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Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP): What is it & It’s Use

What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a substance believed to enhance the healing process when administered through injection. Platelet-rich plasma is composed of two main components: plasma, which is the liquid part of blood, and platelets, a specific type of blood cell essential for healing processes throughout the body. While platelets are primarily recognized for their role in blood clotting, they also harbor growth factors that can promote cell proliferation and enhance tissue regeneration or healing in the targeted area. Essentially, platelet-rich plasma is blood that has a higher concentration of platelets than usual.

To produce platelet-rich plasma, healthcare professionals draw a blood sample from the patient and place it in a centrifuge. This device spins the sample at high speeds, effectively separating the various blood components and concentrating the platelets within the plasma.

Purpose of Using Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

Researchers are exploring the use of PRP injections in various medical applications. Some notable examples include:

Hair loss treatment: Medical professionals have administered PRP injections into the scalp to stimulate hair growth and mitigate hair loss. A 2014 study indicated that PRP injections are beneficial for treating androgenic alopecia, commonly referred to as male pattern baldness.

Tendon injuries: Tendons, which are robust bands of tissue connecting muscles to bones, typically have a slow healing process following injury. PRP injections have been utilized to address chronic tendon issues, including tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis in the ankle, and jumper’s knee, which affects the patellar tendon in the knee.

Acute injuries: PRP injections have also been employed to treat acute sports-related injuries, such as strained hamstring muscles or knee sprains.

Post-surgical recovery: In some cases, physicians administer PRP injections after surgical procedures to aid in the healing of torn tendons (like the rotator cuff in the shoulder) or ligaments (such as the anterior cruciate ligament).

Osteoarthritis management: PRP injections in the knee may offer relief for individuals suffering from osteoarthritis. A 2015 study suggested that PRP injections were more effective than traditional hyaluronic acid injections for treating this condition. However, the study involved a small sample size of 160 participants, indicating the need for larger trials to establish definitive conclusions.

It is essential to recognize that the efficacy of these applications has not been conclusively established.

How Platelet Rich Plasma is Prepared? 

Several steps are involved in preparing for PRP injections, which may vary based on the method of administration.

PRP can be delivered through various techniques. In some cases, a topical numbing agent, such as lidocaine, is applied to the treatment area prior to the injection. If this is the approach taken, you may need to arrive earlier for your appointment.

Alternatively, a local anesthetic may be combined with the PRP to minimize discomfort during the procedure. In certain situations, your physician may administer PRP during a surgical procedure. In such cases, it is essential to adhere to your surgeon’s pre-operative instructions regarding PRP preparation.

Know More:- Top 10 Hematology Hospitals In India

PRP Injection Process

Here is an overview of a standard PRP injection procedure:

  1. A medical professional will first collect a blood sample from you. The volume of blood drawn varies based on the injection site; for instance, a study indicated that 20 milliliters of blood was collected for scalp injections, which is slightly more than a teaspoon.  
  2. The collected blood is then placed in a centrifuge, a device that rapidly spins the blood to facilitate the separation of its components. This separation process typically lasts around 15 minutes.  
  3. Once the plasma has been separated, a technologist prepares it for injection into the targeted area.  
  4. To ensure accuracy, physicians often utilize imaging techniques, such as ultrasound, to identify specific injection sites, like tendons. Subsequently, the doctor administers the PRP in the designated area.

Recovery Time of PRP Injections

After receiving PRP injections post-injury, your physician may advise you to rest the injured area. These guidelines primarily pertain to the injury itself rather than the PRP treatment. Generally, individuals can maintain their regular activities after undergoing PRP injections.

Since PRP injections are designed to enhance healing or stimulate growth, you might not observe immediate results following the procedure. However, over the course of several weeks or months, you may notice accelerated healing or increased hair growth compared to what you would have experienced without the PRP treatment.

Know More:- Top 10 Hematologists in India

Potential Side Effects of PRP

Due to the nature of PRP treatment, which entails the injection of a substance into the skin, there are possible side effects to consider.

PRP is derived from your own body, making it autologous. This characteristic lowers the likelihood of allergic reactions that may arise from the use of other injected medications, such as cortisone or hyaluronic acid. Nevertheless, there are inherent risks associated with the injection process itself, which may include:

– infection

– nerve injuries

– discomfort at the injection site

– tissue damage

It is important to have a conversation with your doctor regarding these potential risks, as well as the measures they will implement to mitigate them.

Conclusion

Healthcare professionals are continuing to explore the most effective applications of platelet-rich plasma for various medical conditions. While the approach is not yet fully established, many practitioners are optimistic about its potential advantages. PRP injections are utilized for conditions that are often chronic and challenging to manage. If you have been seeking relief from ongoing symptoms, PRP treatment may offer a promising option for you.

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