Platelet Rich Plasma therapy, known as PRP (plasma) therapy, is an innovative and rapidly growing approach in regenerative medicine, especially popular for treating various injuries and conditions. By harnessing the body’s own healing mechanisms, PRP therapy can promote tissue regeneration and reduce pain, making it a preferred choice for many patients.
What is PRP Therapy?
PRP therapy entails the use of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) derived from the patient’s blood. This concentrated form of plasma is rich in platelets and growth factors, that play an important role in the healing process. PRP injections are commonly used to treat conditions such as chronic tendon injuries, muscle injuries, knee sprains,meniscus or labral tear, joint osteoarthritis (wear and tear) and even hair loss.
The Biological Basis of PRP Therapy
The effectiveness of PRP therapy lies in its biological basis. Platelets, a type of blood cell, are essential for blood clot formation, blood clotting, and wound healing. When concentrated into PRP, they release proteins called growth factors that activate cell repair and regeneration. These growth factors and other proteins found in PRP help accelerate the healing of damaged tissues.
The Process of Creating Platelet Rich Plasma
Creating PRP involves drawing a blood sample directly from the patient and processing it in a centrifuge to separate the targeted platelets from other blood cells, including white blood cells and red blood cells. This process subsequently concentrates the platelets and growth factors into a small volume of plasma. The resulting pure PRP is then injected directly into the injury site, often under ultrasound guidance, to ensure precision.
How PRP Promotes Healing and Tissue Regeneration
Once injected, the concentrated platelets in PRP release proteins called growth factors directly at the injury site. These growth factors enhance the body’s natural healing process by promoting cell proliferation, reducing inflammation, and stimulating the production of new tissue. PRP therapy can help repair torn tendons, reduce pain, stiffness and improve ranage of motions in conditions like knee/hip/shoulder/elbow/ankle osteoarthritis.
Applications of PRP Therapy at Auckland Regenerative Clinic
At Auckland Regenerative Clinic, PRP therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions, including acute sports injuries, chronic tendon injuries, osteoarthritis, frozen shoulder, labral and meniscus tear and musculoskeletal conditions. The clinic’s specialists employ advanced techniques, such as ultrasound guidance, to ensure accurate PRP injections.
Clinical Evidence Supporting PRP Therapy
Clinical studies have shown favourable results for PRP therapy in treating various conditions. Research indicates that PRP can significantly improve function whilst reducing pain and stiffness in patients with various joints, osteoarthritis, chronic tendon injuries (tendinitis and tear), and other musculoskeletal issues. The therapy also accelerates healing in professional athletes and those recovering from surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is PRP therapy used for?
A1. PRP therapy treats a range of conditions, including chronic tendon injuries, muscle injuries, knee and various ther joints osteoarthritis, and acute sports injuries.
Q2. How long does it take to see results from PRP therapy?
A2. Results from PRP therapy can vary, but many patients start to notice improvements within a week to several weeks of treatment, depending on the tissue damage you have.
Q3. Are there any side effects or risks associated with PRP therapy?
A3. PRP therapy is considered safe for patients, as it uses their own blood thus, rejection is not possible. However, some may experience transient ( a couple of days) increased pain and swelling at the PRP injection site, but we do our best to reduce the pain by using local anaesthetic.
Q4. Are PRP injections worth the money?
A4. PRP injections can be a worthwhile investment for those seeking non-surgical alternatives to traditional treatments, particularly for conditions that have not responded well to other therapies.
PRP treatment therapy offers a promising and effective approach to healing and tissue regeneration, utilising the body’s natural processes. With growing clinical evidence supporting its efficacy, PRP therapy remains a valuable option for patients seeking relief from various injuries, osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal conditions.
If you’re struggling with chronic pain, sports injuries, osteoarthritis or other musculoskeletal issues, consider PRP therapy at Auckland Regenerative Clinic. Dr Hassan Mubark and his expert team specialise in advanced PRP treatments tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how PRP therapy can help you achieve better health and improved function. Visit our website or call us directly to take the first step towards a pain-free or pain diminishing life.