Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Procedure

Our body has the capacity to heal itself. Whenever a medical condition occurs, the body releases growth proteins to promote healing and tissue regeneration. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) procedure involves using a patient’s blood to promote healing. PRP injections are becoming popular for their success in helping to heal injuries and manage arthritis as well as many other musculoskeletal disorders.
PRP injections are nothing but blood plasma containing concentrated platelets. These concentrated platelets contain a huge stock of biologically active proteins or growth factors that are very essential to accelerate the process of tissue repair and regeneration. These bioactive proteins or growth factors help in healing connective tissues, bones, joint surfaces, and promote the development of new blood vessels and stimulate wound-healing processes.

When is the best time to do a PRP procedure?

From sports injuries to hair loss, PRP procedures have been gaining popularity due to a variety of reasons. The treatment involves using a patient’s blood cells to accelerate healing in a specific area. Here’re some circumstances when PRP procedures are used to promote cellular healing:

1. Treatment of chronic tendon injuries
PRP procedure is one of the most effective treatments when it comes to treating tendon injuries like tennis elbow or a runner’s knee. It treats tendonitis and inflammation in the knee due to an injury.

2. Hip and knee osteoarthritis
PRP injections are very effective in treating hip and knee osteoarthritis as they help reduce pain and inflammation for better joint functioning. Moreover, the treatment has no additional risks and is regarded as a conservative treatment for osteoarthritis.

3. Acute injuries
Many professional athletes prefer PRP procedures to surgery because PRP therapy is most commonly associated with treating acute muscle and ligament injuries. PRP therapy improves the healing process, reduces inflammation, and speeds up recovery to return to sports and day-to-day activities.

4. Surgery
PRP procedures have been used in surgery for Anterior Cruciate Ligament tears and torn rotator cuffs to help increase healing times.

5. Hair loss
As part of a comprehensive alopecia treatment, PRP may help restore full hair thickness. It is important though to discuss the cause of hair thinning/loss to explore all options of treatment that may be helpful.

Procedure For PRP Injections

PRP procedure involves taking a small amount of blood from the patient’s body and then processing it in a centrifuge where the plasma is separated from the blood. The doctor injects the separated plasma into the affected joint. This may involve a single injection or a series of injections over weeks depending upon the patient’s condition.
The process requires precision, so the doctor may use imaging technology or ultrasound to inject the PRP injection directly into the joint capsule or the designated tissues.

Ultrasound-Guided Injections

Ultrasound-guided injections are used in PRP procedures to ensure precise injection delivery. An ultrasound helps doctors to guide the injection to the ideal spot and allows clinicians to deliver treatment with perfect accuracy.

Benefits of ultrasound-guided injections:

These injections occur commonly at joints of the knee, hip or shoulder and are part of a more accurate and comprehensive pain-management plan. Here’re some advantages of ultrasound-guided injections:

• Better care and precise injection delivery
• Ultrasound eliminates the risk of radiation while fluoroscopy (a type of real-time X-ray) involves repeated exposure to radiation
• Patients may experience better results after ultrasound-guided PRP procedures

At Health Integrative PLC, we have state-of-the-art equipment to do PRP procedures and injections. Our goal is to provide a holistic approach to a patient's health, relieve pain, and help restore function to live a happier and healthier life.

Other PRP Applications: ED Shot – PRP For Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction is one of the most common disorders in adult males and affects sexual performance and reproduction. ED shots boost cell rejuvenation, improve blood flow, accelerate tissue healing, resulting in increased sexual performance, drive and sensitivity.

ED shot treatment involves the injection of platelet rich plasma (PRP) collected from the patient’s blood into the penis. The PRP releases growth factors or bioactive proteins in the treated area of the penis improving sexual stamina and size and appearance of the penis. After the ED shot and proper guidance the patient may expect to have better erections, increased sexual drive, and may notice an increase in the penis size and length.

The results of the procedure are visible within 24 hours of the injection while the optimum benefits can be experienced after two to three months. The effects of injection can last up to one to two years and the procedure can be repeated after that period of time. The ED shot poses negligible health risks since the injection is obtained from the patient’s own blood. Studies have shown that the results are very effective and almost ninety per cent of patients reported satisfying results from the procedure. However, it’s recommended to listen carefully to the physician's guidance and plan of treatment for optimum results.