Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is one of the most exciting recent innovations in the treatment of orthopaedic conditions. At South Orange County Orthopaedics, Inc, Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick and his colleagues use PRP therapy to harness your body’s natural healing power. To learn more about how PRP can help you recover from orthopaedic injuries, schedule an appointment by calling their Mission Viejo, California office, or by scheduling an appointment online.
Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is a substance created from your blood. Your blood contains red and white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Your platelets contain proteins that form blood clotting effects, as well as other proteins that lead to cell growth.
Your provider creates PRP by drawing a small amount of your blood. They place that blood in a centrifuge, which spins out the platelets from the other blood components. The platelets are collected, combined with your plasma and then injected into the site of your injury.
PRP contains far more platelets than the rest of your blood. Researchers believe that delivering a concentrated dose of those powerful clotting and regenerative proteins directly to the site of an injury accelerates your body’s natural healing processes.
PRP research is ongoing, but many people are embracing PRP therapy as an effective and natural way to boost healing and speed recovery. Golf legend Tiger Woods and tennis star Rafael Nadal have both used PRP treatment to address injuries.
Many people seek PRP treatment because of the safety of using your blood to speed your body’s natural healing process. There are also numerous advantages that PRP has over other approaches.
Anti-inflammatory medications can address pain, but using these drugs over an extended period can lead to stomach trouble, increased blood pressure, and heart problems.
Cortisone shots can help reduce joint pain, but can also weaken your connective tissues over time, and can even have a negative impact on your cartilage.
In some cases, joint replacement surgery is the only way to treat a severe joint issue. However, many people prefer to try less aggressive treatment options before turning to surgical solutions. PRP can speed healing without the risks associated with surgery.
If you and your doctor decide that PRP treatment is a good option, you should consider combining PRP injections with other nonsurgical treatment options to attain the best results.
Very often, lifestyle modifications can relieve joint pain. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, embracing a healthier diet, and physical therapy can all work with PRP treatment to help your body heal naturally.
