The body has a latent ability to heal itself. That is the basic premise behind regenerative medicine.
Platelet Rich Therapy, also known as PRP, is one form of regenerative medicine that can harness these self-healing abilities and amplify the natural growth factors to help speed up and heal tissue damage. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy injections have gained popularity in the field of regenerative medicine due to their numerous potential benefits.
Here are some of the key advantages associated with PRP therapy injections:
Tissue Regeneration: PRP contains a concentrated amount of growth factors that can stimulate tissue repair and regeneration. When injected into damaged or injured areas, PRP can potentially accelerate the healing process and promote the growth of new cells.
Reduced Inflammation: PRP therapy has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the treated area. This can be particularly beneficial for conditions such as osteoarthritis and tendinitis, where inflammation plays a significant role in pain and dysfunction.
Pain Relief: PRP injections have been shown to provide pain relief for various musculoskeletal conditions. By promoting tissue healing and reducing inflammation, PRP can help alleviate pain and improve overall function.
Non-Surgical Approach: PRP therapy is a non-surgical treatment option, making it an attractive alternative for individuals who prefer a minimally invasive approach. It can potentially reduce the need for more invasive procedures or surgery.
Minimal Side Effects: Since PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood, the risk of allergic reactions or adverse side effects is minimal. PRP therapy is generally considered safe, with very few reported complications.
Versatility: PRP therapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including joint pain, tendon injuries, ligament sprains, muscle strains, and even hair loss. Its versatility makes it applicable in various medical specialties.
Short Recovery Time: Compared to surgical interventions, PRP therapy typically involves a shorter recovery period. Many patients experience little to no downtime after PRP injections, allowing them to resume daily activities relatively quickly.
Plasma: Plasma is the liquid portion of whole blood. It is composed of proteins and water. It provides a way for red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to circulate.
Platelets (thrombocytes): are necessary for growth, healing, and clotting functions.
PRP therapy is done by way of direct injection using a concentrated version of the patient’s own platelets to accelerate the healing of injured ligaments, tendons, muscles, and joints. PRP injections utilize each individual patient’s own healing properties to improve musculoskeletal issues.
The injections for PRP therapy are prepared by taking tubes of your own blood and running them through a centrifuge which separates the red blood cells from your plasma that is rich with platelets. The concentration is 8 to 10 times that of normal blood. The activated platelets are then injected directly into the injured or damaged area. This releases growth factors that stimulate and increase the number of reparative cells.
When combined with donated cellular allographs (human cellular tissue products) that contain stem cells the PRP acts as a homing device. This means the PRP helps activate your own resident stem cells which may be dormant or exhausted. These donated stem cells along with your own multiply and proliferate, then differentiate into tissues such as, cartilage, muscle, nerve, tendon, bone for example-a regenerative process.
How Can PRP Injections Help You With Pain Relief & Management?
PRP has been shown to reduce the need for anti-inflammatories NSAIDS / steroidal, or opioid pain medications. Steroidal injections and medications may cause further degeneration of the joints, weight gain, cataracts, and insulin spikes. Side effects are rare with PRP therapy because of the use of your own blood. Your body will not reject or act negatively towards it as a therapy.
PRP Therapy Injections Have Been Shown to Work Incredibly Well On:
Shoulder Pain
Degenerative Hip Joints
Rotator Cuff Partial Tears
Achilles Tendon Sprain / Partial tears
Any Tendonitis
Chronic / Degenerative Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar spine conditions
Plantar Fasciitis
Osteoarthritis of any joint
Hair restoration
Facial Rejuvenation
Knees / Meniscus Tears
Tennis Elbow / Epicondylitis
Golfer’s Elbow / Epicondylitis
Arthritis-halting the progression, and in many cases reversing
An array of soft tissue injuries throughout the body
Wondering if you are a candidate for PRP?
Wondering if regenerative medicine is right for you? Contact us at West Coast Integrative Wellness Center. We are here to help guide and discuss your health care goals. After thorough evaluation we will determine if PRP is right for you with further recommendations.