PRP Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy is a newer therapy that has garnered a lot of attention in recent years. This therapy has been successful in treating a variety of injuries and conditions that cause chronic pain. As of now, estimates show that PRP can help relieve pain in just a few weeks and may eliminate the need for surgeries in some patients who receive the treatment.
What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy?
PRP Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy is a treatment that uses the body’s own platelets that are found in the blood. These platelets have growth factors that are important in the healing of injuries.
Blood is drawn from the patient and the platelets are separated out from the rest of the blood. To increase the number of platelets (and therefore the number of growth factors) the platelets are put in a machine called a centrifuge. These new platelets are then added back into the blood and then injected into the injury site. This natural method of treatment has the added benefit of very low risk of allergic reaction since the patient’s own blood is used in the process.
What does PRP Treat?
This therapy is used to treat a variety of different kinds of injuries and conditions including: spine, knee, shoulder, hip and ankle injuries; ligament sprains; osteoarthritis; tennis elbow; some sports injuries and tendinitis. The effectiveness for different kinds of conditions and injuries vary from individual to individual.
How does it Work?
When injured, the body’s first response is to deliver platelet cells to begin the healing process. Injecting an abundance of platelets into the injury site is thought to make the injury or condition seem new and initiate a whole new healing process including the repair of tissue. This natural procedure jump starts the body’s healing processes and a higher concentration of platelets can make this process faster due to the growth factors present.
This treatment is a great option for people who live in daily pain from a condition or injury, especially patients who have yet to experience relief from other traditional methods of pain treatment. This therapy is also great for people who cannot take time off for a lengthy recovery times as most people who receive the treatment return to their daily lives directly after the procedure. Ace Pain Management & Physical therapy offers PRP Platelet-Rich Plasma to the Houston area.
