WHAT IS IT?
Platelet Rich Plasma is a highly concentrated sample of blood that has been processed to contain a high number of platelets in the fluid portion of the blood known as plasma.
WHY ARE PLATELETS USED AS A THERAPY?
Platelets are potent cells that contain a reservoir of messenger proteins known as growth factors. When a vessel is damaged in the body, platelets are the first-in-line responders to go to the area and stop any further damage from occurring. Once at the site of damage, platelets release growth factors which signal to other cells in the body to repair the damaged tissue. When other areas of the body are damaged but have poor/low blood circulation as seen in joints with arthritis, platelets are unable to make it to the area to heal the damaged tissue. By concentrating the platelets and injecting them directly into the area of injury/damage, we are able to harness the beneficial effects of the growth factors and place them in an area where they are needed most.
WHAT CAN PLATELET RICH PLASMA BE USED FOR?
Platelet Rich Plasma can be used for a wide range of acute and chronic conditions which include:
• Arthritis
• Post-Operative Joint Pain
• Soft Tissue Injuries (Ligament, Tendon & Muscle)
• Chronic Joint Pain
• Inflammation and Discomfort associated with dysplasia
• Chronic Wounds/ Burns
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS FROM USING PLATELET RICH PLASMA?
• Minimally invasive
• No side-effects since it uses the patient’s own blood
• Provides lubrication of the joint space
• Preserves the remaining cartilage of the joint
• Increases natural production of protective compounds within the joint including Hyaluronic Acid, Chondroitin Sulfate and Collagen
• Decreases inflammation which in turn reduces pain
• Can be used as a long-term treatment for chronic conditions
HOW IS PLATELET RICH PLASMA OBTAINED?
Platelet Rich Plasma is obtained by taking a small sample of blood and spinning it down in a specialized processing system to isolate and concentrate the platelets in the fluid portion of the blood called plasma. The process takes less than 15 minutes and is done during a single office visit.
HOW IS PLATELET RICH PLASMA ADMINISTERED?
Platelet Rich Plasma is injected directly into the area of injury which includes joints (for arthritis), tendons, ligaments and muscles.
WHAT SHOULD BE EXPECTED AFTER THE INJECTION?
Due to the potent nature of platelets and their growth factors, after injection patients may exhibit soreness or stiffness in the injected area. This typically subsides within 24-48 hours post-injection.
DO ANY MEDICATIONS INTERACT WITH PLATELET RICH PLASMA?
While NSAIDS are beneficial in the treatment of inflammation and its associated pain, they can also prevent the activity of Platelets since they are inflammatory cells. This interaction can prevent the platelets from recruiting cells to the site of injury to heal and repair the tissue. This is why it is recommended to withhold NSAID medication for two weeks prior to and 2 weeks after injecting Platelet Rich Plasma.
WHAT IS TYPICALLY DONE IN PREPARATION FOR A PRP INJECTION?
On the day of the treatment, a small area of the neck will be clipped free of hair along with any areas that are going to be treated. This allows the area to be effectively cleaned to significantly reduce the chance of infection.
WHAT IS RECOMMENDED FOLLOWING A PRP INJECTION?
Following a PRP injection, it is recommended to limit activity to short leash walks on even/flat surfaces. Stairs, steps, slippery floor surfaces should all be avoided post injection unless the patient is assisted. Jumping, running or any strenuous activity should be limited to allow the repair and healing of the tissues to take place.
HOW SOON AFTER TREATMENT WILL RESULTS SHOW?
While each patient’s response will vary, results from treatments are typically noted starting 2-3 weeks post-injection. It is recommended to schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor treatment progress and report any changes in behaviors/habits.
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