What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy?
Platelet-Rich Plasma is a non-surgical regenerative therapy that is used to encourage healing and reduce tissue inflammation. PRP Therapy improves your body’s healing by concentrating growth factors found in platelets and injecting them into areas of injury.
The media has featured many stories of athletes and celebrities who have healed ligaments, tendons, and joints with PRP procedures, but this therapy was not widely available. Today, PRP has become an accessible and affordable non-surgical solution for joint and Musculo-skeletal conditions.
Renew Total Body Wellness Center has been using Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy for more than five years. Patients utilize this therapy to heal more rapidly and to restore strength, mobility, and vitality to their lives.
Renew Medical Spa also specializes in using PRP in cosmetic procedures to stimulate hair follicle growth, enhance collagen production, reduce wrinkles, and diminish visible scarring from acne, burns, or injury. Many clients appreciate this natural alternative to artificial fillers or Botox.
PRP therapy is also helpful in reducing urinary incontinence and improving sexual function.
What is Platelet-Rich Plasma?
Blood is made up of about 93% red blood cells, 6% white blood cells, and 1% platelets and plasma. Platelet cells are best known for their clotting factor, but they also contain a multitude of healing growth factors. They are particularly rich in connective tissue healing factors. When the body experiences injury, platelets are the first responders to the injured area. They initiate the repair and attract stem cells to encourage healing.
How do we isolate Platelet-Rich Plasma?
To begin the process, a patient’s blood is drawn in our office. The amount is quite small, usually less than 2 ounces depending on the procedure. Once drawn, the blood is spun at high speeds in a machine called a centrifuge, separating the plasma and white blood cells from the red blood cells. The red blood cells are removed, and the vial is spun again, separating the platelet-rich plasma from the platelet-poor plasma and white blood cells. This concentration of platelets is used for the treatment injection.
What conditions can PRP help?
A specific condition will respond differently to PRP therapy, but overall Platelet-Rich Plasma has been found to be an excellent non-surgical option for many musculoskeletal injuries, including:
Physical Conditions:
Cosmetic Applications:
Are treatments painful?
The process of PRP Therapy involves a blood draw and the possibility of multiple injections. The number of injections varies depending on the area being treated and severity of the injury. PRP injections are generally not painful but may create some discomfort due to an increased volume of fluid in injured areas. In some cases, injection into an area with an increased amount of fluid may actually reduce pressure and provide immediate comfort by cushioning the joint.
Topical numbing treatments are used to ease the pain of multi-site or cosmetic treatments, but patients may experience some tenderness at the site of the injection. If discomfort lasts more than a few days, you should notify your doctor.
It is vital that you do not use any anti-inflammatory medications such as Motrin, Aleve, Celebrex, or Naproxen during PRP Therapy as they can interfere with the healing process. Always contact your doctor if you are experiencing post procedural pain or discomfort.
Will PRP Therapy help me avoid surgery?
PRP is an excellent regenerative treatment to try before opting for surgery. Therapy requires no down-time, can be done in the office, and is very affordable when compared to surgery and high deductible insurance charges.
The outcome and sustained results of PRP therapy are dependent on the extent of the injury or condition being treated as well as the patient’s compliance to the treatment plan. For instance, a joint showing degeneration due to osteoarthritis may see reduced inflammation and new tissue growth with PRP therapy. However, if the underlying cause of the inflammation is not addressed, chances are good that the condition will again advance.
How soon will I see results?
On average, most patients begin to see signs of reduced pain and increased function within 4-6 weeks. Individual results will vary as each body reacts differently to these techniques. Variables to treatment success include diet, exercise, and physical therapy as well as avoiding strenuous physical activities that may overload injected areas. Always follow the advice of your doctor and post-therapy care plan.
When should I try PRP therapy?
Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy can be a break-through treatment for some patients suffering from pain and injuries. It can provide long-lasting healing to musculoskeletal conditions and help improve physical function, structure, and appearance. It can be a viable treatment option prior to committing to surgery or when conventional medical treatments have failed.
_______________________________
The best way to know if your specific condition or injury could be helped by PRP Therapy is to contact Renew Total Body Wellness Center to schedule a complementary Regenerative Medicine Assessment.
Stop waiting to feel better! Contact us today and see if this innovative treatment can help you heal!