Platelet Rich Plasma/PRP

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What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?

Platelets are small blood cells that play a crucial role in blood clot formation when a person is wounded or injured. The bleeding after a wound or injury activates the platelets to form a clot to stop the bleeding. When the platelets are activated they release growth factors that initiate the wound healing process.  Platelet-Rich Plasma or PRP is a 5-10 fold concentrate of platelets from 2 ounces of the patient’s own blood. The concentrated platelets accelerate the wound healing process and promote tissue regeneration by releasing their growth factors when they are activated.

1. Enhanced Healing: PRP accelerates the body's natural healing processes by delivering a high concentration of growth factors to injured tissues.
2. Reduced Inflammation: PRP reduces inflammation in chronic conditions like arthritis.
3. Improved Function and Mobility: PRP treatments can enhance joint function and mobility in conditions such as osteoarthritis.
4. Reduced Need for Medication: By promoting natural healing, PRP can reduce the reliance on pain medications and anti-inflammatories.
5. Cosmetic Improvements: PRP is used in aesthetic medicine to improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles, and promote hair growth.

1. Blood Collection: A small amount of blood is drawn from the patient.
2. Centrifugation: The blood sample is placed in a centrifuge, which spins at high speed to separate the blood components.
3. Plasma Extraction: The plasma rich in platelets is separated from the sample.
4. Injection: The PRP is injected into the targeted area where healing is needed.

Platelet activation can be triggered by several factors, including:

• Calcium Chloride: Often used to activate platelets in PRP preparations.
• Thrombin: An enzyme that converts fibrinogen to fibrin, creating a clot and activating platelets.
• Collagen: A protein that platelets bind to when there is tissue damage, leading to activation.

Platelets release over 100 different growth factors and cytokines, including:

• Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF)
• Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β)
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)
• Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)
• Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF)
• Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF)

PRP is used to treat a variety of conditions, such as:

• Orthopedic Injuries: Recent conditions such as tendonitis or ligament injuries.  Even more dramatic relief is seen from chronic conditions such as neck pain, shoulder, hip, knee pain, and pain in smaller joints. 
• Sports Injuries: Muscle strains, sprains.
• Dermatology: Hair loss, skin rejuvenation, scar revision.
• Dentistry: Bone grafting, periodontal surgery.
• Wound Healing: Chronic wounds, diabetic ulcers.

1. Is PRP safe? PRP is safe because it uses the patient’s own blood, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions and infections.
2. How many PRP treatments are needed? The number of treatments varies depending on the condition being treated. Typically, 1-3 sessions are required.
3. What are the side effects of PRP? Common side effects include mild pain at the injection site, swelling, and bruising.
4. How long does it take to see results from PRP? Results can vary, but improvements are often seen within a few weeks. Continued improvement can occur for  months after treatment.
5. Can PRP be combined with other treatments? Yes, PRP can be combined with other treatments such as stem cells or exosomes  for enhanced results.