What is PRP

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are gaining popularity for a variety of conditions, from sports injuries to hair loss.

 

The treatment uses a patient’s own blood cells to accelerate healing in a specific area. Platelet-rich plasma consists of two elements: plasma, or the liquid portion of blood, and platelets, a type of blood cell that plays an important role in healing throughout the body. Platelets are well-known for their clotting abilities, but they also contain growth factors that can trigger cell reproduction and stimulate tissue regeneration or healing in the treated area. Platelet-rich plasma is simply blood that contains more platelets than normal.

 

To create platelet-rich plasma, clinicians take a blood sample from the patient and place it into a device called a centrifuge that rapidly spins the sample, separating out the other components of the blood from the platelets and concentrating them within the plasma.

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What is a PRP injection?

 

After creating platelet-rich plasma from a patient’s blood sample, that solution is injected into the target area, such as an injured knee or a tendon. In some cases, the clinician may use ultrasound to guide the injection. The idea is to increase the concentration of specific bioproteins or hormones, called growth factors, in a specific area to accelerate the healing process. The mechanism behind PRP injections is not completely understood. Studies show that the increased concentration of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma may stimulate or speed up the healing process, shortening healing time for injuries, decreasing pain and even encouraging hair growth.

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But WHY does PRP work?

Platelets are the part of the blood that contain growth factors and proteins. These are very important in the repair and regeneration of damaged tissue. PRP Therapy works by accelerating the body’s own healing process and bringing the healing to areas in the body that would not normally receive this healing. Your body’s joints, tendons and ligaments receive limited blood flow; therefore in most cases, it is very difficult for these areas to heal on their own. Injecting one’s own PRP directly to the injury site works by encouraging the growth and regeneration/healing of new, healthy cells.

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PRP therapy process

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PRP therapy is a three-step process. Most PRP therapy requires three treatments 4–6 weeks apart.

Maintenance treatments are required every 4–6 months.

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Step 1

Your blood is drawn — typically from your arm — and put into a centrifuge (a machine that spins rapidly to separate fluids of different densities).

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Step 2

After about 10 minutes in the centrifuge, your blood will have separated into in three layers:

• platelet-poor plasma

• platelet-rich plasma

• red blood cells

 

Step 3

The platelet-rich plasma is drawn up into a syringe and then injected into areas of the scalp that need increased hair growth.

There hasn’t been enough research to prove whether PRP is effective. It’s also unclear for whom — and under what circumstances — it’s most effective.

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How long will my session last?

The entire procedure takes about 45 minutes to one hour.

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Benefits:

There are many ways that PRP can safely and effectively treat many ailments or injuries. Weakened ligaments and tendons cause the majority of the pain and damage related to joints. Some of the most common injuries that have benefitted from our PRP Therapy are:

• Hair Loss

• Tendon, Ligament, Muscle and Joint Injuries

• Post-surgical Healing

• Osteoarthritis

• Skin Rejuvenation

• Reduce wrinkles

• Plump up sagging skin

• Get rid of deep creases Improve one’s complexion

• Diminish

• Acne scars

• Osteoarthritis of the major joints (knee, shoulder, ankle, hip and spine

• Rotator cuff strains and tears

• Torn meniscus injuries

• Tendonitis and ligament sprains

• Chronic knee pain (arthritis or injury)

• Muscle strains, trigger points

• Tendonosis (Tennis Elbow)

• Carpal tunnel

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Our platelet rich plasma treatments strengthen these weak tissues, leading to improved joint and muscle functions with significantly less pain.

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How many sessions do I need to treat my issue?

Depending on what the patient is coming to be treated for, some issues can be treated in 1 session and some issues may require multiple sessions. This is done on a case by case basis.

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How often to get it done?

As this modality is quite universal and able to treat many things, you can come as often you have a need that is bothering you and needs treatment.

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How to prepare for treatment?

Try ensure to be sufficiently hydrated before your session and bring a bottle of water with you.

Not to eat up to about 2 hours before treatment.

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Contraindications?

You may not be a suitable candidate for treatment if you’ve been diagnosed with: 

• Are on blood thinners

• Are a heavy smoker

• Have a history of alcohol or drug misuse 

• Acute or chronic infections

• Cancer

• Chronic liver disease

• Chronic skin disease

• Hemodynamic instability

• Hypofibrinogenemia

• Metabolic disorder

• Platelet dysfunction syndromes

• Systemic disorder

• Sepsis

• Low platelet count

• Thyroid disease

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Can Children have this done?

Yes, children can attend sessions from the age where they can understand basic instructions and are accompanied by a guardian.