PRP Therapy (Platelet-Rich Plasma) – What You Need To Know

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP Therapy) is an innovative non-operative treatment that relieves pain by promoting long-lasting healing of the musculoskeletal conditions naturally. Most recently, many news outlets have been featuring the acronym PRP in their news. The treatment is gaining popularity among recreational athletes, professional athletes, and highly functional individuals.

Most people have attributed PRP injections, mainly for athletic injuries, with aiding them to return to regular competition and activities with minimal to no pain at all. This quickly emerging treatment shows highly promising potential for several conditions such as tendonitis, arthritis, and ligament tears and sprains.

PRP therapy presents the patients with a long-lasting, permanent solution through the natural healing process of the body. PRP isn’t something that wears off over time as with the typical pain injection.

What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP Therapy)?

Platelet-rich plasma often referred to as “PRP,” is human blood that’s spun down and separated to produce a concentration of platelets above the normal values. Platelets are the clotting cells in our blood, but they also have high potential in boosting healing of ligaments, tendon, and muscle. Studies reveal that platelets release growth factors that accelerate soft tissue healing may augment tissue repair, and recruit reparative cells.

Doctors have used PRP in surgery to augment Achilles tendon and shoulder rotator cuff repair. Also, PRP has shown incredible promise when injected into chronically injured tendons and when appropriate healing hasn’t occurred.

Several clinical trials are underway to find out the full spectrum of use for PRP. In a spine practice, chiropractors have anecdotally noted excellent results when they inject PRP into facet joints, spinal ligaments, and/or intervertebral discs when other conservative treatments have failed.

Which Conditions Benefit Most From PRP?

PRP therapy works most effectively for tendon sprains/strains and chronic ligament, which have failed other traditional treatment, including but not limited to:

• Rotator cuff injuries, including partial-thickness
• Lumbar spine disc pain
• Shoulder pain and instability
• Hamstring and hip strains
• Tennis and golfer’s elbow
• Patellar tendonitis and patellofemoral syndrome
• Ankle sprains
• Knee sprains and instability
• Lumbar and cervical facet dysfunction and pain
• Plantar fasciitis & Achilles tendonitis
• Nerve entrapment syndromes, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Knee, hip, and other joint osteoarthritis
• Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction and pain

In addition, PRP Therapy can be effective for several cases of osteoarthritis by reducing pain and disability and stimulating healing of cartilage. This includes:

• Ankle arthritis
• Hip joint arthritis
• Knee arthritis
• Shoulder arthritis

Are There Risks With Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP Therapy)?

PRP is a safe treatment option with no risk of the allergic reactions since it’s your blood. However, anytime a chiropractor or clinician places a needle in the body, there’s a risk of nerve damage, bleeding, and infection. Contact Georgia Spine & Disc Woodstock GA today.