Platelet-rich plasma, also known as PRP, is a substance derived from blood that has properties that promote healing. PRP injections are inserted into damaged tissues and will stimulate your body. This stimulation results in your body growing brand-new, healthier cells. This treatment has been used for such varied conditions as osteoarthritis, post surgical repair, tendon injuries, and even hair loss. The patient’s own blood is used for the treatment. Plasma is extremely vital because it contains proteins that support cell growth. The PRP treatment can be injected in different ways or applied during surgery. After the process of PRP injections is finished, it will enable the body’s tissues to heal faster.
To begin the process of PRP injections, your healthcare professional will take a sample of your blood. The amount needed to be drawn for the sample depends on where the injection will take place. The blood is then placed into a centrifuge, a machine that spins quickly, which causes the components in your blood to separate. The plasma is then prepared by a technologist who takes the separated plasma and gets it ready for the injection process. Your doctor will use imaging to find the correct area to place the PRP injections. Once all these steps are complete, your doctor will inject the PRP into the affected area. It takes around 30 minutes to perform the PRP injections.
Side effects are not common when it comes to receiving PRP injections because they’re derived from the patient’s own blood. Side effects can rarely occur, though, and may include a potential infection, nerve injuries, soreness, swelling, or mild pain in the injection location, and tissue damage. Discuss the potential risk with your health care provider to prevent the risk of PRP injection side effects.
PRP injections offer long-lasting pain relief, but many times the initial treatment will cause some soreness, tenderness, or even pain. This is as a result of the fact that PRP injections produce acute inflammation to help your tissues heal. This is especially true for injuries such as those to the knee ligaments. This acute inflammation causes the body to send in certain cells to begin repairs, which is what causes the eventual healing process. After the procedure, your doctor will recommend resting the area that is treated. Resting the area is crucial especially if it was treated due to injury. If there was no injury, you should be able to continue with regular activities following the PRP injections. Consulting with your doctor about the proper steps will help guide you toward a successful recovery process. Often PRP injections are done in conjunction with surgery to help conditions such as meniscus tears or rotator cuff injuries. Recovery time will of course be compounded due to the surgery.
The procedure’s goal, in most cases, is to promote proper healing and growth. You may not notice an immediate difference after receiving the injection. It can take several weeks to see or feel a change, and the area will continue to improve for another three to six months. Again, your doctor will discuss expectations with you regarding when you will notice a difference and get relief.
The PRP injection may be the ideal procedure for anyone who needs treatment for various types of pain or for hair loss. To make sure PRP treatment is for you, consult with your doctor. The PRP recovery process is generally rapid, depending on the treated area. All patients have different injuries and needs, so following your doctor’s instructions regarding recovery post-PRP is essential.
