Basics Relating To Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

By Robert Johnson


Platelets are cellular structures found in blood and involved in the process of tissue healing and repair. Platelet rich plasma (or PRP) is blood plasma augmented with platelets. This mixture also contains growth factors and chemicals known as cytokines. The use of PRP has been adopted in many medical fields including cosmetic surgery, pain management and dentistry among others. In this article we will look at how platelet rich plasma therapy is used in Vaughan.

PRP preparation starts with the collection of your own blood in a tube. The blood is then centrifuged twice to separate the platelet rich plasma from the cellular components which comprise the white and red cells. The next step is activation. This involves the addition of calcium chloride and thrombin. Other important components of PRP at this point include connective tissue growth factor, interleukin 8, fibroblast growth factor and insulin-like growth factor among others.

PRP is usually injected directly in the affected area under ultrasound guidance. This ensures that it is accurate as possible especially when dealing with enclosed spaces such as joints. Some of the conditions that may be managed using this form of treatment include ligament sprains, pelvic pain, rotator cuff tears, ankle sprains, osteoarthritis and cardiac muscle injuries among others. The treatment may be administered on its own or alongside other therapies.

One of the newest applications of this treatment is in the management of sporting injuries among professional athletes. There have been some concerns that the therapy may be violating anti-doping rules. Since it has not been clearly demonstrated whether it gives athletes a competitive edge, the subject remains open for discussion. For the time being, the therapy will continue to help athletes heal faster and resume what they love doing.

This treatment is typically done within a few hours. There are very few side effects if any which makes it possible to administer the therapeutic agent in an outpatient clinic. You will notice an improvement after a couple of hours and you can resume your normal routine immediately. A majority of people will need just a single injection in six months. For others, two or three are needed.

Rarely, some people may experience pain at the site of injection. While this may resolve in a few days in most cases, there are individuals who have this problem for weeks. This is likely to be experienced when the injections are done into tendons. Introduction of the PRP may increase the pressure in an area that is already irritated aggravating the problem further. What is important to remember is that this pain eventually abates regardless of how long it takes.

Although PRP therapy can be given to virtually anyone, there are situations in which its use is not recommended. If you are a heavy smoker, the general recommendation is that you should stop for some time as administering the treatment may aggravate your problem. Medical conditions that make the treatment potentially harmful include, among others, thrombocytopenia, chronic liver disease, chronic skin diseases, sepsis and low levels of fibrinogen.

Platelet rich plasma is a treatment whose uses continue to grow by the day. One of the reasons as to why it is becoming a popular treatment is because of the low risk of complications because one receives their own blood. If you wish to have the therapy, visit your doctor so as to discuss your suitability as a candidate.




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