PRP – is Platelet Rich Plasma. The “P” stands for plasma and can be defined as the liquid portion of whole blood. It is composed largely of water and proteins, and it provides a medium for red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to circulate through the body.
Platelets, also called thrombocytes, are blood cells that cause blood clots and other necessary growth healing functions. Platelet activation plays a key role in the body’s natural healing process.
Platelet-rich plasma has been found to significantly enhance healing processes and using a PRP injection for shoulder pain caused by rotator cuff tears, for Achilles tendon ruptures, and for other soft-tissue injuries is becoming more common.
PRP has also been demonstrated to improve function and reduce pain in people who have tendonitis or chronic tendinosis conditions such as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow.
Advantages
The key advantages are that it can reduce the need for anti-inflammatories or stronger medications like opioids. Also, the side effects of PRP injections are very limited because, since the injections are created from your own blood, your body will not reject or react negatively to them. Learn more about PRP injections by selecting the best doctor at DSCMD for your particular condition and insurance.
PRP key points to remember
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) comes from a patient’s own blood.
- PRP is a concentrated source of growth factors and cellular signaling factors that play a significant role in the biology of healing.
- Basic science studies show that treatment may improve healing in many tissues.
- Few clinical studies in humans show the effectiveness of this treatment.
- Anti-inflammatory medicines should be stopped before and after PRP treatment is given
Charlotte, NC based Dermatology Specialists, we take pride in offering our patients the latest and best treatments available. We are happy to discuss any questions you may have about the procedures and which procedure is best for you. Contact Dermatology Specialists of Charlotte, Charlotte’s top Ballantyne and Blakeney Dermatologist, for your dermatology care.