With the evolution of science and technology, medicine has advanced enough to develop methods of healing that use fewer external factors and focus on using the body’s own restorative forces to facilitate recovery. One of the most innovative therapies that rely on this principle is platelet rich plasma injections. Several pioneering clinics such as Angelo Mattalino, MD in Phoenix, Arizona offer this inventive solution. If you’ve heard of this therapy in passing, and if you’re curious to know more about it, here are some frequently asked questions about platelet rich plasma injections.
What is a Platelet Rich Plasma Injection?
Abbreviated as PRP, platelet rich plasma is a kind of regenerative injection that uses a concentrated version of a person’s own blood to facilitate healing in parts of the body that suffer from inflammation. This therapy facilitates healing and allows the body to restore itself from within. Under normal conditions, platelets make up 10 percent of the blood. However, in PRP therapy, the ratio is adjusted so that platelets form around 90 percent of the blood used.
What are PRP Injections Used to Address?
With newer solutions being discovered, the list of conditions that can be treated with PRP continues to grow. Today, platelet rich plasma injections can help treat several issues like rotator cuff tendinosis and tears, arthritis in the joints, injuries to the flexor, extensor, and bicipital tendons, muscle tears, osteoarthritis, collateral ligament tears, strains in the quadriceps or hamstring, kneecap pain, and Achilles tendon injuries. Aside from being used to treat these conditions, platelet rich plasma injections can also be used to bring about other benefits.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
Blood is drawn from the person undergoing PRP therapy, and a centrifuge is used to separate the red blood cells and other cells, leaving behind a plasma that’s rich in platelets. Once this is done, the platelet rich plasma is injected into the injured area.
Depending on the issue being tackled, the therapy can begin to show results as early as two to three months after receiving the platelet rich plasma injections. Sometimes, results may even be seen as early as weeks after the end of a treatment session.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for PRP Therapy?
Generally, most people are ideal candidates for PRP therapy, since it is a safe procedure that doesn’t result in any adverse side effects. However, it all depends on the unique case. In order to ascertain if a person is a good candidate for PRP therapy, a consultation with our specialist at Angelo Mattalino, MD in Phoenix, Arizona is required. Contact us today to book an appointment and learn more.