You’ve heard other people raving about how PRP treatment has helped them manage their musculoskeletal problem and move freely again, and now, you’re eager to learn more about it and see if it’s ever worth a try.
Read on to get a general understanding of PRP treatment, particularly how it works, its orthopedic applications, and whether it’s right for you.
What Is PRP Therapy?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are prepared from the components of your own blood, specifically platelets, which are the minute blood cells that your body dispatches to a site of injury or pain. For example, if you cut your finger slicing bread, platelets rush to the area to aggregate and form a plug (clot) to start fixing the damage. Platelets also contain special proteins called growth factors, which speed up your body’s natural healing process.
To prepare a PRP injection, your orthopedic specialist draws a blood sample from your arm then processes it in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the liquid portion of your blood (plasma). Your doctor then injects the concentrated platelets into the injured or diseased area of your body.
It is important to take note that while the healing process begins immediately after PRP injections are administered, results can take time. How soon you will heal or notice improvement basically depends on the type of injury or condition you have and its severity. For tendon injuries, for instance, healing can take up to eight weeks after the initial session. You may also need up to three sessions, done four to six weeks apart to achieve optimal results.
Uses of PRP Therapy
PRP therapy has been used by healthcare professionals across various disciplines for its remarkable benefits. Orthopedic doctors, in particular, use PRP therapy as a standalone or adjunctive treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal problems, including:
- Arthritis – management of joint pain and stiffness associated with the condition
- Ligament tears (e.g., ACL tears)
- Plantar fasciitis
- Rotator cuff tears
- Strains and sprains
- Tendonitis (e.g., Achilles tendonitis, tennis elbow, jumper’s knee, etc.)
PRP therapy is a very safe and well-tolerated procedure, with minimal side effects, which include slight pain, bruising, redness, and soreness at or around the injection site. Moreover, since the treatment is derived from your own blood, it carries little to no risk of allergic reaction.
Contraindications
Despite the amazing benefits of PRP therapy, it is not suitable for everyone. You may not be eligible for the treatment if you are pregnant or you have any of the following conditions:
- Metastatic disease
- Certain skin conditions
- Active infection
- Bleeding disorders
Your orthopedic doctor will determine your eligibility for the procedure after making a thorough assessment of your condition and overall health.
PRP Therapy in Lauderdale Lakes and Pembroke Pines, FL
At Total Orthopaedic Care, PRP therapy is just one of the many innovative and highly effective treatment options our orthopedic experts offer to help patients suffering from the gamut of musculoskeletal problems break free from pain, movement limitations, and quality-of-life issues. Let us help you, too!
For a consultation with one of our orthopedic experts, contact us today at (954) 735-3535. If you prefer, you may also send an appointment request right here on our website. For your added convenience, we offer same-day appointments for new and acute injuries.
