We are now offering a new service called Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections for musculoskeletal pain to sports injuries. The treatment uses a patient’s own blood cells to accelerate healing in a specific area.
What is platelet-rich plasma?
Platelet-rich plasma consists of two elements: plasma, or the liquid portion of blood, and platelets, a type of blood cell that plays an important role in healing throughout the body. Platelets are well-known for their clotting abilities, but they also contain growth factors that can trigger cell reproduction and stimulate tissue regeneration or healing in the treated area. Platelet-rich plasma is simply blood that contains more platelets than normal.
To create platelet-rich plasma, your GP take a blood sample from you and place it into a device called a centrifuge that rapidly spins the sample, separating out the other components of the blood from the platelets and concentrating them within the plasma.
What is a PRP injection?
After creating platelet-rich plasma from your blood sample, that solution is injected into the target area, such as an injured knee or a tendon. The idea is to increase the concentration of specific bio-proteins or hormones, called growth factors, in a specific area to accelerate the healing process.
Studies show that the increased concentration of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma may stimulate or speed up the healing process, shortening healing time for injuries and decreasing pain.
Benefits of PRP for Joints:
- Reduces inflammation and pain
- Promotes cartilage and tissue repair
- Improves joint mobility and function
- Minimally invasive with minimal downtime
- Uses your body’s own healing power — no additives or chemicals
What is PRP treatment used for?
PRP injections are used for a range of conditions such as musculoskeletal pain and injuries.
Tendon, Ligament, Muscle and Joint Injuries
PRP injections may be able to treat a range of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. For example, chronic tendon injuries such as tennis elbow or jumper’s knee can often take a long time to heal, so adding PRP shots to a treatment regimen can help to stimulate the healing process, decrease pain and enable a return to activities sooner.
PRP Therapy Risks and Side Effects
A PRP injection is a low-risk procedure and does not usually cause major side effects. The procedure involves a blood draw, so you should make sure you are hydrated and have eaten beforehand to prevent feeling lightheaded. After the procedure, you may experience some soreness and bruising at the injection site.
Because PRP injections are made up of your own cells and plasma, the risk of an allergic reaction is much lower than with other injectable medications like corticosteroids. Less common risks of PRP injections include:
• Bleeding
• Tissue damage
• Infection
• Nerve injuries
If you are considering PRP injections, be sure to talk with your health care provider about all the benefits and risks.
Please contact reception for further details and an appointment to be reviewed by your GP.
