PRP, Platelet-rich Plasma, is a treatment where platelets are injected into different parts of the body to heal these areas. However, the platelets injected to the patient are the patient’s very own platelets so as to create a compatible but more enhanced healing system of that individual.
PRP injections also heavily contain platelets which are responsible for clotting the blood and supporting cell growth. Notably, these injections are highly concentrated with plasma, a liquid that contains the platelets, which are acquired from the patient’s blood. Afterwards, a process called Centrifugation is used to separate the plasma from other blood cells. The now ready plasma containing platelets are injected to treat different areas of the body.
This unusual and relatively new technique has been going on a trend as it is regularly sought by customers and patients alike. Despite ongoing research regarding its effectiveness and efficiency, PRP treatments are widely practiced by a lot of doctors since its features cover a lot of injuries which it can heal and improve. Here are some problems and injuries where PRP can be used:
- Hair Loss
Hair loss and bald spots, usually in men, are addressed by doctors by injecting PRP into the scalp since it was found that it was effective in preventing these problems.
- Tendon Injuries
Tendon-related injuries heal very slowly but doctors have found that injecting PRP into the area is greatly beneficial to the patients since it not only reduces the pain from the injuries but also stimulates a better healing process that decreases the recovery time.
- Muscle Injuries
Since tendon-related injuries are able to benefit from PRP, muscle injuries acquired from sports likewise benefit from it. PRP is commonly used to treat athletes who suffered from a pulled hamstring.
- Joint Injuries
Knee problems can also be treated with PRP after past results show that it is effective in healing and treating Osteoarthritis. It was also found that it was a better alternative than injecting Hyaluronic Acid.
- Post Surgery Wounds
One of the common uses of PRP is the recent discovery of healing tissues that were surgically operated. Since PRP practically can heal tissues, tendons, muscles and joints, doctors and researchers thought that it can also be utilized to improve the healing of those areas that have gone under surgery.
Despite these uses, results and benefits garnered, ongoing research is still being conducted to establish PRP’s effectiveness and efficacy. However, what makes PRP truly remarkable is that it holds little to nothing risks and as such, a lot of people regularly seek it to address their concern. Further, it is readily accessible and easy to conduct, making it a convenient treatment for those seeking a faster way of healing.
