Platelet-Rich plasma Injections

Over the years, Platelet-rich plasma therapy has made headlines, often because it is favored by top athletes to help them recover from injury.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy isn't a strange procedure to most sports fans across the world because several athletes such as Hines Ward, Tigerwoods, and Gary Matthews Jr., have gotten the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to help heal or recover from injury. Also, the medical procedure has received a fair amount of favorable media coverage and most importantly, growing scientific evidence supporting its use. These injections are increasingly being used to treat injuries and to help wounds heal after surgery. 

As we get older, joint pain and injuries often linger, whether you're an elite athlete or a 9-5 warrior. The simplicity and the prospect of platelet-rich plasma therapy is appealing and exciting. The lack of any obvious dangers has made people fall in love with this procedure. Medical practitioners worldwide are now using platelet-rich plasma therapy or PRP injections for several reasons, such as promoting soft tissue-healing, which includes damage to tendons, ligaments, muscles, joints, and even preventing skin wrinkles. 

Plasma is the liquid part of your blood that lets red and white blood cells and platelets move through your bloodstream. Plasma is mostly made of water and protein. Platelets are a type of blood cell substance suspended in plasma. They are tiny cell fragments (half the size of red blood cells) that contribute to blood clotting when a blood vessel is damaged. Besides its blood clotting functions, platelets also promote healing by secreting growth factors, which stimulate cell growth and proliferation. 

Platelet-rich plasma therapy typically begins with a doctor using a machine to draw between 30 and 60 milliliters (equivalent to about two to four tablespoons) of blood from your body. The drawn blood is then put into a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the rest of the blood to get platelet-rich plasma. The doctor numbs the part of your body being treated with PRP injections and injects the platelet-rich plasma into the part of your body being treated.

For example, suppose you're being treated for muscle injury. In that case, the doctor will take your blood sample and put it into a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma from other blood components. The platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the injured part of the body. In some cases, doctors may decide to use ultrasound technology to make sure they're targeting the right area before injection. Depending on the area being targeted, Platelet Rich Plasma injections procedure usually take about 30 minutes. Once the injection is administered, they break down and release growth factors, which are compounds that help cells repair, renew and trigger the body's healing process.

Platelet-rich plasma injections are used to treat muscle injury, torn tendons, tendinitis, joint injuries, and arthritis related pain. They're becoming more common for cosmetic and dermatologist procedures, too.