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Platelet-rich plasma or PRP therapy revolutionizes orthopedic and musculoskeletal care, offering a noninvasive option for natural healing and recovery.
Written by
Angel Rigueras
Pain Management Specialist
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Written by
Angel Rigueras
Pain Management Specialist
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PRP Therapy is designed to accelerate tissue repair and reduce pain, PRP has become a go-to treatment for individuals seeking effective solutions for injuries and chronic conditions.
This blog will explain PRP therapy, its composition and benefits, the conditions it treats, such as tendon and ligament injuries (TLI) and joint and muscle injuries, and how the process works at UOC. You will also discover why PRP might be the ideal solution for your recovery journey.
Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy is derived from the patient’s own blood, offering a natural and non-surgical option for healing. PRP consists of two key components: plasma, the liquid portion of blood, and platelets, a type of blood cell critical for clotting and tissue repair. Platelets also contain growth factors, which play a vital role in stimulating cell reproduction and accelerating tissue regeneration.
The process of creating PRP begins with a simple blood draw. The sample is then placed into a centrifuge, a machine that spins the blood rapidly to separate its components. This process concentrates the platelets within the plasma while removing red and white blood cells, which can contribute to inflammation. The resulting platelet-rich solution is then prepared for injection.
Once prepared, the PRP is injected directly into the targeted area, such as an injured joint, tendon, or muscle. In some cases, ultrasound guidance is used to ensure precision. The primary goal is to increase the concentration of growth factors in the injured area, enhancing the body’s natural healing response. Studies suggest that PRP can shorten recovery time, reduce pain, and promote faster tissue regeneration.
It is important to note that PRP therapy is not the same as stem cell therapy. However, the two treatments can be complementary. While PRP focuses on delivering growth factors to stimulate tissue repair, stem cells can further enhance the regeneration process by differentiating into new cells. This combination can provide powerful results in certain cases, offering patients an advanced and comprehensive approach to recovery.
Injuries to joints, tendons, and muscles are common, especially among athletes, and can occur due to overuse, acute trauma, or sports-related activities.
Muscle strains, for example, account for a significant portion of athletic injuries, with prevalence rates ranging from 12% to 16%.
Specific muscle groups, such as the hamstrings, quadriceps, and gastrocnemius, are particularly vulnerable due to their role in dynamic movements and their crossing of multiple joints.
These injuries not only cause immediate pain and loss of mobility but are also prone to re-injury, with recurrence rates ranging from 12% to 21%.
This pattern is evident across sports like football, rugby, and track and field, where re-injury rates can exceed 30% in some leagues. Such injuries result in lost playing time, significant physical setbacks, and high costs associated with prolonged recovery.
Timely and personalized care is essential to prevent chronic complications and support effective recovery from these injuries. Clinical research and imaging studies highlight PRP’s ability to accelerate recovery, alleviate pain, and reduce swelling, making it a transformative option for managing these challenging conditions.
PRP therapy shows promise in treating both acute and chronic tendon injuries, including conditions like Achilles tendinopathy, elbow tendinopathy, and patellar tendinopathy.
In cases of chronic Achilles tendinopathy, PRP has demonstrated significant improvements in clinical scores and tendon function. Similarly, PRP injections for elbow tendinopathy have consistently outperformed traditional treatments like corticosteroids, offering longer-lasting pain relief and functional improvements.
For ligament injuries, such as ACL tears, PRP enhances vascularization during reconstruction, potentially improving knee stability and healing outcomes. Despite some variability in study results, PRP continues to be a valuable adjunct in sports medicine for accelerating recovery and restoring function.
PRP works by delivering a concentrated dose of platelets and growth factors directly to the injury site, including:
These growth factors accelerate healing, improve collagen alignment to better mimic natural tissue, reduce scar formation, and lower the risk of re-injury. PRP also includes antimicrobial peptides, boosting its ability to protect against infections.
Together, these components create an environment that accelerates repair, improves tissue strength, and supports the body’s natural healing processes for tendon and ligament recovery.
Platelet-rich plasma or PRP therapy offers a range of advantages for recovering from TLIs.
Here are the most noticeable benefits:
At UOC, our patient-first approach ensures that you receive tailored PRP therapy for your specific needs, optimizing your recovery journey.
At University Orthopedic Care, determining whether PRP therapy is the right choice begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your condition. Our expert team utilizes advanced diagnostic tools and personalized assessments to ensure the most effective treatment plan for your needs.
By combining state-of-the-art imaging with a patient-first philosophy, UOC ensures PRP therapy is not only suitable but also maximized for the best possible outcomes. If you’re experiencing acute pain or recovering from a recent injury, PRP may be the ideal solution for your recovery.
We prioritize your comfort and ensure you’re well-informed every step of the way during your Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what you can expect before, during, and after your treatment.
Your journey begins with a consultation where our specialists explain the procedure and tailor a plan to meet your specific needs. To prepare for your session, it’s essential to follow these pre-procedure guidelines:
If you are on chronic oral steroids or other long-term medications, discuss a discontinuation plan with your primary care provider to ensure a safe transition. Always consult your prescribing doctor before making changes to your medication regimen.
Following your session, your body will begin the natural healing process enhanced by PRP. To maximize the benefits of your treatment, adhere to the following guidelines:
By the fifth week post-treatment, physical therapy is highly encouraged to further strengthen and rehabilitate the treated area.
We will schedule a follow-up appointment to assess your progress, adjust your treatment plan as necessary, and ensure your recovery is on track.
Even if you feel great, attending your follow-up visit is essential to achieving the best possible outcome.
At University Orthopedic Care (UOC), our PRP therapy leverages top-notch technology to provide patients with the most advanced regenerative treatment available.
This innovative approach offers a highly concentrated form of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) that supports faster healing, enhanced recovery, and long-term relief for a variety of orthopedic conditions. Here’s what makes our PRP therapy stand out:
UOC’s approach to PRP therapy represents our commitment to providing patients with transformative, evidence-based care that promotes healing and helps them return to an active, pain-free lifestyle.
Platelet-rich plasma or PRP therapy offers a natural, revolutionary solution for joint, tendon, and muscle recovery.
By harnessing the body’s regenerative capabilities, PRP potentiates faster healing, reduces discomfort, and supports long-term recovery for a wide range of orthopedic conditions.
Whether addressing sports injuries, aiding in tissue repair, or enhancing non-surgical treatment plans, PRP has become a transformative option for patients seeking effective and minimally invasive care.
At University Orthopedic Care, we prioritize our patients’ needs, ensuring swift and effective assistance, and avoiding unnecessary delays. Our streamlined approach ensures that PRP therapy is accessible and prompt, focusing on what truly matters: your recovery and well-being.
If you’re ready to explore how PRP therapy can help you regain mobility, reduce pain, and achieve a healthier, more active lifestyle, contact UOC today at (866) 962-1744 to schedule your consultation.
Let us help you take the next step toward recovery and a better quality of life.
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