Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a newish medical treatment that’s being used to help speed up the healing process for a wide range of different injuries and conditions. From soothing wrinkles and dark under-eye circles to helping joint pain and aiding in the healing of torn ligaments, PRP seems to be the perfect solution for a variety of issues.
But what is PRP? And how does it work? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at platelet-rich plasma and some of the ways it can be used to improve your health.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentration of platelets and plasma that can be derived from your own blood. PRP contains a higher concentration of growth factors and other healing compounds than what is typically found in blood. PRP is created by withdrawing a small amount of blood from the patient and then running it through a centrifuge to separate the red blood cells from the plasma and platelets. The PRP is then injected back into the patient’s body using a syringe. The platelets in PRP contain proteins called growth factors that are essential for healing. When injected into the site of an injury, the platelets release their growth factors, which then signal the body to start the healing process.
PRP therapy has been shown to be effective in the treatment of a wide variety of injuries and conditions, including: – Achilles tendon tears – Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears – Rotator cuff tears – Plantar fasciitis – Osteoarthritis – Back pain – Knee pain PRP has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of wrinkles, dark under-eye circles, and hair loss.
PRP can be used in a variety of ways, depending on the condition being treated. For example, PRP injections are often used to treat Achilles tendon tears, ACL tears, rotator cuff tears, and plantar fasciitis. The PRP is injected into the site of the injury, where it then begins to signal the body to start the healing process. PRP injections can also be used to treat osteoarthritis. Injections of PRP into the joints can help to reduce pain and inflammation and improve joint function. PRP can also be used topically. For example, PRP can be applied to the skin to help heal wounds and improve the appearance of wrinkles and dark under-eye circles. And finally, PRP can also be used in a process called microneedling. In microneedling, a device is used to create tiny punctures in the skin. The PRP is then applied to the skin and the punctures are sealed. This process can help to improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and scars.
PRP therapy is generally considered to be safe, with few side effects. However, PRP should not be used in people who have active infections or blood-borne diseases. PRP therapy is also not recommended for pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding.