With significant advancements in medical research, healthcare providers are learning more about the powers of the human body. This includes using different body substances to stimulate healing and promote platelet-rich plasma, which is autologous blood with a high concentration of platelets and growth factors. PRP therapy involves the use of blood drawn from your body to stimulate healing in the body. Often, the doctor will recommend PRP therapy when you do not want to undergo surgery or other invasive treatments for your condition.
You may be a good candidate for the procedure if you have suffered a sports injury like torn ligaments and tendons. Additionally, you can use the procedure for cosmetic purposes like skin rejuvenation and treatment for hair loss. Your doctor injects the solution from your body directly onto the affected area to stimulate ultimate healing. For effective results from PRP, you will require the services of an experienced team of professionals.
Overview of Platelet-Rich Plasma PRP
Platelets are blood cells that play a significant role in blood clotting and wound healing. Platelet-rich plasma consists of plasma which is the liquid portion of the blood, and platelets. Your doctor creates platelet-rich plasma by taking a sample of your blood and placing it in the centrifuge to separate the blood components. After the desired number of platelets is derived, the healthcare provider will concentrate it within the plasma to formulate a solution used for the treatment.
PRP treatment is administered using an injection at the point of injury. Sometimes, a clinician will use ultrasound or other forms of imaging to inject the plasma into the targeted area. Platelet-rich plasma therapy aims to increase the concentration of bio-proteins and other growth factors in a specific body area to accelerate natural healing. This treatment uses your body's components, thus avoiding allergic reactions from introducing foreign substances into the body.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy takes up to twenty minutes, and the number of injections varies depending on your injury's site and severity. For most patients, the doctor administers two injections over a period of time. You may experience some relief when you review the first and second injections. Some people experience pain and discomfort.
Although researchers have concluded that platelets play an essential role in healing, the exact link between these cells and cell rejuvenation is unknown. PRP therapy does not work for everyone. However, improvements in the injuries are noticed within several weeks of receiving the PRP injection for individuals who respond well to the treatment. Among individuals who have recovered from their injuries following PRP therapy, the results are permanent, and recurrence of the pain is uncommon.
Conditions Treated using Platelet Rich Plasma Injections
Doctors recommend PRP treatment for both the treatment of injuries and cosmetic procedures. You may be a candidate for platelet-rich plasma therapy if you have any of the following conditions:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint condition caused by natural wear and tear of joint tissues. A joint is where two bones come together. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage that covers the bone ends is damaged, causing joint stiffness and pain. OA is a leading cause of disability in adults and is characterized by:
- Severe joint pain
- Loss of flexibility and reduced motion
- Joint inflammation
- Bone spurs
- Discomfort and tenderness in the affected areas
In addition to the natural wear and tear of the joints, osteoarthritis may be caused by past injuries, poor posture, and obesity. Additionally, having family members with the same condition could increase your likelihood of developing OA as you age. In cases where pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications have failed to relieve the symptoms effectively, your doctor could recommend PRP.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative disc disease is a term used to describe the standard charges in the spinal discs that come with aging. The spine discs are soft shock absorbers that help to cushion the spine bones. These discs allow the spine to flex, twist and bend without causing damage. Degenerative disc disease affects the entire spinal cord, mainly the lower back.
Degenerative disc disorder is caused by the gradual weakening of the vertebral discs, and it begins with a small tear that worsens when left untreated. Individuals who suffer from degenerative disc disease experience symptoms such as pain in the lower back, neck, and legs. Pain from this condition increases with prolonged sitting or standing. If your condition does not improve with surgery or other treatment options, the doctor could recommend that you receive a PRP injection around the affected area.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway surrounded by ligaments and bones on the palm and side of your hand. When the carpal tunnel nerve is compressed, you could experience symptoms such as weakness of the palm. Pain and tingling sensations around the affected area. Any activity that causes pressure or squeezes the median nerve may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction and Pain
The sacroiliac joint is the position where the spine meets the pelvis. The joint is built to withstand heavy pressure, which allows you to walk, jump, or bend. Sacroiliitis is a condition where the sacroiliac joint is inflamed and painful. Some factors that could contribute to the development of this condition include pregnancy, trauma, or lumbar pathology. Trauma such as a vehicle accident could cause dislocation of the joints, nerve irritation, and tears.
