How Do Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections Work?
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections rely on a technique which is both simple and safe and which uses the regenerative and healing properties of platelets. Platelets have the ability to locally release growth factors, small proteins that act as messengers to initiate the process of tissue regeneration.
PRP is a natural product. Because it comes from your own body the risk of rejection or allergic reactions is negligible. A series of treatments is recommended.
What Conditions Can Be Treated?
PRP can be used to successfully treat a number of different ailments. The most common are:
If you’re suffering from any of these conditions and are tired of just managing the pain, PRP may be right for you.
What To Expect During Treatment
White Rock Skin & Laser Clinic uses every precaution to ensure the treatment is as comfortable as possible; the treatment is very well-tolerated.
Following a consultation, the physician will apply topical anesthetic to numb the injection area, followed by local anesthetic to freeze the joint. A small sample of blood is then taken and your physician isolates your platelets with a specialized kit for the preparation of PRP. It takes only 10 minutes to prepare the PRP for injection. The platelets are then injected into the joint (or scalp/skin) and you’re ready to go!
PRP Versus Cortisone Injections
Medical professionals are now leaning towards recommending PRP treatments over cortisone injections for the long term benefits. Cortisone is also showing cartilage degeneration which can lead to greater problems in the future.
“Among patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, 2 years of intra-articular triamcinolone, compared with intra-articular saline, resulted in significantly greater cartilage volume loss and no significant difference in knee pain. These findings do not support this treatment for patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.”
McAlindon TE, LaValley MP, Harvey WF, Price LL, Driban JB, Zhang M, Ward RJ. Effect of Intra-articular Triamcinolone vs Saline on Knee Cartilage Volume and Pain in Patients With Knee OsteoarthritisA Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2017;317(19):1967–1975. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.5283
If you think PRP treatments could help you get back to feeling yourself, book your consultation with one of our physicians today!