Michael B. Cannone, DO
Hip & Knee Reconstruction
Are you looking for an orthopedic treatment to help with pain relief and healing? Then Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections may be the right choice for you. This innovative treatment, which utilizes the natural healing power of platelets found in your own blood, is quickly becoming one of the most widely used methods to relieve musculoskeletal injuries.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy has a vast range of potential benefits, including helping to reduce inflammation, increasing mobility, and providing lasting relief from chronic pain. PRP injections have revolutionized traditional orthopedic medicine over recent years.
If this sounds like something that might benefit you, read on to learn more about what PRP injections are and how they work. You can also book an appointment with one of our orthopedic doctors at OrthoNeuro. We have many locations throughout Columbus, OH for your convenience.
What is Platelet-Rich Plasma?
Platelet-rich plasma is made up of two components—plasma and platelets. Plasma is the liquid portion of blood that provides a medium for red blood cells and white blood cells, as well as platelets.
The platelets are a type of blood cell that has a significant role in the body’s natural healing process. Apart from their clotting ability, they also contain growth factors that can encourage cell production and tissue regeneration or healing. Platelet-rich plasma just means that the plasma has more platelets than normal.
Platelet-rich plasma is made from the patient’s own blood. After taking a blood sample, clinicians separate components of the blood from the platelets and concentrate them within the plasma.
What is a PRP injection?
A PRP injection is made from the patient’s own platelet-rich plasma. It is injected directly into the area that needs the treatment. At times, the injection is guided using ultrasound to target the specific place. PRP injections aim to increase the proteins (called growth factors) in the injured or damaged area to speed up the healing process.
There is still a lot to learn about how PRP injections work. Some studies correlate the higher concentration of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma to an increased rate of the healing process, faster healing time for injuries, and less pain.
What Are PRP Treatments Used For?
PRP treatments can be used to promote wound healing in trauma and joint injury. The following are some examples of how PRP injections can help:
Acute Ligament and Muscle Injuries
Hearing professional athletes using PRP therapy to treat their acute sports injuries is becoming more common. Common injuries include pulled muscles or ligament strains.
Chronic Tendon Injuries
Some researchers have found that PRP is effective in treating chronic tendon injuries. One example includes the treatment of tennis elbow. Researchers are looking into the effectiveness of other chronic tendon injuries, such as Achilles tendinitis or inflammation of the patellar tendon at the knee (known as jumper’s knee).
Surgery
PRP injections are sometimes used to help heal tissue after surgery. Research is limited to establish the effectiveness at this time. However, there seem to be some promising results when performing a meniscus repair.
Knee Arthritis
Researchers are gaining more evidence of the effectiveness of using PRP injections in treating low to moderate cases of osteoarthritis in the knee. The effectiveness may last up to two years after treatment.
Fractures
PRP is sometimes used to speed the healing of broken bones. Researchers still need to establish solid evidence that this provides any benefit.
The Benefits of PRP Injections
There are many studies still looking into the effectiveness of PRP treatment. However, current research suggests that PRP injections can improve outcomes with certain tendon problems. There is also a lot of research indicating that PRP injections can help with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis.
There are some factors that may determine the effectiveness of PRP injections. They include the following:
- The specific area of application
- The general health of the patient
- Whether the condition is an acute or chronic injury
- The content of the PRP injection.
PRP Therapy Risks and Side Effects
The risks associated with PRP injections are very low. The side effects are minimal as well. Since platelet rich plasma therapy involves using your own blood, there is less chance of an allergic reaction.
The only risks or side effects are related to the drawing of your blood. The risks may include the following:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Tissue damage
- Nerve injuries
Book an Appointment with an OrthoNeuro Specialist Today!
If you would like to know more about PRP injections, book an appointment with one of our doctors at OrthoNeuro. We can help you decide whether this treatment is right for you.
You can find our offices conveniently located throughout Greater Columbus, Ohio. Contact us today!
Medically reviewed by Dustin Reynolds, M.D.
Meet Our Joint Specialists
James C. Cassandra, DO
Orthopedic Hand & Elbow Surgeon
B. Rodney Comisar, MD, FAAOS
Orthopedic Surgeon / Sports Medicine
Jeffrey E. Gittins, DO
Orthopedic Surgeon / Sports Medicine
Mark E. Gittins, DO
Hip & Knee Reconstruction
Keith A. LaDu, DO
Orthopedic Surgeon / Sports Medicine
Gary M. Millard, DO
Orthopedic Hand & Elbow Surgeon
Scott P. Stephens, MD
Orthopedic Shoulder & Elbow Surgeon
Desmond J. Stutzman, DO
Orthopedic Hand & Elbow Surgeon
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