What is PRP?
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is concentrated from your own blood and contains healing factors, such as white blood cells and bioactive proteins, called growth factors and stem cell markers. These cells are vital for tissue regeneration and repair. Platelets, once thought of as being responsible for only clotting, have been scientifically proven to be a reservoir of these vital healing components. With advanced techniques, we can concentrate these regenerative healing cells in a simple outpatient setting.
Little to No Risk Factors
PRP is from your own blood, autologous, so there is little to no risk when conducted by a trained professional. Since the cells are autologous there is no risk for an allergic or immune reaction. Side effects or complications with PRP are extremely rare. Consult your physician for more information.
Obtaining PRP
A small amount of peripheral blood is taken from the patient and placed into an FDA medically approved container. This sterile disposable container is placed in a specialized centrifuge, for spinning, to separate the whole blood sample into ‘layers’ of platelet rich plasma (PRP) and red blood cells. The PRP layer is aspirated from the red blood cells and is injected or applied, under sterile conditions, into the localized area of abnormality.
Procedure Time
The total process can last up to 30 minutes. However, the majority of the time will be used for processing by a trained medical specialist.
The Health Process
PRP signals for stem cells and regenerative cells to repair and rebuild the damaged tissue. This accelerated healing process reduces pain, promotes increased strength, and improves overall function. The process, called the health cascade, can be active and take place over a 4–6 week period.
Long Term Outcomes
Patients can expect to see significant improvement in symptoms over the course of healing time. This procedure may eliminate the need for further invasive treatments, such as surgery or prolonged use of medications. While other treatments such as corticosteroid injections may provide temporary relief and stop inflammation, PRP injections stimulate healing of the injury over a shorter period with fewer side effects. Patients usually report a gradual improvement in symptoms and return of function. Many patients require two to three treatments to obtain optimal results and may even experience a dramatic return of function and relief within 2-3 months.
Recovery After Treatment
The anesthetic used to numb the skin generally wears off in 1-2 hours. Mild pain and swelling may occur at the injection site. However, the majority of patients can return to usual activities with NO downtime.
Post-Treatment Care
You must be particularly careful not to traumatize the area during the post-treatment time frame. Initially, the procedure may cause some localized soreness and discomfort. Patients can apply ice and elevations as needed. Use the area as tolerated since restricting movements for an extended time can cause stiffening. Movement and stretching promote circulation in the area and also assist with healing. After a week the patient will likely begin a rehabilitation program with chiropractic and physical therapy.
Why PRP?
Summary
By learning more about regenerative therapies such as PRP, we can better understand how to prevent and treat degenerative conditions more naturally. When pain is present, whatever is required depends on the area affected and the symptoms present, and that is why it is important to have a team of doctors who can identify the root cause.
At BBC Health in Lewisville, Texas, we know how to identify, treat, or refer in the proper direction for any pain you may be experiencing. As a primary care provider, we can quickly provide medical, chiropractic, and rehab treatments to get you well as fast as possible. If you’re suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain, don’t delay, and contact us immediately to see how we can help.
Start Healing and Get Back to Living!
