The blood that circulates throughout our bodies is composed of both liquid and solid components. Red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets make up the solid portion of blood. They move through the circulatory system via a liquid base called plasma.
Platelets are mainly associated with blood clotting, and we know them best for their role in forming scabs on the skin. Special proteins found in platelets are vital to tissue regeneration and injury recovery, so platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy harnesses the power of platelets in healing damaged tissues.
Recent studies have demonstrated the considerable potential of platelets, which are used in regenerative medicine to accelerate the healing process through a procedure called platelet-rich plasma therapy. Let’s explore what PRP therapy is, what conditions it can treat, as well as what benefits you can reap from choosing this treatment procedure.
How Does PRP Therapy Work?
PRP is blood plasma which has a concentrated amount of platelets after being specially processed by a physician. This high concentration of platelets harnesses the proteins that are useful in cell regeneration as well as other growth and healing functions.
Your physician will withdraw a sample of your own blood, use a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, and inject the platelet-rich plasma into your area of injury or pain. These platelets help to increase the rate of healing on areas such as tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints.
Conditions Treated with Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy
Research continues to focus on finding ways in which PRP therapy can benefit patients. Currently, PRP is found to be most effective in treating chronic tendon injuries such as tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, as well as knee pain. Injuries that PRP therapy is known to address are common among athletes, which is why PRP has become a popular choice for them to achieve a quicker recovery.
In addition to healing tissue, PRP is known to aid muscle function recovery as well as pain reduction in cases such as tendonitis. PRP injection therapy has also branched out to cosmetic concerns such as treating hair loss. Moreover, PRP injections are also used to reduce the need for anti-inflammatory medication.
Benefits of PRP Therapy
Although PRP treatment studies are still limited, the available research studies all agree that PRP therapy is a relatively low-risk procedure. Because this treatment uses the patient’s own blood to treat their injury or pain, the patient’s body will not reject or react negatively to the platelet concentrate.
The only reactions to this treatment have come from patients having an allergic reaction to the other materials used in the injection, but these incidences have been relatively few.
PRP Therapy in Naples, Florida
With years of experience in treating complex health issues and chronic pain, our surgeons at Joint Replacement Institute are here to provide you with the best care and treatment for your orthopedic concerns. We successfully treat everything from sports injuries to chronic arthritis pain, and our clients can vouch for our effectiveness.
Book an appointment today by calling us at (239) 261-2663 or fill out our easy-to-use appointment request form online. Our facility is conveniently located on Pine Ridge Road in Naples. We look forward to helping you get back to your active lifestyle again!
