For the most part, platelets are associated with clotting. However, they also have a lot of growth factors in them which help cell reproduction along. Tissue regeneration is also stimulated alongside healing in the area that’s treated.
Simply put, when plasma is rich in platelets, it has more than the usual blood.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma therapy uses natural growth factors harvested from the platelets in your own blood to heal your body. You’ve probably already heard of Tiger Woods and other athletes taking on PRP injections so that their injury gets healed well. The shots are being used more and more for sports injuries to be treated. In the same vein, wounds are able to heal better post-surgery through them.
In some cases, doctors have it on hand as a tool for cosmetic procedures for targeting wrinkles and other signs of aging. Even the likes of hair loss and skin rejuvenation can be addressed.
The PRP Shot: What’s In It?
One of blood’s components, plasma is made up of protein and water for the most part. Both red blood cells (RBCs) and white blood cells (WBCs) move through the bloodstream thanks to plasma, alongside platelets. It’s platelets that end up triggering blood clots. PRP can be used on damage or injuries to skin, joints, tendons, muscles and even ligaments.
The Process
Collection of plasma is generally done through a doctor drawing blood from your body. After obtaining a blood sample, the blood is sent to a machine known as a centrifuge, which spins out the platelet-rich plasma. The area of the body that’s meant to be treated with PRP injections is then numbed by the doctor. Once numb, a needle will be used for the plasma to be injected into the area that needs treatment.
Ultrasound technology can be used to make sure the right areas are targeted during injections. It generally takes around half an hour for PRP injections to be administered, though that can vary based on targeted body parts.
Healing
The moment platelets enter the area for treatment, they break down. Growth factors, compounds that help cells to renew and repair themselves, end up released as a result. It’s thought to get the body’s healing process going.
PRP treatments are most noticeable around three to six months after the initial injection for joint treatments. It’s also evident by six months after the final injection for scalp treatments. It should be noted that these are not permanent; doctors may recommend more injections down the line.
It should be noted that PRP treatments are definitely safe given how the patient’s own tissues are used.
Conclusion
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is produced by drawing blood and separating the blood cells from the blood plasma. The blood cells are then returned to the patient, while the blood plasma is kept. It’s used to treat a wide range of conditions: injuries such as ligament, tendon, joint and muscle as well as osteoarthritis and even post-surgical healing. It’s also used for cosmetic procedures such as skin rejuvenation and even addressing hair loss.
Trying to find a plasma clinic? Visit UNITY Medical Clinic today! We have a wide range of services in our medical clinic.