Platelet rich plasma (PRP) treatment is a orthobiological treatment that involves taking a patient’s own blood and concentrating the levels of platelets and growth factors to promote healing and recovery in injured musculoskeletal tissue.
PRP has been in use for over a decade and has gained increased popularity due to media coverage of its use in high profile athletes with injuries and its use in professional sports.
PRP Injections are considered for soft tissues injuries traditionally known to have poor healing properties (e.g. tendon and ligament injuries) where the healing process may have ‘stalled’. High amounts of research studies has demonstrated positive results. The evidence base on this treatment is growing and PRP appears to be helpful in many conditions. The associated dryneedling of the injured tissue which is performed with the PRP injection may also contribute positively to its outcome.
PRP is not generally considered to have any major harmful effects, because we use your own platelets in high concentration. For that reason, it is appealing to patients who want more of a ‘natural approach’ to dealing with their injuries, without the need for cortisone. It is often also considered an option by patients who have been through various other treatments unsuccessfully for their longstanding injuries but wish to avoid having surgery.
Injuries that are treated with PRP:
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Mild to moderate osteoarthritis
- Chronic muscle injuries
- Chronic ligament injuries
- Cartilage injuries
What is involved?
If a condition is deemed to be suitable for PRP treatment, your clinician will explain the procedure, risks and aftercare involved to ensure you are fully aware of the treatment process. You should use this opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the treatment.
A small sample of blood is obtained, similar to a routine blood test in sterile conditions. A process of centrifugation is then undertaken which involves a machine spinning down blood into its relevant cells. The plasma-rich layer is then extracted and injected back into the same patient under sterile conditions. Injections are carried out under strict aseptic conditions to ensure the risk of infection is minimised. As a rough guide, the gap between each injection is 4 weeks to allow the tissue to heal. All improvements will be monitored along the way. PRP Treatment is also coupled with a comprehensive rehabilitation programme. For that reason, you will be asked to follow up with your therapist within a week of having the injection, to encourage functional tissue healing, and to allow tissue to regains its functional strength and flexibility.
Get in touch to find out more or schedule a free consultation. We offer platelet rich plasma (PRP) treatment in Birmingham and Solihull for many conditions.
Dynamic Regenerative Medicine
www.dynamicregenmedicine.co.uk
01564330773