Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), also known as autologous conditioned plasma, is a concentrate of platelet-rich plasma protein derived from whole blood, that has been centrifuged to remove red blood cells. Studies show that the increased concentration of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma may stimulate or speed up the healing process, shortening healing time for injuries, and decreasing pain. This blog explores the science of PRP and the potential to transform patient care.
Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
PRP is being widely used in the field of orthopedics and sports medicine, providing an innovative approach to treating musculoskeletal injuries, with continued studies to support its effectiveness and the science behind its use. To date the FDA has only granted approval of the systems/devices used to prepare the PRP for mixing with bone graft to improve handling characteristics, however practitioners have begun incorporating PRP as a therapy for treating conditions such as tendonitis, ligament sprains, muscle strains, and osteoarthritis. There is evidence, supported by studies and trials, that suggest that high concentration of platelets and growth factors in PRP promotes tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and enhances overall recovery.
Pain Management
Chronic pain can be debilitating, significantly impacting an individual’s quality of life. In pain management, PRP therapy is being utilized as a lowered risk and safe option in treating a number of injuries.
A Platelets Role in Supporting Healing
Platelets, or thrombocytes, are small, colorless cell fragments in our blood that form clots and stop or prevent bleeding. Plasma is the liquid portion of blood, which is roughly 92% water, while containing 7% vital proteins such as albumin, gamma globulin and anti-hemophilic factor, and 1% mineral salts, sugars, fats, hormones and vitamins. Plasma serves four important functions in our body:
- Helps maintain blood pressure and volume.
- Supply critical proteins for blood clotting and immunity.
- Carries electrolytes such as sodium and potassium to our muscles.
- Helps to maintain a proper pH balance in the body, which supports cell function.
The positive patient outcomes associated with PRP, along with continued research, tend to suggest that in the same way that platelets respond to protecting the body from blood loss and injuries that a high concentration of plasma acting as a carrier of platelets may provide the same but increased healing in other patient conditions being explored and studied.
As technology and research continue to evolve, we can expect even more exciting uses for PRP in the future, ushering in a new era of personalized patient care that promotes a natural approach to healing.
Recent Comments