Platelet Rich Plasma for Joints
If you are suffering from joint pain, your doctor may have recommended a Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection. PRP is a treatment that uses the patient’s blood to help heal injured tissue. In this article, we will discuss what PRP is, how it works, and the process of intra-articular PRP injection.
The process of intra-articular PRP injection
Dr. Salem Tomi uses a doppler to guide the PRP needle into the joint space. PRP is then injected into the joint space. The volume of the injected PRP varies according to the joints. For example, the PRP volume injected is usually between 0.25-0.50 mL for a small joint such as the wrist or ankle. For a larger joint such as the knee, hip, or shoulder, the PRP volume injected is usually between 4 to 6 MLS. The PRP injection process takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Patients can usually return to their normal activities the same day or the next day. PRP injections are usually given once a week for three to six weeks.
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Healthy joints
A healthy joint requires a balance of cartilage, fluid, and bone. The cartilage is a smooth, rubbery tissue that covers the ends of bones and allows them to move smoothly against each other. The balance is maintained by producing and repairing these tissues through fine-tuned molecular signalling that controls homeostasis, damage, restoration, and remodelling of the joint tissues. Some of the most common joint medical conditions, such as osteoarthritis (OA)balance, are due to balance disruption.
PRP for knee osteoarthritis
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has emerged as a potential treatment option for knee osteoarthritis. The therapy involves injecting a concentration of platelets from the patient’s own blood into the affected knee joint. The platelets release growth factors that promote healing and can help to reduce pain and inflammation. PRP therapy is considered to be a minimally invasive procedure with few side effects. The patient’s own blood is used, reducing the risk of an adverse reaction. The therapy can also be repeated if necessary. Some studies have shown that PRP therapy can be effective in reducing pain and improving knee function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness of PRP therapy for knee osteoarthritis treatment. It is important to note that PRP therapy may not be suitable for all patients with knee osteoarthritis. Patients with severe knee osteoarthritis or other underlying conditions may require more extensive treatments, such as joint replacement surgery.
PRP for Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain can have a variety of causes, including rotator cuff tears, impingement syndrome, bursitis, tendinitis, and arthritis. In some cases, the cause of the shoulder pain may not be clear. PRP therapy may be a good choice for treatment in cases where the pain is caused by an injury to the soft tissue in the shoulder, such as a rotator cuff tear or tendinitis. The growth factors released by the platelets in PRP can promote healing and reduce inflammation, which can help to alleviate pain and improve function in the affected joint. However, PRP therapy may not be the best choice for everyone. For example, if the pain is caused by a bone injury or a more severe condition, such as a torn rotator cuff, surgery may be required. If the pain is caused by a condition such as arthritis, other treatments such as joint injections or physical therapy may be more effective.
The reason behind Painful joints
Joints can become painful when this balance is disrupted, and the tissues are damaged. Non-pharmacological modalities, dietary supplements, pharmacological therapies, and minimally invasive procedures involving injections of various substances are available to restore joint homeostasis, provide clinical improvement, and possibly have a disease-modifying effect in patients with osteoarthritis. More intrusive surgical techniques may prevent metal resurfacing when conventional therapies fail by restoring mechanical equilibrium and regenerating the articular surface, but the outcomes are still debatable. Even though some of these techniques have been found to have a good clinical outcome at midterm follow-up, rehabilitation is lengthy, and long-term effects are sometimes uncertain, partial, and restricted.
PPR Mechanism Of Action In Joint Healing
Multiple in vivo and in vitro studies showed supporting results to the effectiveness of the PRP in stimulating joint healing and restoration process. The PRP injection promotes the healing of chondral or osteochondral lesions and rheumatoid arthritis through some of the following possible mechanisms of action.
- Increasing chondrocyte proliferation rate
- Enhancing Hyaluronic Acid secretion
- Induction of Meniscal cells
- Increasing Glycosaminoglycans synthesis
PRP injection for shoulder bursitis
Bursitis is a condition that can cause pain and inflammation in the shoulder. The condition is often caused by overuse or repetitive motion and can be difficult to treat. However, one treatment option that is becoming increasingly popular is using PRP injections. PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is derived from the patient’s blood. The PRP is injected into the shoulder and helps promote healing by providing a source of growth factors. In addition, the PRP injection can help to reduce inflammation and pain. As a result, it is an effective treatment option for many patients with bursitis.
PRP injection for a knee injury
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentration of platelets injected into an injured site to promote healing. PRP is derived from the patient’s blood, so there is no risk of rejection or allergic reaction. PRP injections often treat injuries to tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Injections of PRP into the knee effectively treat chronic tendinitis, patellar tendinitis, and quadriceps tendon rupture. PRP has also been used to treat other joint injuries, including hip and shoulder injuries. The most common side effects of PRP injections are pain and swelling at the injection site. These side effects usually resolve within a few days.PRP injections are a safe and effective treatment for many knee injuries.
Other indications for PRP
Hair loss
The platelets are injected into the scalp, releasing growth factors that stimulate hair follicles and promote growth. PRP therapy treats male and female pattern baldness effectively and is a relatively safe and low-risk procedure. Moreover, PRP injections can be combined with other hair loss treatments, such as hair transplants, to improve results further. As such, PRP therapy may be an ideal option for patients who are seeking to improve their hairline and restore their confidence.
Skin Rejuvenation
PRP skin rejuvenation is a new, minimally-invasive treatment that can help to improve the appearance of sun-damaged and aging skin. The treatment involves injecting a patient’s platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the skin. PRP is a concentration of platelets and growth factors derived from the patient’s blood. These growth factors have been shown to promote the formation of new collagen and elastin, resulting in smoother, firmer skin. In addition, PRP injections can help to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars. The results of PRP skin rejuvenation are typically natural and long-lasting. For best results, multiple sessions may be necessary.