Platelet rich plasma therapy, also known as PRP therapy, is a revolutionary method for speeding up the recovery time from many injuries.

Many world-class athletes such as Maria Sharapova and Hines Ward have used it to help them heal from injuries and stay at the top of their game.

However, plasma therapy is not just for professional athletes. Many people from all walks of life are using the technique to help them recuperate without the need for surgery. 

If you suffer from niggling tendon injuries or joint pain, this type of therapy could be the right choice for you.

Read on to find out all there is to know about PRP therapy.

How Does PRP Therapy Work?

This type of therapy uses the body’s natural healing system to encourage faster and more effective recovery from many ailments. The platelets present in human plasma (blood) contain proteins known as growth factors.

These growth factors encourage the healing process by reducing inflammation and helping tissue and skin to repair at the injury site.

During plasma therapy, your platelet count in the affected area can be five or ten times higher than usual to stimulate recovery.

Your doctor begins by drawing blood which they place in a centrifuge. This device spins the plasma at high speeds, separating the platelets from other elements present in your blood.

When your doctor removes the platelets and plasma from the centrifuge, they inject the fluid into the injury site. When the platelets release growth factors, your body can heal more effectively and efficiently.

Although this is an advanced procedure, it is also remarkably quick. Your doctor can administer the therapy in approximately thirty minutes.

You can even have the procedure during your lunch break and go back to work the same day.

What Can PRP Therapy Treat?

PRP therapy can treat many common sporting injuries such as tennis elbow and osteoarthritis, which can occur after a knee injury. You may also find you have recurring shoulder, hip, wrist, or ankle pain. 

By strengthening your body’s natural repair process in the affected area, plasma therapy could alleviate the issue.

If you suffer an acute tissue injury such as a muscle tear, this can be very painful and take a long time to heal. This therapy technique offers a faster recovery time and could reduce your discomfort.

PRP therapy uses also extends beyond sporting injuries. Anyone who has an ongoing issue with joint or muscle pain could benefit from this treatment.

Even if you have already been through surgery, PRP therapy could support the healing process and provide improved results. Depending on the extent of your injury, you may only need one injection.

But if you need more, it is entirely safe to have ongoing plasma therapy to achieve the best results.

Benefits of Plasma Therapy

There are many crucial benefits to having PRP therapy.

Safety

One of the most important aspects is that the procedure is very safe. Because your doctor injects your own blood into the affected area, there is no chance of having an allergic reaction.

Your body will not reject the plasma because it knows it is supposed to be there. There is always a small risk with any injection, but you are unlikely to experience any discomfort or reaction.

Non-Invasive

Platelet rich plasma therapy is also an excellent option if you would prefer not to have surgery. Surgical treatment is likely to be more invasive, and you may need a recovery period after your procedure. 

Many people also prefer to avoid surgery as they prefer to be awake during treatment and don’t want to have an anesthetic. During PRP therapy, you are always conscious and aware of what is happening.

Your doctor will numb the area using lidocaine, but there is no need for an anesthetic. 

Promotes Long-Term Recovery

Because this technique uses the body’s natural healing process, it encourages recovery that can last for many years. This can make it more cost-effective than other treatment methods that only fix the problem in the short term.

You can also expect to see excellent results from anywhere between a few days to a couple of weeks. This means you can get back to enjoying your normal activities in as short a time as possible.

Suitable for Treating Many Injury Types

Plasma therapy is a great option for a wide range of injuries. Whether you have a chronic or acute joint or muscle problem, this therapy type can help. This means you can use it on different occasions for various issues. 

Building a relationship with your doctor who is performing the procedure means you have peace of mind if you need to return for another session at a later date. 

Are There Any Downsides?

There are very few concerns about PRP therapy. There is a small risk from having the injection as it’s possible to damage a blood vessel or nerve.

You could also develop an infection, although the chance of this happening is less than one percent.

If you have any underlying conditions, you should consult with your doctor to ensure this treatment is safe. They can assess your condition on an individual basis and provide a recommendation.

However, PRP therapy’s main downside is that we are still learning how powerful it can be. Although it has been popular with a small number of athletes for twenty years, there is a feeling there is more to come.

It’s possible this therapy type could become the first choice when treating many common injuries. While surgery and physiotherapy are often the main options, PRP therapy could quickly become more mainstream. 

Book Your Treatment Today

There is no need to struggle through painful days and sleepless nights with your injuries. PRP therapy offers a non-invasive procedure that produces results in a rapid timeframe.

If you suffer from joint pain, muscle injury, or osteoarthritis, contact our professional team at Rejuvenate Your Health today.