5 PRP facts you should know

As is often the case with many medical procedures, people conduct their own research before deciding whether or not it’s the best option. While this is important, it can lead to patients developing misconceptions around emerging treatments, such as PRP injections. Inaccurate information can result in patients missing out on the potential benefits that can be achieved through these treatments. In this article, you’ll find reliable information about PRP therapy that comes from joint regeneration specialists. 

What is PRP therapy? 

Platelet Rich Plasma therapy, or PRP for short, is a treatment that uses blood plasma and platelets to help heal the body. The injection is created from a small blood sample taken from the patient. This is then processed several times to increase the concentration of platelets in the plasma (liquid component of blood). Once the PRP solution has been created in a lab, it is injected into the affected area. The goal of the treatment is to speed up the body’s natural healing process by introducing additional growth factors. As a result, PRP injections are frequently used by athletes to recover from sporting injuries in a shorter timeframe and with less pain. 

The benefits of PRP treatment often persist for a long time, typically 6-12 months. This includes improved mobility, reduced discomfort, non-invasive treatment, and a quick return to regular activities. PRP injections are not the only kind of cartilage regeneration injection that we offer as part of our services. London Cartilage Clinic offers PRF (Platelet Rich Fibrin), Lipogems, Hyaluronic Acid Injections, and many more. 

Five facts to know about PRP treatment 

Versatile 

PRP injections can be used to treat a wide range of conditions and provide relief in a variety of locations around the body. For instance, this treatment can see application for ligament damage at the elbow whilst also seeing use for treating osteoarthritis through targeted knee cartilage regeneration. These injections have also seen use as treatment for ongoing musculoskeletal injuries such as carpal tunnel, as well as encouraging growth in those suffering from hair loss. Book an expert medical consultation to discuss your treatment goals. 

Low risk  

As mentioned earlier, PRP injections utilise blood that’s taken from the same patient they are used on later. As a result, there is minimal risk of allergic reaction or rejection. This means that PRP treatment is classed as a very ‘low-risk high-reward’ option, especially when compared to complex surgical procedures. Learn more about our cartilage services. 

Established treatment 

While PRP therapy might appear to the general public as a new type of regenerative injection, it has in fact been used since the late 1980’s. At this time however, it mostly saw use as a way to aid patients in post-operative recovery and to support surgeons during heart surgery. 

Provides rejuvenating results 

Due to the fact that the PRP injection contains the patient’s own platelets, this treatment is typically effective at promoting healing within the body. This can be targeted to specific areas, therefore encouraging certain forms of rejuvenation. For example, PRP injections have seen success as an aesthetic treatment. This is because it encourage the production of new skin cells and hair growth. In addition, PRP therapy is generally seen as a healthier alternative to chemical substances and invasive procedures, which adds to its aesthetic appeal. 

Short recovery 

Most patients experience quick recovery times after going through PRP therapy, as the treatment encourages healing. The injection site is numbed during the procedure, causing minimal patient discomfort. Typically, it takes just four to six weeks to see a significant improvement in function. Although it should be noted that recovery times can be influenced depending on the area affected, the severity of the damage, and any factors specific to the patient.