Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapies

What is PRP?

PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma. PRP is plasma that is composed mainly of one’s own platelets and released growth factors. After obtaining a sample of blood, it is centrifuged so that the individual components are separated, leaving the remaining plasma fluid or PRP.

What is so significant about Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)?

Innately, within our body, platelets are the cells which assist in the healing process. When we injure a part of the body, the platelets automatically migrate to the site of injury, initiating a healing response by releasing numerous growth factors and other proteins which promote healing. By directly providing a rich source of platelets into an injured site, we provide more healing factors, as it enhances the body’s natural healing capacity, leading to a more efficient and thorough restoration of the tissue to a healthier state. Many conditions have been treated successfully with PRP, including, but not limited to:

• Patellar Tendonitis/Tendinosis
• Muscle tears
• Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tendonitis, Tendonopathy or partial tears
• Bicipital Tendonitis
• Medial and Lateral Epicondylitis of the elbow (golfers & tennis elbow)
• Various ligament injuries
• Achilles Tendonitis or partial tears
• Osteoarthritis
• Degenerative knee conditions
• Bursitis of shoulder and hip

What does the treatment involve?

• A Blood sample (usually 8-50mls) from the patient, which is placed in a centrifuge to separate plasma rich with platelets from the red blood cells (this takes approximately 10 mins).
• The PRP is next collected into a sterile syringe.
• The skin is prepared using an antiseptic agent, the skin along with the soft tissues are sometimes anesthetised with a local numbing agent (such as lignocaine).
• The PRP filled syringe is then guided into the relevant body site with or without the aid of Ultrasound, XR fluoroscopy or CT guidance depending on the condition and joint.
• Depending on the severity and duration of the injury, several injections may be administered in the one visit.
• You may need 1 to 3 PRP injections, separated 1-2 weeks apart depending on the condition being treated.

Risks, Complications, and Side Effects

As with any medical procedure, there are always associated risks. However, this procedure is likely to provide you with the proper healing of an injury and pain relief that would be provided through one’s own healing abilities. Nevertheless, the risks, complications, and most noted side effects include:

• Soreness of the injected area, which can last several days, but gradually decreases with time, usually within 1-4 days. Analgesia like paracetamol can be used.
• Allergy to any of the substances utilised during the procedure, such as the anaesthetic, antiseptic, or dressing. This is usually minor and self-limiting.
• Local Bruising.
• Infection (which is rare, and is treated with Antibiotics).

http://dreugenegreen.com.au/services-2/musculoskeletal/platelet-rich-plasma-prh-therapies/