The symptoms of sacroiliac joint dysfunction vary depending on the condition's underlying cause. However, most people will experience symptoms like back pain that persists when they sit or stand for a long time. Other symptoms include numbness and a tingling sensation around the groin and hips. Your diagnosis of sacroiliac joint dysfunction was confirmed through MRI imaging and rays. Treatment options for this condition are both surgical and non-surgical. PRP therapy is an effective way to stimulate the healing of the sacroiliac joint.
Hair Loss
Hair loss occurs when the hair follicles are weakened. The causes of hair loss for women and men differ significantly. Most women suffer from hair loss due to age, poor nutrition, hair care routines, and childbirth. On the other hand, hair loss in men is a hereditary condition triggered by the hormone dihydrotestosterone.
As with other injuries, PRP therapy for hair loss involves the injection of plasma-rich platelets into your scalp. After the therapy, you may notice a change in the strength and volume of your hair within six to twelve months. Your doctor could recommend a combination of PRP with other treatment options for better results.
PRP Pre-Procedure Instructions
Before you undergo Platelet-rich plasma therapy, your doctor will explain the procedure and the expected outcome. Some of the things you need to do before the procedure include:
- Discontinue anti-inflammatory medications at least five days before the procedure
- Avoid drug thinning herbs and medication a week before the PRP therapy
Discontinue any steroid injections a month before this procedure
- Eat a healthy, full breakfast and take plenty of fluids on the day of the procedure
Benefits of PRP Therapy
PRP Therapy has become a common pain management approach since it enhances most injuries' healing process. The following are some benefits associated with this type of therapy:
Accelerates the Healing Process
PRP therapy offers relief for individuals suffering from trauma associated with different sports injuries. Sports injuries affect the tendons, ligaments, joints, and muscles. Muscle injuries occur when blunt force trauma causes tears to the tissues. Muscle and ligament injuries take a while to recover. This makes PRP therapy an appealing option for athletes with different injuries.
Natural Solution with Minimal Risk
One of the most significant benefits of PRP is that the doctor uses the body’s natural healing elements. The serum used for the therapy is made from your blood. This minimizes the risk of allergic reactions.
Ease Pain and Improve Mobility
Joint pain may develop due to injuries, arthritis, or general wear and tear. The healing properties of PRP are to reduce pain and inflammation while improving mobility.
Quick and Painless procedure
Although the site for PRP varies depending on the specific health needs of an individual, it is quick and painless. After the doctor draws your blood to create your PRP, the injection is administered directly onto the damaged area. If your point of injury is sensitive, the doctor may administer local anesthesia to minimize the possibility of pain.
Shorter Recovery Time
After the PRP injection, you may experience inflammation and pain. However, you can return to your daily activities. Your doctor will provide pain relief guidelines and activities to minimize the discomfort or pain and support healing. Although you may notice some relief a week after the injection, the healing process takes time. Therefore, you must be patient and follow the doctor’s instructions.
Minimally Invasive Intervention
PRP therapy begins with collecting a blood sample. Your blood is then processed to isolate the platelets. The therapy is administered using an injection. Therefore, you will not be left with a wound to nurse from the procedure.
Side-Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy
PRP is a safe and legal method of treating sports injuries and helping recover from cosmetic procedures. However, like other medical procedures, there are some risks associated with the procedure, including:
- Pain around the injured area. Many people who have undergone PRP therapy for different conditions have complained of soreness and acute pain at the point of injection. Sometimes, the pain could be felt in the muscle or bone. Your doctor could prescribe some pain relievers to handle the pain. Hearing for different patients is different. Additionally, the area where the injection is administered may determine the speed of healing.
- Blood clot. A blood clot forms when there is damage to the blood vessel lining. Since PRP therapy uses image-guided needles to administer the platelet-rich plasma, there may be injury or cuts in the veins or arteries. Depending on the specific location, a blood clot can be life-threatening. Therefore, your doctor must treat it. With digital imaging and an experienced doctor, it is easy to avoid and detect a blood clot during and after the procedure.
