Understanding PRP Therapy for Injury Recovery

In recent years, doctors have discovered that the body has an incredible ability to heal itself. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a cutting-edge form of regenerative medicine that leverages the natural growth factors in our blood cells to help repair damaged tissue.

What is Plasma and Platelets?

Plasma is the liquid portion of blood, primarily composed of water and proteins. It allows red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to move throughout the body.
Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are blood cells responsible for clotting and play a crucial role in the body’s healing process.

What is a PRP Injection?

PRP is derived from a person’s own blood and is rich in platelets. These concentrated platelets are injected into injured or diseased areas to accelerate the healing of tendons, ligaments, muscles, bones, and joints.

A major advantage of PRP injections is their ability to reduce the need for opioids or anti-inflammatory medications. In fact, anti-inflammatory drugs should generally be avoided during PRP treatment, as the platelet-rich plasma enhances the body’s natural inflammatory response crucial for healing.

How are PRP Injections Performed?

A small sample of your blood is drawn.
The blood is placed in a centrifuge, which spins it to separate the components: red and white blood cells, plasma, and platelets.
The platelets are concentrated to 2 to 8 times their normal level and mixed with plasma to create the PRP solution.
The PRP is injected directly into the injured area. Ultrasound imaging is sometimes used to guide the injection for precision.

How Do PRP Injections Work?

When the concentrated platelets are activated, they release growth factors that stimulate the production of reparative cells. This process enhances the body’s natural healing mechanism, speeding up recovery and reducing pain.

What Injuries Can PRP Treat?

PRP injections are particularly effective for soft tissue injuries, including:

Minor Achilles tendon tears
Tendonitis or chronic tendinosis (e.g., tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow)
Ligament injuries
Muscle injuries
Knee osteoarthritis

Recent studies show that PRP is more effective than hyaluronic acid injections (also known as “gel shots”) for knee osteoarthritis. Interestingly, combining PRP with hyaluronic acid has shown even better results.

Are There Side Effects or Risks?

PRP injections have minimal side effects since they are derived from your own blood, reducing the risk of rejection or allergic reaction. However, there is a slight risk of infection, as with any injection. The effectiveness of PRP treatment can vary from person to person.

Conclusion

PRP therapy is changing regenerative medicine by taking advantage of the body’s natural healing power. At Orthobridge Orthopedic Center, we are proud to offer this innovative treatment to help our patients recover from injuries and improve their quality of life. If you’re struggling with chronic pain or a sports injury, PRP could be the solution you’ve been looking for.

For consultations and appointments, visit us in Upperhill at Landmark Plaza, Argwings Kodhek Rd, 5th Floor.