Prep Research Paper

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PRP Injections for Knee, Ankle, Shoulder, Spine

PRP EXPLAINED

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatment is a process that uses the patient’s own blood to help alleviate and cure musculoskeletal pain, soreness, and tenderness. PRP is also used as an osteoarthritis treatment for numerous affected areas. The body’s first reaction to soft tissue injuries is to send platelet cells to the injury site. This initiates the natural repair process. PRP treatment injects a highly concentrated level of platelets that have been enhanced with rich plasma from the other blood components.

Prior to the modern in office method of injecting PRP, it has been, and continues to be, used during surgeries for faster healing and quicker recovering times. PRP treatment
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This includes the preparation and procedure times.

PRP Preparation: Several small vials of the patient’s blood is drawn from a vein. The blood is then placed into a centrifuge machine that will spin the blood at a rate of speed that will separate the platelets from the other blood components. Then the platelets are mixed at a concentrated level with the separated yellowish-colored plasma, additional growth factors, and other red-blood components. Plasma accounts for 55 percent of red blood cells and works in harmony with platelets for effective blood clotting and healing.

PRP Injection Procedure: The injection sites are sterilized and, depending on the amount of and the location of the injections, the area may be numbed for the patient’s comfort. The concentrated PRP is placed into a syringe and injected directly into the injury site. The PRP concentration may also be injected and fanned out into the area around the injury. It is not uncommon for the doctor to use more than one syringe of PRP to complete a treatment session. The type of ailment treated will dictate the number of injections to be
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PRP treatment is an outpatient procedure performed in the doctor’s office or clinic. Unless the doctor wants to test the injury site for pain relief after the injections, the patient can leave within a few minutes after having the treatment. The majority of patients are able to resume their normal daily activities within 24 hours. The application of an ice pack on the injection site will help reduce any swelling. The doctor will instruct the patient about after treatment care that may include the use of over-the-counter aspirin for minor pain relief.

NUMBER OF INJECTION SESSIONS

The number of PRP injection sessions that a patient needs will depend upon the area being treated, how quickly the body responds to the treatments, and whether the purpose of the injections is for a minor injury or a chronic ailment. The majority of ailments and injuries can be treated with 1 to 3 injection sessions. Some chronic conditions may require scheduled periodic PRP injection treatments. The doctor will discuss the full treatment procedure with the patient before any PRP injections are started.

PRP CANDIDATES

PRP injection therapy has proven effective in pain relief and healing for the majority of individuals with joint, muscle, tendon, and spinal discomfort and chronic pain. However, it is advisable that every potential patient schedule a consultation with their doctor before beginning any