Accelerated Medical
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an innovative medicine treatment that aids in the healing process of painful injuries and degenerative conditions. The health care providers at Accelerated Medical in Elko, Nevada, incorporate PRP into treatment plans for a wide range of painful issues. If you live with musculoskeletal pain, call Accelerated Medical, or schedule a consultation online today to learn more about PRP and how it can help you.
PRP Q & A
What is PRP?
Your blood consists of liquid plasma and several solid components, including platelets and red and white blood cells. The primary function of platelets is to clot your blood when a blood vessel is damaged to prevent blood loss. They also carry the growth factors and proteins your body uses to heal itself.
Platelet-rich plasma or PRP therapy harnesses the power of your platelets to stimulate your body’s natural healing response. When your physician injects the serum into your injured tissue, the injection may stimulate your body’s ability to repair itself. It floods the area with the growth factors needed for cell repair and generation.
What conditions might improve with PRP?
PRP is a rapidly emerging medical specialty area. Medical researchers and physicians are studying the potential benefits and effects of PRP, and new discoveries occur every day. Some of the possible uses of PRP include:
- Tendon injuries
- Muscle strains
- Ligament sprains
- Fractures
- Arthritis
If you have an injury or chronic pain in your neck, back, or joints, PRP might be a helpful part of a treatment program. The health care professionals at Accelerated Medical can explain more about how PRP may help you during a consultation.
What happens during a PRP treatment?
After an exam to determine if PRP is right for you, your health care provider draws a sample of your blood and separates it in a centrifuge. Then, they combine your platelets and plasma to create a serum that contains 5-10 times more platelets than a normal blood sample.
When your serum is ready, your provider injects it into the damaged or injured part of your body. Depending on the location of your injury, they might use an X-ray to guide the needle to the correct location or provide a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable during your treatment.
PRP may accelerate your cellular repair process. However, your body needs time to heal. Everyone responds to PRP differently. You might notice an improvement in as little as two weeks, or it could take longer. Also, depending on your condition, you might need a series of PRP treatments to reach your desired results.