What if there was a way to enhance your body's natural healing processes?
This is exactly what can happen if you are a suitable candidate for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments provided at a PRP clinic. The concentrated platelet mixture contains special proteins called growth factors that can stimulate tissue regrowth and speed up the healing process in the affected area.
Evaluation
When you arrive at a PRP clinic, the first step taken is to conduct a thorough examination and discuss your reasons for considering PRP therapy. Platelet-rich plasma tends to produce the best results on tendon injuries often experienced by athletes. However, PRP may also be beneficial for patients with nerve-impingement conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), hamstring strains, and osteoarthritis (OA) affecting joints and surrounding soft tissues.
As long as you do not have underlying blood disorders and are in generally good health, you may also benefit from PRP treatment for:
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Knee sprains and injuries
- Soft-tissue foot/ankle injuries – e.g., Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis
- Certain types of lower back and neck pain
- Repetitive stress conditions
Preparation
Because treatment involves drawing blood at a PRP clinic during the preparation process, it’s important to eat something before you arrive to avoid lightheadedness. Blood is usually drawn from your preferred arm like what normally happens with a standard blood test. The growth-factor-containing part of your blood with the platelets is then separated from the rest of the blood’s components in a lab. Preparation may also involve image tests to confirm that the injury, condition, or tissue damage being treated is likely responsible for your discomfort.
The Procedure
Lidocaine or a similar anesthetic is injected into the area to be treated to improve comfort as the procedure is performed at a PRP clinic. The PRP will then be injected where it’s needed in the affected area. The platelets will become active and eventually break down and release the beneficial growth factors. This infusion of growth factors will trigger your body’s natural cell growth and regeneration process. This is ultimately what helps tissues heal. The PRP also facilitates the growth of new, healthy tissue.
After Treatment
You may be advised to avoid washing the treated area for 48 hours to give the injection site time to heal. It normally takes several weeks to notice the full effects of the PRP. On average, patients typically experience noticeable improvements and results within a month or so after treatment.
Follow-up recommendations will depend on your reason for treatment. If you are receiving PRP therapy to help heal a knee injury, for instance, you may be advised to resume your physical therapy exercises as your discomfort becomes less of a distraction.
Treatment provided at a PRP clinic is generally considered safe because your own blood is used. Also, precautions are taken to ensure patients are suitable candidates for this healing and recovery method. There may be slight discomfort around the injection site. However, this is usually manageable with the use an ice pack or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication.