Platelet-rich plasma, also referred to as PRP Therapy, is a medical procedure that has gained popularity in recent years for its potential to heal a variety of conditions and injuries. PRP is a concentrated mixture of platelets found within your own blood. It is developed by separating your platelets from other blood cells, which then get injected into the injury site. While mostly made of liquid, blood is also made up of solid components like red and white cells, and platelets. Platelets contain a very important protein called growth factors, which are vital for healing.
Platelet-rich plasma has a more concentrated number of platelets and growth factors, making it 5-10 times stronger than regular blood alone.1
What is a PRP Injection?
Platelet-rich plasma is a procedure that is administered through an injection into the injured site of one's body, following these steps:
- Blood draw- Blood is taken from the patient, similar to when giving blood.
- Separation- The blood in the vial is then taken and put in the centrifuge. A Centrifuge is a machine that spins at a high speed, fast enough to separate the platelets from the red and white blood cells.
- Processing- The blood is then taken from the centrifuge after spinning, and only the platelets are extracted from the blood.
- Injection- Platelet-rich plasma is injected into the injured soft tissue and surrounding areas.
Benefits of PRP
While there are many treatments for soft tissue and joint injuries, some of the benefits of using PRP for healing are:
- Reduced pain and inflammation: A significant benefit of using PRP is the reduction of pain and inflammation. The Platelets that are previously extracted from the blood contain growth factors that are responsible for promoting tissue repair and regeneration. When injected into an injured area, these growth factors help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Quick Recovery: Another benefit of PRP therapy is that it can speed up the healing process. By injecting concentrated platelets into an injured area, PRP therapy can help stimulate the body's natural healing response. This results in faster healing times and has the patient pain-free, returning to their normal activities sooner.
- Minimally Invasive: PRP therapy is a non-surgical treatment option for many conditions, which means that it can be an excellent alternative for patients who want to avoid surgery. Used for many athletic injuries like tendon, muscle, and ligament tears or sprains, it's also a common practice after surgery for a quicker recovery. PRP injections are minimally invasive, and most patients can return to their normal activities immediately following treatment.
- Minimal Side Effect: Because Platelet Rich Plasma Injections are safe and minimally invasive, there are very few side effects. Due to its organic nature and since the blood is taken from your own body, there is no risk of allergic reaction or rejection. You may experience temporary soreness, bruising, or redness at the injection site. Since PRP does involve blood being drawn, remember to hydrate to avoid lightheadedness post blood draw.
PRP is a safe treatment option that can help promote tissue healing and regeneration of blood cells. Whether you are dealing with an athletic injury or a chronic condition, PRP is an effective treatment choice. We know that a fast recovery is vital, so contact Sports Medicine Orthopaedic Center to set up a treatment plan for PRP today.
1. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/platelet-rich-plasma-prp/
Dr. Richard Guinand is Board-Certified and specializes in non-surgical treatment of the spine and sports medicine. Dr.Guinand served as a physician for SEAL teams at Naval Amphibious Base and is currently on staff at Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center with offices in Suffolk, Harbour View, and Chesapeake, Virginia.
