Platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a
revolutionary new treatment that relieves pain by promoting long-lasting
healing of musculoskeletal conditions. The healing properties of PRP therapy
are attributed to the increased concentration of growth factors and secretory
proteins that enhance the healing process on a cellular level. PRP therapy has
gained recent popularity due to the many professional athletes who have found
its beneficial effects. It enables them to return to the playing field with
rapid healing of their conditions.
by Dr. Fred G. Arnold —
Shoulder pain is epidemic in the United States.
Patients of all ages can be affected. This goes for the younger, athletic crowd
who overdo their exercise (weight) routines or in older individuals who have
varying degrees of shoulder arthritis, wear and tear of life and who may also
be engaged in some type of regular exercise program. Whatever the activity, it
is the repetitive action of raising the arm overhead that triggers the cascade
to impingement. The shoulder joint is one of the most complex joints in the
body, in that it performs a number of functions, not the lease of which is
being able to move in a wide plane of directions. There are severe structures
in the shoulder that are subject to impingement, with the main one being the
rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a tendon that connects four of the main
shoulder girdle muscles together. These include the Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus,
subscapularis and teres minor. These are the muscles that form rounded shoulder
joint and surround the joint itself. The muscles themselves are subject to
sprain injuries as well.
The acromion is the front outer edge of the
scapula (shoulder blade) and can impinge on the rotator cuff. It also
articulates (is connected to) the outer head of the clavicle (the
acromioclavicular joint.) The AC joint is held together by a ligament which
itself is subject to strain and injury. The AC joint can become strained
or even separated, both painful conditions. Additionally, there is a bursa
overlying the rotator cuff, which can become inflamed, resulting in bursitis.
Minor rotator cuff tears can cause pain. Even after surgical repair of rotator
cuff tears or various shoulder impingement syndromes, pain can persist.
Standard therapy including rehabilitation and anti-inflammatory agents can be
helpful. Cautious use of cortisone injections may be tried but repeated
injections are not to be encouraged due to the risk of tissue breakdown, bone
breakdown or pathological tendon rupture.
What conditions are treated with PRP?
Common orthopedic conditions treated with PRP include: shoulder disorders
involving arthritis; bursitis and rotator cuff repairs; tendonitis, such as
tennis elbow; Achilles tendon; heel spur syndrome; osteoarthritis of the knee,
including anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries; hip and spine issues;
pelvic pain and instability; back and neck injuries; ankle sprains; tendonitis;
and ligament sprains.
How does PRP therapy help?
Platelets, a normal part of the blood, are called into action when there is damage to blood vessels in the body. These specialized cells are packed with numerous growth and healing factors that initiate repair and attract the assistance of stem cells, which also greatly promote healing. PRP therapy’s natural healing process intensifies the body’s efforts by delivering a higher concentration of platelets. This platelet rich plasma promotes a three- to five-fold increase in growth factor concentration.
Platelets, a normal part of the blood, are called into action when there is damage to blood vessels in the body. These specialized cells are packed with numerous growth and healing factors that initiate repair and attract the assistance of stem cells, which also greatly promote healing. PRP therapy’s natural healing process intensifies the body’s efforts by delivering a higher concentration of platelets. This platelet rich plasma promotes a three- to five-fold increase in growth factor concentration.
The PRP process involves the collection of a
small sample of blood (similar to a lab test sample). The sample is placed in a
centrifuge to separate the platelets from other cells in the blood, such as red
and white blood cells. The concentrated platelet rich plasma can now be
collected and injected into and around the point of injury, jump-starting and
significantly strengthening the body’s natural healing signal. Because the
individual’s own blood is used, there is no risk of a transmissible infection
and a very low risk of allergic reaction.
The procedure takes approximately one to two
hours and is performed safely in a practitioner’s office without the risks of
surgery, general anesthesia or hospital stays. In fact, most people can return
to their jobs or usual activities right after the procedure.
What are the expected results?
Because the goal of PRP therapy is to resolve pain through healing, it could prove to have lasting results. Initial improvement may be seen within a few weeks, gradually increasing as the healing progresses.
Because the goal of PRP therapy is to resolve pain through healing, it could prove to have lasting results. Initial improvement may be seen within a few weeks, gradually increasing as the healing progresses.
Research studies and clinical practice have
shown PRP therapy to be highly effective at relieving pain and returning
patients to their normal lives. Both ultrasound and MRI studies have shown
definitive tissue repair after PRP therapy, which confirms the benefits of this
healing process.
The need for surgery also can be greatly
reduced by treating injured tissues before the damage progresses and the
condition becomes irreversible.
Fred G. Arnold, D.C., N.M.D., specializes in
prolotherapy/pain rehabilitation services. He is one of the few physicians in
the nation with both naturopathic and chiropractic degrees, and is trained in
PRP. 602-292-2978 orwww.prolotherapyphoenix.com.
Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume
31, Number 4, August/September 2012.
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