Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a new revolutionary injection technique for treatment of sport injuries, arthritic joints, low back pain, degenerative disc disease, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tears, damaged ligaments of the knees.
PRP is prepared from the patient’s own blood. PRP contains huge reservoirs of bioactive proteins, including growth factors that initiate and accelerate repair and regeneration of ligaments, tendons and cartilage.
A fraction of blood (20cc-55cc) is drawn from the patient into a syringe. This is a relatively small amount. The blood is spun down in a special centrifuge to separate Platelet-Rich Plasma from the rest of the blood’s components. The platelet-rich plasma is first separated then activated with a small amount of calcium to allow the release of growth factors from the platelets which in turn amplifies the healing process. PRP is then injected into the treatment area – joint, tendon, ligament. Platelets are very small cells that are involved in the clotting process. When PRP is injected into the damaged area it causes a mild inflammation that triggers the healing cascade. Platelets release a number of enzymes to promote healing and attract stem cells to repair the damaged area. As a result new collagen begins to develop. As the collagen matures it begins to shrink causing the tightening and strengthening of the ligament or tendon. The full procedure takes approximately 45 minutes – 1 hr. Generally 2-3 treatments are advised, however, sometimes one may be enough.
PRP is proven to be very safe treatment method of pain relief.