Much has been published about platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and its potential efficacy in treating injuries over the last few years.

PRP for injuries San Diego has been used to treat damaged knees and chronic tendon injuries in several notable athletes, including golfer Tiger Woods, tennis player Rafael Nadal, and others. Medications, physical therapy, and even surgery have all been used to address these diseases in the past. Certain athletes have credited PRP for helping them return to competition more rapidly.

What is Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP)?

Although blood is primarily a liquid (plasma), it does contain small solid components (red cells, white cells, and platelets). The importance of platelets in clotting blood is well understood. On the other hand, Platelets include hundreds of proteins known as growth factors, which play a critical role in injury healing.

PRP is plasma that contains a significantly higher number of platelets than blood. Platelet concentrations — and, by extension, growth factor concentrations — can be 5 to 10 times higher (or richer) than usual.

A patient's blood must be obtained before a PRP preparation can be created. During a procedure known as centrifugation, platelets are separated from other blood cells, and their concentration is enhanced. After that, the platelets are put into the wound.

What is the Process of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)?

Although the actual mechanism of platelet rich plasma San Diego is unknown, laboratory studies have revealed that the higher concentration of growth factors in PRP can potentially speed up the healing process.

The PRP preparation is applied to the injured site to hasten to heal. One of two approaches is possible:

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can be cautiously injected into the damaged area. The heel chord, for example, can become swollen, inflamed, and painful in Achilles’ tendinitis, a condition that is common in runners and tennis players. This inflammatory tissue can be treated with a mixture of PRP and local anaesthetic. For the first week or two after the injection, the discomfort at the injection site may worsen, and it may take several weeks before the patient notices any benefit.

• PRP can speed up the healing process after surgery. Athletes who have fully torn their heel chord, for example, may need surgery to restore the tendon. During surgery, treating the affected area with PRP may help speed up the healing of the torn tendon. This is accomplished by preparing the PRP so that it can be placed directly into injured tissues.

Conclusion

Treatment with PRP can be beneficial to successfully treat specific chronic tendon injuries and low-to-moderate-grade knee osteoarthritis.