What You Should Know About PRP Injection Therapy

PUBLISHED ON:

February 17, 2022

Recent research in the medical field has unearthed the body’s power to self-regenerate and repair injured tissue, and more. Doctors are learning more about the Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy that makes use of a patient’s blood to catalyze healing. PRP has especially gained popularity in treating injuries amongst athletes, relieving pain for the chronically ill, and speeding up the healing of wounds after surgery. 

This article walks you through PRP Injection therapy and answers some common questions regarding the treatment.

What Is PRP Injection Therapy? 

Plasma is the fluid blood component that carries platelets, red blood cells, and white blood as blood circulates around the body. Platelets are responsible for causing blood clots by forming mesh-like plugs where blood vessels are injured. 

PRP injections function by leveraging the restorative functions of platelets by drawing blood from the patient and concentrating the platelets. This is achieved by running the blood through a centrifuge to isolate other blood components and remain with a plasma solution rich in platelets. 

The concentrate is then administered to the patient by injecting it into the injured body tissue to speed up healing. The injected platelets activate growth factors that catalyze the repair of damaged tissues. 

What Conditions Are PRP Injections Good For?

Scientists continue to research ways in which PRP shots can be effectively used to foster healing in the body. However, opinion among medical experts is divided regarding certain areas of application of PRP shots where further research is needed. Nonetheless, health practitioners use PRP injections in the following areas.

Healing Damaged Tendons

Doctors have administered PRP injections to hasten the healing of tendons that would ordinarily heal slowly. Common acute tendon injuries include Achilles tendonitis, golfer’s elbow, wrist tendonitis, tennis elbow, and jumper’s knee.

Recovery of Post-Surgery Wounds

Doctors may sometimes administer PRP shots to help restore ligaments and tendons after surgery. That way, they fast-track the body’s healing process.

Severe Injuries Among Athletes

Health practitioners have used PRP shots to tackle severe soft tissue injuries, ankle and knee sprains, and strained hamstring muscles among sportspeople.

Male Pattern Baldness

Reliable research conducted in 2014 has shown that PRP injections effectively cure male pattern baldness. By administering PRP shots to a patient’s scalp, there’s marked improvement in hair growth that reduces hair loss.

Osteoarthritis

An inconclusive study in 2015 that involved a small group of 160 individuals showed that PRP shots yielded better results when compared with the conventional regimen used to treat osteoarthritis.

What Happens During A PRP Injection Procedure?

  1. A doctor draws a blood sample from the patient’s arm.
  2. Places the blood into a centrifuge to separate the various blood components
  3. The isolated platelet-rich plasma is prepared for injection into injured tissues.
  4. The doctor administers PRP Injection to the affected area. For precision, they may employ ultrasound.

What Are the Side Effects of a PRP Shot?

PRP injection therapy appears safe given that it uses the patient’s own blood. The main effects are those associated with a normal injection that includes:

  • Pain from the injection
  • Injury to the nerves
  • Bleeding

If you’re looking for safe relief from chronic pain, then PRP Injection therapy is an option worth trying. Contact us at Southeast Pain & Spine Care for your PRP shot and consultation with professional healthcare practitioners. Our professionals will help you navigate various medical options to manage chronic pain and find quicker recovery. 

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