There has been a lot of talk about platelet-rich plasma therapy in recent years, but what is it exactly? Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is a remarkable therapy that effectively treats several injuries. Commonly used by top athletes – including Tiger Woods, Hines Ward, David Ortiz and many others – platelet-rich plasma therapy can help you with your pain as well.
Despite the growing publicity surrounding PRP, there are still some lingering questions. Is platelet-rich plasma therapy right for you?
What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma?
Blood is primarily composed of a liquid known as plasma. There are, however, solid components, including white cells, red cells, and platelets. Best known for their role in clotting blood, platelets also contain proteins called growth factors. These proteins are extremely important in the healing process.
Platelet-rich plasma, as the name suggests, is plasma that contains more platelets than normally found in the blood. The platelet concentration in PRP can be up to 10 times richer than usual, meaning that the concentration of growth factors is also much higher and is perfect to use in our Denver regenerative medicine.
How PRP Works
The PRP preparation is developed by first drawing blood from the patient. Then, the platelets are separated from the other cells, and through a process called centrifugation, their concentration is increased. The increased concentration of platelets is then mixed with the remaining blood.
Exactly how PRP works currently is not fully understood, but recent studies have shown that the increased levels of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma drastically speed up the healing process.
During PRP therapy, the preparation is usually injected directly into the injured area. In some instances, injured areas are also treated with platelet-rich plasma during surgery.
What Conditions Can Be Treated with Platelet-Rich Plasma?
Research studies on the effectiveness of PRP therapy are still ongoing, but emerging data and patient experiences indicate that patients suffering from many types of injuries may benefit from this revolutionary treatment.
Some of the injuries and disorders commonly treated using PRP include:
- Chronic tendon injuries
- Acute ligament and muscle injuries
- Surgery
- Knee arthritis
- Shoulder pain
- Carpal tunnel
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Fractures
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy in Denver
At Denver Physical Medicine & Rehab, we are extremely proud to be one of only a handful of practitioners in the country offering platelet-rich plasma therapy. To learn more about this revolutionary treatment and to find out how you can benefit, contact us today to schedule a consultation for platelet-rich plasma therapy in Denver!
Ready for an expert opinion? Get in touch today!
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