PRP therapy simply means platelet-rich plasma therapy. It is a medical treatment process that applies the science of the body’s natural healing ability in the repair of tissues in the body.
This technique is mainly applied for the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries in the tendon, ligament, or cartilage. However, it has also been applied in hair treatment for hair restoration.
In this article, we will briefly see how PRP therapy is carried out, the benefits, and the future outlook. But before then, let’s see how PRP therapy works.
How The PRP Therapy Works
Fundamentally, PRP therapy works by increasing blood flow and nutrients to the target area in the body such as tendons, cartilage, and even the scalp.
These tissues receive nutrients specifically blood plasma that is highly concentrated with platelets. Hence, it is called platelet-rich plasma therapy.
Plasma contains mainly water and proteins and it provides a medium for the circulation of blood cells like platelets in the body. Platelets produce growth factors that are responsible for the repair of damaged blood vessels and tissues in the body.
The injection of these two key blood components into the site of injury aids the healing process.
How The PRP Technique Is Done
Step 1: Drawing of Blood
To perform the PRP technique, a certified medical practitioner draws blood from your body and puts it into a centrifuge.
Step 2: Blood Separation
In the centrifuge, separation takes place usually after 10 minutes. The blood is separated into platelet-rich plasma, platelet-poor plasma, and red blood cells.
Step 3: Injection
Using a syringe the platelet-rich plasma blood fraction is taken and injected into the area of the body where tissue growth or repair is needed.
Benefits Of PRP Therapy
Due to its ability to initiate a fast tissue repair, the PRP therapy is employed in the field of trauma, tissue repair, and in arthroscopy.
It has benefits in the following areas.
Alternative Treatment Of Sports Injuries
PRP therapy provides relief from pain and healing for athletes suffering from musculoskeletal injury.
Efficient and Faster Healing Process
Injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage can take several months or years to heal.
However, the PRP treatment technique uses a direct injection method to the site of injury making it faster and at the same time effective.
Relief From Back Pains
PRP therapy provides treatment for back pains which are often difficult to treat using the normal surgical method.
It helps in the repair of ligaments, discs, and tendons of the spine.
Future Outlook Of The PRP Technique
PRP technique is expected to become a PRP Technique method as people are now interested in non-surgical or non-invasive treatment methods.
Additionally, the coming years will see insurance companies adopt the PRP technique as a cost-effective treatment method for their insured.