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Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is an innovative treatment that stimulates the body’s natural healing process and uses the patient’s own cells to promote accelerated healing of certain musculoskeletal conditions, sporting injuries and arthritic joints. It delivers decisive growth factors that stimulate and improve blood supply to the injured area and the nutrients needed for cells to regenerate the damaged tissue.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is available at our Gold Coast Medical Centres:
Eastbrooke Family Clinic Southport To make an enquiry, please call (07) 5557 7888
PRP works by recreating and stimulating the body’s own natural healing process. When tissue is injured, the body responds by sending specific ‘super healer’ cell types to the injury site to start the repairing process and regeneration of new tissue. These ‘super healers’ are platelets and contain growth factors that initiate and accelerate the repair and regeneration of new cells.
Usually, in areas of the body that have a good blood supply with high cell turnover, the arteries will deliver platelets quickly to the injured tissue so that the healing and regeneration of new tissue can begin, similar to what occurs when you cut your skin. The problem with some tissues, including joint surfaces, tendons, bones, muscles, and some areas of skin, is that they have a limited blood supply with a slow cell turnover and therefore heal slowly. These areas may require a helping hand to initiate the repair process, and this is where PRP therapy can help. PRP delivers the necessary growth factors and cells to the injured sites to regenerate the damaged tissue.
PRP was first used in cardiac surgery in 1987. More recently, it has also been utilised in plastic surgery, chest surgery, implant surgery, and spinal fusion surgery. The latest technological advancements have allowed PRP applications to be performed in the outpatient clinic setting. The latest PRP research in orthopaedic, musculoskeletal and wound healing applications has provided excellent outcomes.
PRP injections are safe. There is little chance of rejection because the material injected back into the patient is from their own blood. The PRP injection also carries less chance for infection than an incision, with a considerably shorter recovery time than after surgery.
The Procedure
The procedure involves drawing approximately 15-30mls of blood from the patient in the same way blood is taken for a blood test. The blood is spun, and the platelet-rich plasma, which separates from the red blood cells, is injected into the injured area. Depending on the location of the area to be treated, the patient may be given a local anaesthetic to make the injection more comfortable. The process takes 30-45 minutes, and multiple areas can be treated.
Which areas can be treated?
PRP is often injected into areas of the body such as:
It is always best to discuss the use of any medical therapy with either your GP or treating specialist, as they will be the best person to advise whether PRP may be of benefit to you. Further information is available at www.alocuro.com.au
