PLATELET PLASMA PRP
Scroll down to learn more or read more about it here.
WHAT IS PLATELET-RICH PLASMA / PRP?
PRP therapy has gained popularity in regenerative medicine and other specialties since the earliest reports of its clinical use in the 1980s in cardiac surgery. PRP is the concentration of platelets derived from the plasma portion of one’s own blood. When you spin blood in a centrifuge, it separates it into 3 main components: the heavy red blood cells at the bottom, then the white blood cells and lastly the lighter plasma at the top. This top layer contains platelets which will lead to the release of growth factors and other healing substances when injected back into the body. This in turn results in a proliferation of cells needed for healthy healing and tissue regeneration. The process involves taking your own blood and then spinning it in a centrifuge. Part of the plasma layer is injected back into your body, into the affected joint, tissue or skin to begin healing and rejuvenation.
Due to its ability to induce collagen synthesis, PRP has been proposed as a promising treatment option in the field of skin care. It has been successfully used in numerous skin care applications including alopecia, scar revision, acne scars, stretch marks, skin rejuvenation (improvement in skin texture and firmness) and dermal augmentation (deep wrinkles).
WHAT IS PRP FOR SPORTS MEDICINE?
While platelets are widely known to play a large role in clotting processes, their use in treatment of osteoarthritis and tendon disease is due to their abundance of enzymes and growth factors related to the healing process. Tendon and joint linings have a poor blood supply, meaning it is difficult for these tissues to receive the nutrients needed to simulate and repair. An injection of PRP to the affected site provides the tendon tissue and deteriorated cartilage osteoarthritis with healing growth factors that are otherwise difficult for the body to deliver because of the poor blood supply.
YOU SHOULD CONSIDER ORTHOPEDIC PRP IF YOU HAVE:
-
Osteoarthritis of the knee or shoulder
-
Chronic tendonitis in the elbow, ankle or shoulder
-
Plantar faciitis
-
Heel spur
INJECTION OF PRP:
-
Promotes and accelerates the healing process providing significant improvement in symptoms
-
Significantly reduces pain
-
Reduces the need for alternative treatments such as analgesics, anti-inflammatories, cortisone injections and surgery
WHAT IS VAGINAL REJUVENATION PRP?
Vaginal PRP is an innovative option for the treatment of certain forms of female sexual problems, including but not limited to hyposexual desire, arousal and orgasmic disorders, dyspareunia, as well as urinary incontinence and vulvar lichen sclerosis. It involves the injection of PRP into the areas around the clitoris, urethra and vagina.
THE POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF PRP
Patients can expect to see significant improvement in symptoms; and maybe elimination of then need for more traditional treatments such as medications, cortisone injections or surgery; and a dramatic return of function.
THE PRP PROCEDURE
PRP starts with the collection of a small amount of your own blood using a syringe and tube – similar to a standard laboratory blood draw. The blood is then placed into a centrifuge where the rapid spinning process separates blood into 3 components: the plasma, the PRP and the red and white blood cells. The PRP layer is withdrawn into a smaller syringe and made available for injection.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF PRP?
PRP therapy is generally safe and complications are rare. Although uncommon, risks include:
-
Hematoma or bruising
-
Pain and mild swelling
-
Excessive bleeding
-
Infection
-
Nerve damage
-
No relief of your symptoms
-
Vasovagal reaction (fainting)
HOW MANY PRP TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
Usually 1 or 2 for a joint or vaginal rejuvenation. Three treatments are recommended for face and decollate the first time and then once per year. Treatment amount and frequency varies from patient to patient as it depends on individual healing responses.
DOES PRP HURT?
Local anaesthetic is injected into the skin or ice is applied prior to your treatment thus preventing you from feeling the skin puncture. Anaesthetic cannot be used in the deeper tissues because it inactivates the PRP. Dr. Johnson suggests that you take Tylenol (not Advil or Ibuprofen) before coming to your appointment if you are anticipating having any pain.
DOES PRP ALWAYS WORK?
No one treatment works for everyone. Experience shows that PRP is effective at reducing pain in 80% of cases if done for the correct diagnosis. Some things that will affect healing and potentially lessen the result of PRP include: use of Advil, Ibuprofen or other NSAIDS, smoking, steroid medications, returning to activity too quickly, stress, lack of sleep and poor diet.