PRP Therapy: What is PRP and Who Can it Help?

What is PRP? 

For those who don’t know what PRP is, its short for Platelet Rich Plasma, an innovative an exciting branch of sports medicine which allows an athlete to heal and recover from chronic pain and/or injuries of the tendons, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, nerves, and more. The treatment is a safe, non-surgical alternative that uses no drugs. With PRP injections, the patient’s own blood platelets are the healing agent, making it not only safer but an optimal form of healing for athletes wishing to recover faster from ailments and injuries.

How does platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy work?

The idea behind PRP is simple, blood platelets help stop a cut from bleeding. But research has now shown that platelets do more than just coagulate and stop blood flow; they also release growth factors, which draw special regenerative cells (“progenitor cells”) to the site of the injury. Platelet-rich plasma therapy maximizes this platelet/progenitor cell relationship.

The physician will perform a simple blood draw. The patient’s blood is then placed in a centrifuge that separates the platelets and plasma from the red blood cells. After around 15 minutes, the platelet-rich plasma is removed from the centrifuge machine. The physician will then place a needle into the damaged area of your body that requires treatment, and inject the platelet-rich plasma into the injury site. The high concentration of platelets is loaded with growth factors, which expedites the healing and recovery process. This entire procedure is done in-office and takes about an hour to complete. In some cases, a physician may even be able to go to your gym and treat multiple patients’ onsite for a small additional fee. The procedure is that simple and safe that it can be performed almost anywhere.

After you receive a PRP injection, you will be asked to return to for a follow-up appointment six to eight weeks later. Your sports medicine physician will evaluate your injury to see how effective PRP therapy has been. While some patients may be fully or nearly recovered, most patients will return for two or three more treatments. Injections are usually spaced eight to 12 weeks apart. Your physician will discuss the best treatment options for you. 

What are the benefits of PRP injections? 

Platelet-rich plasma therapy provides several benefits. Athletes are typically especially interested in this treatment option, as it can help speed up the recovery process and get them competing and recovering faster.

•   Natural healing. Your body provides everything that’s needed for its own healing. PRP just help concentrate and speed up the process.
•   Scar-free. PRP injections leave behind no unsightly scars.
•   Affordable. Compared to the cost of surgery, PRP therapy is a way more affordable alternative.
•   Faster recovery. Most patients will have motion the day following the procedure. Inflammation tends to diminish within 10 to 14 days. Many athletes will see significant improvement in four to eight weeks.
•   Safe. PRP therapy involves very few complications and risks. Plus, the entire procedure is done in-office on an outpatient basis or at your facility.

What kind of injuries can PRP injections treat?

Platelet-rich plasma therapy can be used to treat:

ü  Ligament Injuries, including sprains, strains, and injuries to the MCL and LCL in the knee.

ü  Tendon Injuries, including rotator cuff, Achilles tendon, Tennis/Golfer’s elbow, and patellar and quadriceps tendons.

ü  Muscle injuries, including hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, biceps, and triceps.

ü  Cartilage injuries, including osteoarthritis, meniscal tears, labral tears in the shoulder and hip, and more.

ü  Stress fractures, plantar fasciosis, turf toe, shin splints, and general patellofemoral (knee) pain may be treated as well.

Also, platelet rich plasma can be used also to improve skin texture, lines and wrinkles. By placing it into the deeper skin layer fibroblasts and other cells can be stimulated to a more youthful function. Areas under the eyes and in necks can show dramatic improvement. Lines like about upper lips can also improve. And the general texture and appearance of the skin will improve.

PRP can also be used to treat hair loss. With a thin needle, your own Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is injected into the scalp. Then the growth factors in your blood cells do their job and hair growth is naturally stimulated. PRP Hair Restoration is suitable for both men and women. It is a state of the art, non surgical, totally natural, alternative medical procedure used for the treatment of hair loss or hair thinning. The active growth factors in PRP can promote hair growth. Helping to restore one’s confidence, the end result is a fuller, healthier looking head of hair.

If you or anyone you know would be interested in learning more about PRP, call today at 561-277-8260  or email us at info@novagenix.org 

www.NovaGenix.org

www.FloridaPlateletRichPlasma.com