood contains many components, including platelets that have growth factors. In case of PRP, platelets from the patient’s own blood is used for triggering a healing response. There are many experts who have recommended PRP for patients with chronic pain and for sportsmen and athletes who need to recover quicker. Check about Dr Carlos Escasena, and you will find that he has recommended both PRP and stem cell treatment for patients with conditions like arthritis. So, what’s the hype around PRP therapy and how does this work? Here are some of the basic details.
Decoding PRP therapy
In case of PRP therapy, the blood from a patient’s body is taken and placed in a centrifuge. The centrifugal action helps in separating the various components of the blood, including RBC. What is left is called the platelet rich plasma that’s high on growth factors. The PRP is then injected at the site of the injury, often with the help of ultrasound, which accelerates the process of healing. Most patients get considerably effective results with just two to three injections during PRP therapy.
When to consider PRP therapy?
In most cases, PRP therapy is considered for treatment of pain and injuries, which could be related to muscle strains, tears or arthritis. You could consider PRP therapy for Achilles tendon, patellar tendon, medial collateral ligament (MCL), tennis elbow, osteoarthritis, and for spinal pain. Your doctor is the best person to take a call on the possible use of PRP injections, and if this is the right treatment for your condition.
Benefits at a glance
Since the components of your own blood is used for treatment, PRP is considered to be a safe and natural way of inducing healing. Secondly, it is often a great solution for patients who don’t have the money or do not wish to go for surgery for their own reasons. If your doctor feels that you can manage your current pain and injury with PRP injections, they may recommend the therapy as an alternative. It is also minimally invasive, and the recovery time is really quick. It is also very less painful as compared to surgery, and the downtime is minimal.
If you are interested in PRP injections, always talk to a good doctor to know your options. It can be considered with stem cell treatment, if required.
