PRP

What is platelet-rich plasma therapy?

Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, therapy is regenerative medicine that uses concentrated platelets and plasma harvested from your body to stimulate and optimize your body’s healing process.

This type of regenerative medicine can treat several types of damage including that affecting your:

• Bones
• Tendons
• Ligaments
• Muscles
• Cartilage

How does platelet-rich plasma therapy work?

PRP utilizes the growth factors found in platelets and plasma to prompt the regeneration of tissue and accelerate the healing process.

Platelets

Platelets are found in your blood and are a vital component of your cellular health. In addition to clotting your blood if you’re injured, they also promote healing, regulate cell division, and stimulate cell regeneration.

Plasma

The liquid portion of your blood is called plasma. While it’s mostly water, it also contains white and red cells as well as platelets, antibodies, glucose, and proteins.

Concentrating plasma and platelets can increase their growth factors to levels five to 10 times above normal. Growth factors play a role in regenerating tissue and accelerate the healing process. The healing properties of PRP can be used to repair damage throughout your entire body.

What conditions does PRP treat?

PRP is an effective treatment for healing ligaments and tendons due to its regenerative properties. At Osteopathic Center for Healing, Dr. Spiegel uses PRP to treat several conditions, including:

• Tennis elbow
• Osteoarthritis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Rotator cuff tendonitis
• Tendonitis/tendinopathy
• Muscle injuries and tears

Following PRP treatment, you can expect to experience a reduction in pain, inflammation, and friction as well as increased mobility.

What can I expect during my appointment?

PRP begins with a blood draw to harvest your platelets and plasma. This sample is concentrated for your treatment by being filtered and centrifuged.

During your appointment, Dr. Spiegel delivers your PRP directly to your pain site by injection. You might experience mild discomfort and swelling following the procedure, but this fades as healing begins in the area.

Pain relief, reduced inflammation, and improved function in the treatment area occur in the weeks following your injection as tissue regeneration takes place.

To see if you’re a good candidate for platelet-rich plasma therapy, call Osteopathic Center for Healing or schedule an appointment online today.