The Ultimate Guide to PRP Treatments: What You Need to Know

PRP is an innovative treatment gaining immense popularity in various fields of medicine, including orthopedics.

In the past, PRP treatments were more commonly associated with injured athletes due to their potential to promote tissue healing and reduce recovery time. However, as the research on PRP has advanced, its application has extended beyond athletes to include everyone with a musculoskeletal system injury.

If you have sustained a musculoskeletal system injury and are considering PPR treatment to kickstart healing, this guide to PRP treatments will help you understand more, about how it works, what injuries PRP can help treat, and where you can go for PRP treatments in Little Rock, AR.

What is PRP?

PRP or platelet-rich plasma is a concentrated blood plasma containing a higher concentration of platelets and growth factors than normal blood has.

Platelets of the PRP therapy are well-known for their role in the blood clotting process, but they are also rich in growth factors that can stimulate tissue regeneration and healing in the treated area.

Platelet-rich plasma is administered in the form of injections.

How Is PRP Prepared?

In order to prepare a PRP injection, your blood is drawn in a test tube. The test tube is then placed in a centrifuge machine which spun the blood at high speed. The centrifugal force of the centrifuge separates the platelets and plasma from other blood components. The separated plasma and platelets are collected and used for the treatment of injuries.

How Do PRP Treatments Work?

When injected into a targeted area such as an injured tendon or a knee, PRP releases growth factors that stimulate cell growth, collagen production, and, ultimately tissue repair. PRP treatments also stimulate or speed up the healing process, shorten healing time and decrease pain and swelling.

What Injuries Can PRP Treat?

The platelet-rich plasma treatments have shown enormous potential in aiding the healing of a variety of musculoskeletal injuries. Some of the injuries PRP treatment can help with include:

• Tendon injuries, such as golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, rotator cuff tendonitis, and patellar tendonitis
• Ligament injuries, such as tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
• Acute and chronic strains or sprains
• Meniscal tear
• Osteoarthritis
• Muscle injuries

What Are the Risks and Side Effects of PRP Treatments?

PRP treatments are low-risk treatments and don’t cause major side effects. Since the components of your own blood are used in PRP treatments, these are safe and do not cause allergic reactions. However, you may experience soreness and bruising at the site of the PRP injection.

Some less common risks of PRP treatments include bleeding, tissue damage, infection, and nerve injuries.

PRP Treatments in Little Rock, AR

PRP treatments are not a primary treatment option for injuries of the musculoskeletal system condition, and it is often used in conjunction with other conservative treatments like medications, physical therapy, or surgical interventions.

If you are looking for PRP treatments and want to know whether PRP treatments are right for you, visit our highly trained and experienced orthopedic surgeon Dr. Hefley who specializes in providing a comprehensive range of treatments for musculoskeletal system conditions and injuries. In addition to surgical and nonsurgical interventions, our orthopedic surgeon also offers PRP therapy to help you get back on your feet faster.

Want to make an appointment with us? Call us today at  (800) 336-2412 or use our secure online appointment request form to schedule an appointment.