PLATELET RICH PLASMA (PRP)
What is Platelet Rich Plasma?
The platelets help in the clotting of blood and they are rich in proteins called growth factors, which helps in the healing process. Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP is the plasma with higher concentration of platelets than normally found in the blood. The concentration of platelets in PRP is around 5 to 10 times higher, when compared to normal blood.
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How do we get PRP?
The first step is to draw blood from the patient, and then the platelets are separated from the other blood cells (First Spin).
The concentration of platelets is then increased by using the process of centrifugation (Second Spin).
What is PRP Therapy?
The increased concentration of the growth factors present in the Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) helps in speeding up the healing process. PRP can be administered using the following processes:
- By Direct Injection into the Injured Area: The PRP is injected into the injured area. In the case of Achilles Tendonitis, a mixture of PRP and local anesthetic is injected directly to the swollen region. The patient can feel the beneficial effects in a couple of weeks.
- During and After Surgery: PRP can help some injuries to heal after the surgery. In some cases like a patient with a torn tendon can have improved healing if the injured area is treated with PRP during surgery.
Who needs PRP Therapy?
- Chronic Tendon Injuries or Tendinitis.
- Acute Ligament and Muscle Injuries.
- Surgery (Administering of PRP to the injured areas like ACL during surgeries has beneficial effects in some patients.)
- Knee Arthritis.
- Fractures.
