The History of PRP, Platelet Rich Plasma in Orthopedics

PRP has a long history of being used in orthopedic medicine, dentistry, and reconstructive surgery, and now its benefits are being applied to other fields of medicine such as dermatology, skin wound healing, and cosmetic facial rejuvenation.

What is PRP, Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy?

PRP stands for platelet rich plasma. Platelet Rich Plasma is a natural product created from your own body. A small amount of blood is taken and placed in a sterile tube that is spun down in a centrifuge to separate the different components of the blood. Red and white blood cells are divided from the platelets and the plasma (the clear fluid). This plasma now contains a higher than normal number of platelets and is called platelet rich plasma, or PRP

The Restoration of Soft Tissues

Over time, wear and tear occurs in the soft tissues of the body, which include the joints, ligaments, fascia, and muscles, and this is especially accelerated in people that have participated in rigorous sports. As a result, many people develop chronic pain with aging; however, Platelet Rich Plasma therapy can restore soft tissue to reduce pain that occurs in the lower back, joints, or cervical spine.

How does Platelet Rich Plasma work to heal injuries?

Platelet Rich Plasma works with the body’s natural healing process to restore and regenerate tissue. When an injury occurs in the body, special parts of the blood, known as platelets run to the rescue to stop bleeding and repair the tissue. Platelets help to form scabs on the outside of the body, and they stimulate collagen production.  Tendons, ligaments, and fascia all need collagen to be rejuvenated because most soft tissues are made with collagen.

In Platelet Rich Plasma therapy, a very small amount of the patient’s own blood is taken and spun down in a centrifuge to obtain the platelets and growth factors. Then, the mixture is injected into the site of the injury or pain, and it works to rejuvenate tissue, while stimulating collagen production.

Many types of athletes, which include gymnasts, golfers, football players, baseball players, runners, climbers, and basketball players can benefit from this cutting edge therapy.
Platelet Rich Plasma can help to treat numerous types of injuries, some of which include:

  • ACL tears
  • Tennis elbow
  • Tendonitis
  • Golfers elbow
  • Rotator cuff tears
  • PCL tears
  • Medial and lateral meniscus tears
  • Sprained ankles

While Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy has numerous benefits, one the primary appeals of this therapy is that there is close to no risk of infection because the mixture is taken from the patient’s own body, and it involves little to no downtime. Also, the therapy can be performed in under an hour and is relatively painless. As a regenerative therapy, Platelet Rich Plasma can also permanently heal damage, lowing the chances of a chronic condition. Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy is a safe and natural therapy that has helped patients to reduce or avoid pain medications, while regaining full function.

To learn more about getting started with Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy, contact local Platelet Rich Plasma Orthopedic Injection Doctors today!

Embody Wellness

Embody Wellness

805 Wales Dr., Suite 2
Folsom, California 95630

Timothy Hipskind, M.D.

Timothy Hipskind, M.D.

8 Ginger Creek Parkway
Glen Carbon, Illinois 62034

Healthy Aging Medical Centers

Healthy Aging Medical Centers

667 Eagle Rock Ave, Suite 2A
West Orange, New Jersey 07052

OptiHealth Institute

OptiHealth Institute

8303 Pulaski Highway
Baltimore, Maryland 21237

OB Men

OB Men

4141 Southwest Fwy, Ste 315
Houston, Texas 77027

Back to Health

Back to Health

5005 E Stop 11 Road
Indianapolis, Indiana 46237

Fig Tree Wellness Center

Fig Tree Wellness Center

1320 Maricopa Hwy, Suite G
Ojai, California 93023