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Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
What is PRP?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments are 100% natural, non-surgical, in-office, and almost painless procedures that take 30-45 minutes to perform. The procedure utilizes the patient’s own platelet enriched blood plasma to stimulate 4 different growth factors in the body. These growth factors and other cytokines stimulate healing and pain reduction by harnessing the body’s own innate ability to heal. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), 1 of 4 growth factors found in PRP, increases cell proliferation and healing by as much as 800%.
How is the Procedure Done?
Blood is drawn via routine venipuncture and processed in the clinic. The platelet rich fraction is then extracted and carefully injected into the injured site. The whole process takes less than one hour. The treated site may be tender for a few days, but there is no extended recovery period.
What injuries can PRP treat?
We have entered a new era of medicine, in which natural, biologic treatments can be used to promote the body’s ability to repair its own tissue. Nonsurgical treatment with PRP has been used successfully in patients with structural (bone, cartilage) and soft tissue (muscle, tendon, ligament) injuries to all parts of the body. PRP treatment can accelerate healing associated with both acute and chronic conditions. PRP injection therapy is a breakthrough in regenerative medicine and is as safe as it is effective. Since the therapy is minimally invasive and derived from the patient’s own body, there are exceedingly few contraindications to treatment. Many elite athletes opt for PRP treatment to eliminate pain and promote healing, without the lengthy recovery time needed after surgical intervention.
How Many Treatments are Needed?
Depending on the specific problem, multiple treatments may be required, although significant reduction in symptoms can occur after a single treatment. PRP works well as stand-alone therapy, but has shown outstanding results when used with stem cell therapy and with natural pain injections.