Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a revolutionary treatment modality used to treat a variety of orthopedic conditions, including sports injuries. It is obtained by using the patient's own blood, similar to drawing blood for a laboratory test. The blood is then centrifuged to separate red blood cells from white blood cells and platelets. These activated platelets are injected directly into injured or diseased body tissue, releasing growth factors that stimulate and increase the number of repair cells the body produces.
PRP is a “blood-derived product” and comes from blood, making it fully compatible with your own body and eliminating the risk of rejection or allergic reaction. It contains a higher than normal concentration of platelets contained in a liquid plasma base. When activated, platelets accelerate the inflammatory cascade, as well as healing by releasing granules containing growth factors. PRP injections can help relieve painful symptoms, promote healing, and delay joint replacement surgeries.
Studies have shown that PRP can have up to 10-100 times the anti-inflammatory effect of cortisone, a common steroid used in other injection treatments. Pain Physicians NY is one of the first offices to offer lumbar intradiscal PRP injections in Brooklyn for patients suffering from low back pain derived from the intervertebral discs. The main advantages of PRP injections are that they can reduce the need for anti-inflammatory drugs or stronger medications, such as opioids. A PRP injection is generally recommended in the treatment of muscle or tendon injuries with a success rate of approximately 70% to 80%.
PRP injections can be used alone or in combination with other treatments to improve their effects. Studies have shown that PRP therapies promote tissue regeneration when injected into other areas of the body. The injured part of the body is anesthetized with a local anesthetic and PRP is injected into the affected area under ultrasound guidance. Before you start receiving PRP injections, you need to stop taking certain blood-thinning medications. Platelet-rich plasma has been found to significantly improve the healing process, and its use for shoulder pain caused by rotator cuff tears, Achilles tendon ruptures, and other soft tissue injuries is becoming more common. PRP treatment is becoming increasingly popular today, yet many people don't know what PRP is or where it comes from.
This article provides an overview of PRP and its benefits for treating musculoskeletal problems.
