Effective Orthopedic Treatment
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an emerging biologic tool in orthopedic and regenerative medicine. The PRP is obtained by drawing out a patient’s blood and spinning it down in a centrifuge, which concentrates the platelets in the blood. The platelets can be concentrated up to 10X the baseline strength, and the plasma also contains cytokines, thrombin, and other growth factors that are indicated in wound healing (1). The PRP is then re-injected into the affected area by the physician according to the treatment plan and goals.
PRP can be used to treat tendons, ligaments, muscle tears, and joint pain (1). According to an article in the Journal of Arthroscopy, platelet-rich plasma may help speed recovery in sports medicine patients and enable them to return to their prior level of activity faster (1). It can take weeks for repair of tissue to occur, but proper nutrition and physical therapy can also aid in this process. (more…)