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Important Information On Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

By Robert Johnson


Platelets are cellular structures found in blood and involved in the process of tissue healing and repair. Platelet rich plasma (or PRP) is blood plasma augmented with platelets. This mixture also contains growth factors and chemicals known as cytokines. The use of PRP has been adopted in many medical fields including cosmetic surgery, pain management and dentistry among others. In this article we will look at how platelet rich plasma therapy is used in Vaughan.

The PRP will be prepared from your own blood. Once the whole blood has been drawn, it is put in a centrifuge so as to separate the white and red blood cells from the platelet-rich plasma. The PRP is then activated through the addition of thrombin and calcium chloride. There are a number of other important factors in the PRP that include interleukin 8, connective tissue growth factor, insulin-like growth factor and fibroblast growth factor among others.

PRP is usually injected directly in the affected area under ultrasound guidance. This ensures that it is accurate as possible especially when dealing with enclosed spaces such as joints. Some of the conditions that may be managed using this form of treatment include ligament sprains, pelvic pain, rotator cuff tears, ankle sprains, osteoarthritis and cardiac muscle injuries among others. The treatment may be administered on its own or alongside other therapies.

One of the most modern applications of this therapy is the use in the treatment of sport related injuries. This use was faced with uncertainty at some point due to fears that it may be breaching anti-doping laws. Extensive research by regularly bodies has not found any likelihood that the therapy gives athletes a competitive advantage which has given it a green light for the time being.

This treatment is typically done within a few hours. There are very few side effects if any which makes it possible to administer the therapeutic agent in an outpatient clinic. You will notice an improvement after a couple of hours and you can resume your normal routine immediately. A majority of people will need just a single injection in six months. For others, two or three are needed.

In rare circumstances, there may be some pain at the injection site. Ordinarily, this should resolve in a few weeks. In some cases, however, it persists especially if the injection was done into a tendon. It is believed that this problem is the result of increased pressure created by the plasma. Since the area is already irritated, the increased pressure only serves to worsen the problem. Although it may take a bit long, the pain will eventually abate.

Although PRP can be administered in anyone, there are situations in which caution should be taken due to potential dangers. In smokers, it should be delayed and the patients asked to stop smoking for some time. This is because the healing may be delayed in active smokers due to the presence of nicotine in circulation. Medical conditions that may present potential risks include thrombocytopenia, skin cancers, sepsis, chronic liver disease and reduced fibrinogen levels.

Platelet rich plasma is a treatment whose uses continue to grow by the day. One of the reasons as to why it is becoming a popular treatment is because of the low risk of complications because one receives their own blood. If you wish to have the therapy, visit your doctor so as to discuss your suitability as a candidate.




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