Using the body's own elements of natural regeneration certainly has an advantage in healing an injury, which is exactly the mechanism used when performing platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections. The natural response of the body to an injury is to incite an inflammatory response, clotting, to attract certain healing elements to the site of injury through the blood vessel system. The platelets in our blood are one of the integral elements used in this healing process.
About PRP Treatment:
The platelets in PRP play a primary part in the clotting of blood. Platelets contain growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and cytokines which improve cell reproduction and extracellular matrix production which leads to soft tissue and bone regeneration as well as new blood vessel formation. All of the platelet elements work very well in areas with a poor blood supply that may not heal well from the body's natural healing process. PRP also releases an abundance of other substances critical in the healing of wounds. PRP augments the creation of blood vessels, improves healing of soft tissues, and enhances the regeneration of bone. These proteins, cytokines and other growth factors in the PRP decrease inflammation, improve cell growth, and provide signaling to the immune system. When bones or soft tissue such as tendons or ligaments are damaged, the growth factors in platelets stimulate healing of bone and soft tissues.
About PRP Treatment:
- The blood has been broken down into its three main components: platelet poor plasma (PPP), platelet rich plasma, and red blood cells. It is the platelet rich plasma that is the basis of all PRP therapies. The centrifugation separates the platelets from the other blood cells and increases their concentration. Then the increased concentration of platelets is combined with the remaining blood that was drawn.
- PRP therapy may be used to manage numerous injuries including muscle injuries, ligament injuries , tendon injuries, degenerative conditions such as arthritis , joint pain, neck and back pain, nerve injury, plastic surgery, burns, and stress fractures. It may also be used after surgical procedures to assist in the healing process in areas of poor blood supply.
- Benefits: The patient's own blood is used, making this procedure safe, cost effective, and without side effects. The natural healing process may take 3-6 weeks after the injection and the procedure may need to be repeated 1-2 more times in a 6 month period to encourage full healing and regeneration. By using the person's own blood, there are very few risks or side effects.
The platelets in PRP play a primary part in the clotting of blood. Platelets contain growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and cytokines which improve cell reproduction and extracellular matrix production which leads to soft tissue and bone regeneration as well as new blood vessel formation. All of the platelet elements work very well in areas with a poor blood supply that may not heal well from the body's natural healing process. PRP also releases an abundance of other substances critical in the healing of wounds. PRP augments the creation of blood vessels, improves healing of soft tissues, and enhances the regeneration of bone. These proteins, cytokines and other growth factors in the PRP decrease inflammation, improve cell growth, and provide signaling to the immune system. When bones or soft tissue such as tendons or ligaments are damaged, the growth factors in platelets stimulate healing of bone and soft tissues.
DISCLAIMER: Regenerative medicine is NOT FDA approved.