- Allergic reactions. When a foreign substance or drug is introduced into the body, the body automatically rejects it, causing an allergic reaction. Because PRP therapy uses your blood, the possibility of an allergic reaction is rare. However, some patients can develop allergies to the metal instruments us
- d to inject the plasma. Since the allergic reaction can result from drugs previously used or underlying medical conditions, the doctor expects you to disclose all your underlying medical conditions before the procedure.
- Although the doctors take ultimate precaution when injecting you with the PRP serum, some people can develop an infection at the injection site.
- Skin discoloration. When a blood sample is extracted from your body, the area could appear bruised or discolored. It is essential to understand that this is a natural effect of PRP, and the bruising will go away after a while.
- No improvement in the injured area. Although this is not a side effect, it is an undesirable outcome of PRP therapy. When you undergo this therapy, you expect to have some relief from your symptoms. However, there are cases when the pain from your injury persists or becomes worse.
Post-Procedure Instructions for PRP Therapy
Your doctor will recommend that you rest to allow body recovery immediately after the procedure. Additionally, you may be receiving several guidelines before you completely heal from the procedure:
- 0-3 days after the procedure. After PRP treatment, you could experience discomfort and pain at the injection site. You should not panic since the pain signifies your body is healing. Unless on a doctor's prescription, you should avoid any medication. Instead, ensure that you stay hydrated.
- Avoid applying heat at the site of injection
- Avoid habits like alcohol consumption and smoking
- You should increase your physical activity gradually. Proper and mild exercise is crucial for long-term and effective results.
- Make follow-up appointments within five months of the injection
Frequently Asked Questions on PRP Treatment
If you have suffered an injury and are considering PRP to relieve the pain and other symptoms, you may have many questions and concerns. The following are commonly asked questions on PRP therapy:
-
What are PRP injections?
PRP injections are the future of medicine where the doctors use the components of your blood to stimulate healing. When the doctor extracts your blood, they use advanced centrifuges to isolate the platelet and inject the solution directly into the point of injury. This helps to stimulate the natural healing of the body.
-
Why are PRP injections used to treat injuries?
There are a variety of treatments that you can explore for your injuries. However, doctors recommend PRP because it is minimally invasive, safe, and stimulates quicker healing. Additionally, this therapy uses fluids from your body which helps to reduce the possibility of allergic reactions.
-
Does PRP hurt?
For most patients, PRP injections do not hurt. However, it is common for the procedure to cause soreness and inflammatory response. Swelling often lasts between twenty-four to forty-eight hours after the injection. Your doctor may prescribe medications that aid in alleviating discomfort. Additionally, you can apply hot compresses or heat pads as your healthcare provider advises.
-
How long does the PRP procedure take?
PRP takes up to two hours between [preparation for the procedure and recovery time. Although this procedure takes out some part of your day, you will save the time, energy, and hospital stays associated with surgery and other treatments for your injuries.
-
Are PRP injections safe?
Yes. Platelet-rich plasma therapy uses your blood. The doctor does not introduce any foreign materials or medications to your body. This helps to reduce the possibility of allergic reactions. The only complications associated with the procedure include soreness, bruising, and bleeding. When you seek the services of a skilled practitioner, they will do their best to minimize the likelihood of an infection.
-
Am I a candidate for PRP if I have already undergone surgery?
You can undergo PRP after surgery to relieve pain from your injuries. However, it is essential to understand that your surgery may limit the progress achieved with the PRP. Surgery disrupts normal body function and architecture, causing scarring. Therefore, the natural healing that PRP offers your body is not correctly received by a body part filled with scar tissues.
Seek MRI Services Near Me
PRP therapy is a minimally invasive treatment where the doctor uses platelet-rich plasma to promote the healing of soft tissues. The doctor extracts your blood, isolates the platelets, and injects you with the solution. You can benefit from PRP therapy if you suffer from sports injuries like torn ligaments, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tennis elbow. Compared to other treatment options, PRP is a safe and effective procedure.
Since PRP therapy is a delicate procedure, you will need the services of a skilled healthcare practitioner. During your appointments, the doctor will evaluate your situation to determine whether you are a good candidate for the procedure. At Hollywood Healthcare & Diagnostic Imaging, we offer the latest and most advanced approach to diagnosis and treatment using regenerative medicine in Los Angeles, CA. Contact us at 323-486-7502 for effective, safe, and affordable procedures to ensure optimum healing.
