How is platelet-rich plasma created?
Blood contains plasma, red cells, white cells and platelets. Platelets contain proteins called growth factors that are critical to cell regeneration and healing. For PRP therapy, a small amount blood is drawn from the patient and then put into a centrifuge, a device that spins at a very high speed, separating the platelets from the other components of the blood. The result is a concentration of platelets 3-10 times higher than normal physiological levels. This concentration is then reinjected back into the patient, in the specific area that needs to be treated.
How are PRP injections administered?
The prepared platelets are injected back into the patient at the site of injury. The entire process takes about 1 hour and is relatively painless. Because the blood used is taken from the patient, the procedure is relatively safe with no risk of an allergic reaction. A needle is injected into the skin and this means there is a very slight risk of injection, bleeding or nerve damage but these risks are very rare. More than 100 professional athletes including players from the NBA, NFL, PGA and MLB have received PRP therapy. Contact us to see if plasma-rich protein therapy is right for you.
