Platelet Rich Plasma and The Healing Process

Check upRecovering from an injury can be a slow frustrating process, but there are tools to make it better. Start by carefully following all the instructions given by your doctor or orthopedic surgeon—rest as much as instructed, do the at home exercises you’ve been assigned, and go to physical therapy and doctors appointments as scheduled.

Another way to improve the healing process is through platelet rich plasma. Here’s what you should know.

What is platelet rich plasma?

Platelet rich plasma (or PRP for short) is blood plasma with a high concentration of platelets. This substance includes growth factors that significantly improve the healing process. It is made from your own blood, so it is very safe and the creation process is quite simple.

How is platelet rich plasma created?

Platelet rich plasma is made from your own blood. First about 20cc of blood will be drawn from a vein. The blood will be placed in a centrifuge with a small amount of anti coagulant. The centrifuge spins the blood around and it separates into parts. The part with the high concentration of platelets is extracted and this is used when it is time to inject it into the patient. The extracted substance has a much higher concentration of platelets and growth factors, but it is still made from your body, so there aren’t concerns about allergic reactions.

How does it work?

Platelet rich plasma contains growth factors that help your body heal itself—it simply speeds up the process. In some cases it is used to help bones and tendons regenerate and in other cases it is used to help wounds close up and heal faster. It will be injected into the target area being treated and it will gradually work to help your body repair itself.

When is it used?

At Dr. Murrell’s office, platelet rich plasma treatments are used to help your body heal when operation isn’t necessary. For example, PRP treatments can be used to treat jumper’s knee. No surgery is performed, but an ultrasound-guided injection of PRP helps your knee begin to heal.

To learn more about how PRP is used, contact Dr. Murrell.