Platelet-rich plasma therapy has been gaining some well-earned traction in medical research, specifically in the field of orthobiologics. Many kinds of regenerative treatment options have been proposed to manage musculoskeletal conditions, but none can compare to the clinical effects and significance of PRP.
Read below to learn more about platelet-rich plasma therapy and its research-based benefits for musculoskeletal conditions and other disorders.
What is platelet-rich plasma therapy?
The plasma is the liquid portion of the blood that contains water and various proteins. The platelets are also part of the blood responsible for the body’s healing ability by initiating coagulation and releasing growth factors. So in simpler terms, a “platelet-rich plasma” is just blood that contains an above-normal platelet concentration.
With that said, platelet-rich plasma therapy refers to the use of the patient’s own platelet-concentrated blood to potentially amplify the body’s innate ability to repair and regenerate tissue. Its main goal is to use the platelets to directly stimulate tissue regeneration and cell production, thus possibly healing degenerative disorders.
How does it work?
According to studies, platelet-rich plasma may be utilized in the form of an injectable. It can be injected directly into the affected area (e.g., injured knee or arthritic hips) to relieve pain and swelling.
Its specific mechanism of action has yet to be identified. However, research attributes it to the bioactive factors and signalling proteins activated by platelets. Once injected, the cells in the target tissue will react with the chemical substances in the platelets, thus releasing their own bioactive molecules.
Studies also stated that growth factors are the most powerful among these biologically active substances. Other molecules contributing to tissue repair include cytokines, chemokines, proteases, and adhesive proteins.
What are the potential benefits of PRP to medicine?
Currently, the Food and Drug Administration only approves the use in bone graft treatments. However, the FDA does grant clearance to the use of PRP therapy in musculoskeletal conditions as they regulate the equipment used in its manufacturing. This means that doctors and medical facilities can perform PRP therapy as an “off-label” treatment.
Here are just a few of the medical benefits and potential uses of platelet-rich plasma in treating various conditions.
Musculoskeletal injuries
Doctors commonly recommend and administer PRP treatments to treat orthopedic injuries related to ligament, tendon, and muscle damage. This includes the following:
- Tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow
- Jumper’s knee
- Achilles tendon ruptures
- Rotator cuff tears
- Tendinitis
According to studies, the bioactive properties of PRP can enhance the ability of the tissues to repair and heal themselves. Furthermore, injecting PRP directly into damaged muscles can potentially reduce pain and swelling while improving mobility.
Degenerative disorders
Early studies have also explored the potential medical significance of platelet-rich plasma in patients with degenerative conditions, such as osteoarthritis.
Research suggests that this innovative treatment may reduce arthritic pain and swelling through the platelet’s anti-inflammatory properties and ability to constrict blood vessels. Furthermore, PRP also stimulates tissue regeneration and angiogenesis, thus promoting the repair to the tissues damaged by arthritis.
Lastly, PRP used for clinical trials on patients with osteoarthritis has been greatly associated with improved mobility, physical function, and quality of life.
Chronic back pain
Another emerging use of platelet-rich plasma therapy is relieving chronic back pain due to intervertebral disc disease. This condition occurs when the vertebra gradually degenerates, causing moderate to severe pain in the back, neck, and upper extremities.
Studies suggest that PRP treatments may work for such conditions due to their repairing effect. Additionally, the study postulated that the therapy may also restore the integrity of the vertebrae and enhance disc height and hydration.
PRP for chronic back pain is still in the clinical trial and human application phase. But its promising early results make it a great candidate in potentially treating chronic back pain.
Post-surgical healing
Platelet-rich plasma is cleared by the FDA to be used in gel form and applied to lesions or wounds to retain moisture. This is commonly performed after plastic surgery or jaw operation.
Studies have further explored its possible significance in augmenting post-surgical healing. Once research reported that PRP treatment enhanced the healing rate of diabetic foot ulcers, reduced its pain, and prevented surgical site infection.
(Remember: all information stated above is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease)
Where to find the best facility that provides PRP therapy in Gainesville?
Musculoskeletal conditions can cause debilitating pain to the body. So if you or a loved one suffers from such conditions, then it’s time to seek the best pain management in Gainesville, FL, to ease your discomfort and enhance mobility.
At Advanced Pain Medical Center, we can provide several innovative solutions to reduce your pain, bring you comfort, and eventually improve your quality of life. Some of the quality services and treatment options we provide include:
- Medical marijuana treatment
- CBD treatments
- Ketamine infusion therapy
- IV nutritional therapy
- Pain therapies
And more!
Contact us at (352) 888-PAIN to get in touch with board-certified physicians at Advanced Pain Medical Center. Start exploring various options to live with less pain and more function!
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
