What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and what are PRP injections?

[Micheal Alexander]

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a concentrated injection of a patient’s own platelets to stimulate and accelerate the healing process. In this way, PRP injections use each individual patient’s own restorative system to improve musculoskeletal injuries.

PRP injections are prepared by drawing a patient’s blood and processing it through a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. These platelets are activated and then are injected into the injured or damaged body tissue. This releases growth factors that stimulate and improve healing. Because the injection is autologous, there is no chance of rejection. Coolsculpting Santa Clara

How do platelet-rich plasma injections work?

Platelet-rich plasma has been found to significantly enhance the healing process. PRP injections for shoulder, knees and elbows have been shown to improve function and reduce pain overall. Platelet contain natural growth factors which stimulate the health and regeneration process. After concentrating and then activating platelets, the growth factors are injected directly into the injured area. These growth factors act on the surrounding tissues to intiate a cascade of repair within injured or affected area. Coolsculpting in San Jose CA

What are the risks for PRP?

The side effects of PRP injections are very limited because the healing factors originate from your own blood. This is an autologous procedure – meaning the PRP originated from you own body. Your body will not reject or react negatively to the treatment. There is a possibility of infection as with any injection, but this risk is minimized with the use of proper sterile technique and equipment. Some patients may have some mild pain and swelling after the treatment.