Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP or platelet rich plasma is an injection procedure using the patient's own concentrated platelets, stem cells and growth factors from their own blood.
Treatment
Regenerative medicine treatment protocols are done on an outpatient basis without general anesthesia and require little to no recovery period. The injection of platelet-rich plasma to an injured area delivers growth factors concentrated from five to ten times greater than is normally found in plasma.
Platelets contain a high concentration of growth factor, which is central to the function of platelet-rich plasma therapy in regenerative medicine. Once injected into the damaged area, the platelets release other proteins that are believed to affect the regenerative influence patients experience after treatment. This process enhances the differentiation of cells, which is believed to be the underlying process required for the generation of new tissue.
How many treatments do I need?
Approximately two to four treatments depending on the degree of injury and how long the injury has been there. Typically injections are performed every 6 weeks.
How long does it take to work?
Most patients notice some element of improvement by 2-6 weeks after PRP treatment. Symptom improvement is slow and subtle as days and weeks pass, with usual report of original pain being lessened over time. Increased endurance and strength are also typically reported.
What are the side effects for PRP?
For the first 48 hours, swelling and mild discomfort are typical in the injected area. Therefore, all patients are provided with pain medicine after PRP. Minimal side effects have been observed with treatment. Any stiffness or discomfort reported after PRP should resolve with time by day three.