Platelet rich plasma is blood derivative which is rich in platelet as compared to the whole blood. This therapy is the emerging treatment for injured tissues, degenerative tendons, and joints. Activated platelets when injected, releases growth factors important for regeneration. Soft tissue healing is also enhanced by increased collagen deposition at the site. This helps a lot for tissues which have poor regeneration capacity. So PRP treatment includes using patient’s own platelets to rebuild the cartilage, tendons.
PRP Procedure: A health care personnel will draw your blood. The amount ranges from 10-20 ml, depending on where the PRP will be injected. This blood is then placed in the centrifuge machine which separates the blood components. This takes about 15-20 minutes. The separated platelet rich plasma mixed with growth factors gets ready for injection. The target area is the cleaned well and local anaesthesia is given. With the help of image guidance like ultrasound, PRP is then injected. You can go home the same day. The pain relief after the injection usually starts in 1-2 weeks. Sometimes 2-3 sessions are required from complete therapy.
It is latest, safe, and effective way of treating pain without surgery.
Conditions in which PRP has been found to be helpful : Knee pain, Elbow pain, feet pain, low back pain, Shoulder pain.