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.

PRP preparation starts with the collection of your own blood in a tube. The blood is then centrifuged twice to separate the platelet rich plasma from the cellular components which comprise the white and red cells. The next step is activation. This involves the addition of calcium chloride and thrombin. Other important components of PRP at this point include connective tissue growth factor, interleukin 8, fibroblast growth factor and insulin-like 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.

Rarely, some people may experience pain at the site of injection. While this may resolve in a few days in most cases, there are individuals who have this problem for weeks. This is likely to be experienced when the injections are done into tendons. Introduction of the PRP may increase the pressure in an area that is already irritated aggravating the problem further. What is important to remember is that this pain eventually abates regardless of how long it takes.

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 used for the management of a number of medical and surgical conditions. Since it involves the use of your own cells, the risk of reactions is non-existent as opposed to many other forms of treatment. The list of conditions managed by the therapy continues to grow with time as more research is conducted. To find out whether you are a suitable candidate, have a discussion with your doctor.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment

top