Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections

at Spectrum Healthcare

What is PRP?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are a type of therapy derived from your blood. It's a mixture of plasma and a high concentration of platelets. These platelets play a crucial role in healing injuries to tendons, ligaments, muscles, and even osteoarthritis. PRP treatment involves several specialties, including Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Sports Medicine, Orthopaedics, and Rehabilitation.

How Does PRP Work?

PRP is a simple process: your doctor draws a small amount of your blood and spins it in a centrifuge to create PRP. This contains concentrated platelets, growth factors, and cytokines with anti-inflammatory properties. Injected directly into the injured area, PRP stimulates the body's natural healing process, aiding recovery and augmenting healing during surgery.

Understanding Platelet-Rich Plasma

Blood is composed of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Platelets, often referred to as the body's "first responders," release growth factors and cytokines that promote tissue healing. PRP, extracted from your own blood, contains a high concentration of platelets and is injected into the injured area, facilitating healing.

Conditions Treated with PRP

PRP injections effectively address various issues, including chronic ligament or tendon injuries, osteoarthritis, golfer’s or tennis elbow, rotator cuff injuries, and more. It's also used in conjunction with surgery to expedite recovery.

The Procedure

PRP treatment occurs in-office and typically takes less than an hour. Your blood is drawn, spun in a centrifuge, and the PRP is then injected into the injury site, possibly guided by ultrasound. Post-injection rest might be necessary.

Expected Results

Recovery times vary, but some patients report pain relief in four to six weeks, experiencing continued improvement for up to a year. Success rates differ among individuals, and ongoing research aims to understand these variances better.

Potential Risks

PRP injections are generally safe, originating entirely from your body, thus posing minimal risks of rejection or disease transmission. Common side effects include mild discomfort, pain, or stiffness at the injection site.

Who Isn't Suitable for PRP?

Individuals with certain conditions like blood dyscrasia, thrombocytopenia, sepsis, anemia, or cancer may not be eligible for PRP injections due to potential risks associated with these conditions.

This revised copy aims to simplify the information, making it more accessible to clients seeking Regenerative Medicine without compromising on essential details.