PRP therapy is a relatively new treatment that utilizes the proteins and other growth factors in blood platelets to speed the healing of injuries. The acronym PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma, meaning that the plasma contains a very concentrated amount of platelets. This type of healing therapy is used to help accelerate the healing of ligaments, tendons, and joints after an injury has occurred.
If your doctor has advised that your joints will require a lengthy healing process or if you experience chronic medical problems with your joints, we highly suggest that you consult with us. We perform a variety of PRP therapy procedures for our clients who are experiencing slow healing of tendons and ligaments following an injury.
How PRP Works
Blood platelets contain a variety of growth factors that act as a first-line tissue regeneration mechanism. When you injure yourself, say cutting a finger, the platelets help to clot the blood. However, their work isn’t finished. The proteins in the platelets help direct nutrients to create replacement tissue. This is one of the reasons a cut or scrape heals so quickly, with new skin and subcutaneous tissue being formed quite rapidly.
Ligaments are a particularly slow-healing tissue, and most individuals find themselves unable to perform their regular activities for weeks or even months. PRP therapy can help speed up the healing process.
Consultation and Treatment
We’ll review your medical history and look closely at the information gathered by your doctor. If we feel that PRP injections can help you, we’ll schedule a series of treatments.
We draw a small amount of blood from your arm vein, and then we spin it at high speed in a special type of centrifuge until the red cells have been separated. We then spin the plasma further and remove some of it. What’s left is a small amount of fluid with a very high concentration of platelets.
We mix this fluid with a chloride solution to activate the platelets, and then we inject the fluid directly into the affected tissue. The body reacts by sending nutrients to the affected area, and the tissue regeneration process is now underway.
Long-Term Benefits
The idea here is to create new tissue that’s much healthier than what it replaced. Not only does the wound heal more quickly, but the ligament, tendon, joint, or other tissue is likely stronger than the damaged tissue was. In fact, some of the old tissue may be discarded in favor of the new growth and development.
Learn More About PRP Therapy
This type of tissue regeneration treatment is still in the advancing stage, but our clients report satisfactory results with us at Optimal Health & Wellness in Pasadena, CA. If you are interested in how PRP therapy can benefit you, contact us today to schedule your consultation!
