Injections of platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, have revolutionized the way that many medical conditions are treated. This treatment utilizes properties of a patient’s own blood to elicit more natural healing effects within the body.
The concentrated platelets that are harvested from the body for these injections can speed up healing time with fewer complication risks.
PRP injections have been particularly effective in the treatment of these five medical conditions.
1. Arthritis
The chronic bone aches and pains that are associated with arthritis have been relieved in many people who have undergone PRP therapy.
The extra platelets that are injected promote tissue regrowth and help repair bone and ligament damage. PRP therapy has been especially beneficial in the treatment of osteoarthritis, which affects the knee.
Some patients who have undergone PRP treatment for arthritis report that their mobility and joint functioning have improved.
2. Sciatica
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve pathway becomes irritated. This usually results from a spinal disc herniation, and often causes sharp pains to shoot down the leg from the lower back.
PRP injections can be administered into insertions of the sacroiliac ligament and lumbosacral joint as well as in other areas where sciatica pain is commonly felt to offer relief. PRP therapy promotes a natural rejuvenation process in the treated area.
3. Hamstring Injuries
Athletes and other individuals who frequently use their leg muscles often sustain hamstring injuries that can sometimes by treated with PRP therapy. Whether the hamstring injury is the result of muscle damage, tendonitis or a sprain in the area, PRP can be injected to promote faster healing.
This therapy allows patients to recover faster and reduce the risk of reinjuring the hamstring region.
4. Hair Loss
Even hair loss can often be reversed with PRP injections. The growth factors that are contained in the concentrated plasma can restore hair naturally over the course of a few treatments.
Injections are sometimes administered in six-week intervals throughout a six-month period. Patients who are responding well to the therapy after six months may be asked to return to the doctor to have follow-up treatments performed twice a year.
5. Post-surgical Repair
Following surgery, some doctors will administer PRP treatment to the areas of the body where the operation was performed to start the healing process faster. These injections are often particularly beneficial after rotator cuff or ACL surgery.
During surgery, a doctor might also use PRP injections to repair torn tendons and ligaments. Some doctors can even prepare PRP in a way that allows it to be stitched into tissue tears for more effective results.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy has resulted in many breakthroughs in health care and continues to show promise. This treatment has helped many patients improve their lives and is considered to be one of the most effective forms of modern medicine.
Contact AZ-TMJ Today
If you are interested in receiving PRP treatment, a medical evaluation can be performed to determine if this option is right for you. You will also receive additional information to help you make the best decisions about your care. Call Dr. Farrell for a consultation at 480-945-3629 today.
