Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a revolutionary treatment that uses injections of a concentration of the patient's own platelets to accelerate healing of injured tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. This innovative approach to healing harnesses the body's own natural healing system to improve musculoskeletal problems. The process begins with a blood draw from the patient. The blood is then spun at high speed in a centrifuge to separate it into its different parts.
The plasma layer containing a high concentration of platelets is removed and injected into the injury site. This PRP injection activates the same processes that the body would normally use, but they are amplified many times over. Depending on the condition, results can be seen within 2 to 6 weeks after receiving a PRP injection. PRP injections can be effective in treating male pattern baldness, both in preventing hair loss and in promoting the growth of new hair. It can also help stimulate hair growth after hair transplants.
For some conditions, including hair loss, you may need to repeat the procedure to maintain results. PRP injections have also been used to treat osteoarthritis, the most common and debilitating condition of cartilage. In a study of 200 patients with osteoarthritis, PRP injections reduced pain and increased function after 12 months compared to other patients. Post-surgical PRP injections have expanded to help heal muscles, tendons and ligaments, as procedures in these tissues have notoriously long recovery times. PRP can be injected deep into joints to reach ligaments and attachment points in tendons without the need for immobilization. It may take several weeks for PRP injections to start working.
For some conditions, especially those affecting the hair or skin, it can take up to 6 months before full effects are noticed. A PRP injection is an outpatient procedure, meaning the patient will receive treatment and be able to go home the same day. You may need to stop taking certain blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, before you get PRP injections. Unfortunately, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, very few insurance plans offer reimbursement for PRP injections. If you receive it for cosmetic reasons, such as PRP injections for hair loss, your insurance probably won't cover it. In conclusion, PRP injections have demonstrated a high therapeutic potential for orthopedic and sports-related injuries. Research has revealed that patients with knee osteoarthritis could delay the need for knee replacement using PRP injections.
Your body is very capable of healing itself when given the right push, and that's exactly what a PRP injection does.
