prp: platelet rich plasma

the what, the when, the how & the who.

What is prp?

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Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is a type of non-surgical, natural treatment for many different types of musculoskeletal conditions, injuries, and pain. PRP is one specific treatment that falls under the umbrella of regenerative medicine, and more specifically, under thecategory of orthobiologic medicines. There are several other forms of regenerative medicine; adipose-derived stem cells, bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), placental growth factors, and even traditional dextrose prolotherapy.

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how does prp work?

PRP is a concentrated, refined product of autologous (the patient’s own) blood which has a higher platelet and growth factor concentration than whole blood. Platelets are a primary cell type present during the acute phase of an injury, spearheading the processes of hemostasis and wound healing. When activated, the platelets become “sticky,” allowing them to attach to the site of injury and initiate clot formation, release growth factors and enzymes, signal and recruit mesenchymal stem cells and fibroblasts (collagen producing cells), and build the scaffold which will house the environment for tissue healing. PRP also contains white blood cells and human growth hormone (hGH), among other growth factors, that are vital to promoting and sustaining a local healing response. As a result, the body is able to growth new tissue, thereby healing and strengthening the previously damaged area. 

PRP is obtained by collecting a small amount of blood, usually between 60-120 ml. This blood is then processed to separate the red blood cells from everything else. After the red blood cells have been removed, the sample is further concentrated to obtain a product of platelet and growth factor rich plasma, which is then ready to be injected back into the body. The process of obtaining, processing, and injecting PRP can take anywhere from 45-90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the condition.

what can prp be used for?

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PRP can be used for treating injuries to tendons, ligaments, muscle, and joints. PRP is also used in oral, dental, and maxillofacial surgeries, cosmetically for regrowth of thinning hair and resolving wrinkles, and even for treating, preventing, or slowing down the progression of osteoarthritis! Depending on the condition, it can take anywhere from 1-3 treatments for optimal results.

Can PRP work for me?

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PRP is safely and effectively used to treat a number of conditions, including:
• Low back pain, such as sacroilitis, facet syndrome, facet arthropathy, and more
• Osteoarthritis of the knees, hips, ankles, shoulders, hands, and fingers
• Spine degenerative joint disease, such as osteoarthritis
• Rotator cuff tears
• Ligament tears and sprains
• Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
• Jumper’s knee and runner’s knee
• Meniscus injuries
• Acromioclavicular joint injuries

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