Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are becoming more and more popular for treating various ailments, including sports injuries and hair loss. To speed up healing in a specific area, the method uses the patient’s blood cells.
Joint and wound healing following trauma can both be improved by PRP therapy. The surgery can treat baldness, and encourage the growth of hair transplants.
PRP injections are safe since they employ the patient’s own tissues and can be administered alone or in conjunction with other procedures.
The results of PRP therapy are not long-lasting, patients may require more injections, as recommended by their doctor, after a few weeks for joint injections and six months for scalp injections.
HOW DO PRP INJECTIONS WORK?
Platelet Rich Plasma, or PRP, is a substance that medical professionals extract from your bloodstream using a straightforward procedure. They use a centrifugal apparatus to spin a sample of blood. The heavier red blood cells sink to the bottom due to the rotating motion. White blood cells and other particles, including plasma, build up over time. The platelet-rich plasma is extracted by doctors using aspiration techniques.
The resulting plasma, packed full of growth factors, mesenchymal stem cells, cytokines, and other factors, is contained in PRP injections. When applied to the treatment site, it expedites the healing of muscles, tendons, and joints.
WHAT ARE INJECTIONS OF CORTISONE?
For joint discomfort, tendonitis, and other related conditions, corticosteroid injections are advised. These medications combat pain and inflammation.
You can use the impacted muscles, tendons, or joints as usual if there is no pain. They are therefore incapable of healing, and if you do not get well from the wound, you will sustain further harm. Additionally, you might unintentionally put additional strain on the nearby bones, ligaments, and tissues.
The body uses inflammation to promote recovery. To restore injured tissue, it saturates the area with stem cells and growth hormones. Cortisone injections stop inflammation, which prevents healing. The pain and recognition will probably get worse in three to six months afterward.
RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS OF PRP THERAPY
PRP injections are generally low-risk procedures with few unfavourable side effects. Before the procedure, you should hydrate well and eat to prevent feeling lightheaded because it includes taking blood. Following treatment, you may have some discomfort and bruising where the injection was made.
Less common risks associated with PRP injections include :
- Damage from Bleeding Tissue
- Viruses Nerve damage
PRP injections have a far lower risk of an allergic reaction compared to other injectable treatments like corticosteroids because they are made from your own cells and plasma.
ADVERSE EFFECTS OF CORTISONE INJECTION
You should be aware that cortisone injections can hide other unpleasant side effects in addition to pain and mobility issues. Your doctor could restrict the number of doses you can safely receive due to these negative effects.
- High amounts of the hormone cortisone in the body can result in Cushing’s syndrome, also known as hypercortisolism. Unwanted hair growth, obesity, weak bones, and infertility are all consequences of this illness.
- Higher blood sugar
- Corticosteroids can cause joints to develop crystals, which can make patients’ discomfort worse.
- Infections at the site of treatment
- Nerve injury
- Skin and soft tissue thinning at the treatment site
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF PRP THERAPY?
PRP injections can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including musculoskeletal pain and injuries as well as cosmetic procedures. injury to the joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
For instance, adding PRP injections to a therapy plan can assist to speed up the healing process, lessen pain, and permit a quicker return to activities for chronic tendon injuries like tennis elbow or jumper’s knee.
PRP injections may be preferable to cortisone injections. You can achieve more effective and long-lasting outcomes by avoiding all the potential adverse effects of corticosteroids. Discuss all the possibilities with your doctor now at Speciality Care Clinics.
Contact: (469) 545-9983.