Injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are becoming increasingly popular for a variety of ailments, from sports injuries to hair loss. The treatment accelerates healing in a specific location by using a patient’s own blood cells.
What is PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma is made up of two components: plasma, which is the liquid portion of blood, and platelets, which are a type of blood cell that aids in wound healing. Platelets are well-known for their clotting properties, but they also include growth factors that can induce tissue regeneration and repair in the treated area. Platelet-rich plasma is blood that has a higher concentration of platelets than normal.
To make platelet-rich plasma, clinicians take a blood sample from a patient and place it in a centrifuge, which rapidly spins the sample, isolating the platelets from the rest of the blood and concentrating them within the plasma.
What is a PRP injection?
The solution is injected into the target location, such as an injured knee or a tendon, after platelet-rich plasma is created from a patient’s blood sample. Ultrasound may be used by the clinician to guide the injection, in some circumstances. To speed up the healing process, the goal is to raise the concentration of specific bio proteins or hormones known as growth factors in a specific location.
Increased concentrations of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma have been shown to stimulate or speed up the healing process, reducing injury healing time, reducing pain, and even increasing hair growth.
What it can treat
PRP injections are used for an array of conditions, from pain and injuries to aesthetic procedures.
- Musculoskeletal injuries
PRP injections may be used to treat a variety of injuries and disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system. Chronic tendon injuries, such as tennis elbow or jumper’s knee, can take a long time to heal, so by including PRP in your treatment plan can help to speed up the healing process, reduce pain, and allow you to return to your favourite activities sooner.
- Post-surgery
PRP was first utilised by doctors to speed up the healing process following jaw or plastic surgery. PRP injections used after surgery are now being used to assist with mending muscles, tendons, and ligaments, where recovery times tend to be longer.
- Osteoarthritis
PRP injections help treat osteoarthritis pain and stiffness by altering the joint environment and lowering inflammation.
- Hair loss
PRP injections can help prevent hair loss and promote thicker hair growth in males and females who suffer with pattern baldness. PRP can also help with hair growth stimulation following hair transplants.
- Skin rejuvenation
PRP used on the face,uses your own growth factors to stimulate new cell growth and increase collagen, helping to improve your complexion and skin texture.
Risks and side effects
PRP injections are a low-risk procedure with few adverse effects. As the process requires a blood draw, you should stay hydrated and eat before the operation to avoid becoming dizzy. Some discomfort and bruising at the injection site may occur after.
PRP injections are considerably less likely to trigger an adverse reaction than other injectable drugs like corticosteroids, since they are made up of your own cells and plasma. Some of the minor side effects which you may experience, include:
- Tissue damage
- Bleeding
- Nerve Injuries
- Infection
If you’re thinking about getting PRP injections, make sure to discuss this with a healthcare professional.