Platelet Rich Plasma vs. Traditional Treatments
Injuries are an unfortunate part of life. Whether they occur as a sports injury or just during your normal activities, they can slow you down and prevent you going about your day in a comfortable manner. Luckily, there are treatments that can help speed up the healing process and get on your feet doing the things you love.
Traditional Treatments
Traditional treatments for musculoskeletal injuries such tendon injuries and tennis elbow include a wide array of treatments to begin the healing process and for pain relief. The most commonly recommended treatment for injuries is rest. Oftentimes, the body will heal itself over time, but this method can take a substantial amount of time for recovery and does little if you are in pain.
Another common treatment for injuries is over the counter or prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen, acetaminophen or opioids. While these can relieve pain and swelling temporarily, they do little to actually stimulate the healing process. Ice and hot therapy are another option which includes using an ice pack and a heating pad to reduce inflammation. This can help with the healing process but also may take a substantial amount of time for recovery.
Corticosteroid injections are an option that can help relieve pain and inflammation in a specific area. They often are injected into joints and begin working after a few days. However, they do eventually wear off and there is generally a limit as to the number of injections you can receive over a certain amount of time.
For many musculoskeletal issues, surgery is always an option. However, surgery is very invasive, has many risks and side effects and can require a rehabilitation process that can take weeks or months before you are back on your feet.
What is Platelet-Rich Plasma
Plasma is the liquid part of the blood. It is composed of mostly largely of water and proteins and provides a medium for red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to circulate throughout the body. Platelets are blood cells that play an essential role in healing and blood clotting.
Platlet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy uses injections of a patient’s own platelets to accelerate the healing of a variety of injuries including chronic tendon injuries, tennis elbow, and ligament injuries. PRP treatment uses the patient’s own healing power to improve many musculoskeletal problems.
PRP is created by taking your own blood and running it through a centrifuge to concentrate platelets and the concentration of growth factors. These concentrated platelets are then injected into an injection site, usually directly into the injured tissue. These activated platelets release growth factors that stimulate and increase the number of reparative cells that your body produces. PRP treatment in Philadelphia is available at this time.
PRP has been found to significantly increase the healing process, improve the function of damaged tissue, and reduce pain and inflammation. PRP for hair loss is also an option. Additionally, the side effects of PRP injections are commonly limited as PRP uses your own blood to supercharge the healing process. The side effects most commonly associated with PRP injections are pain and swelling at the injection site for two to three days after the procedure. Additionally, some patients may experience stiffness for a few days after the procedure. Commonly, these symptoms will dissipate after a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medicine.
Difference Between PRP and Traditional Treatments
The fact that PRP injections use your own blood and body’s healing ability to repair injuries is what really differentiates PRP injections from traditional treatments. Many traditional treatments such as corticosteroids injections and pain relievers provide temporary relief whereas PRP treatment provides a long lasting, permanent solution that will not wear off over time. Additionally, certain pain relievers, especially prescription opioids can be very addictive, and the use of PRP injections provided the pain relief that is associated with pain relievers without the side effects.
Additionally, PRP injections are noninvasive and accelerate the body’s healing process. Unlike surgery, PRP injections require minimal down time and do not require a rehabilitation process. Additionally, PRP injections accelerate the healing process. Whereas pain relievers and hot and cold therapies can help with pain relief and provide a minimal amount of inflammation relief and bodily repair, PRP injections work with the body to create growth factors that both provide pain relief and accelerate the healing process. This will leave you with less pain and have you back on your feet quicker than traditional treatments.
Book Your Appointment Today at Alpha Men’s Center
If you are suffering from musculoskeletal injuries such as chronic tendon injuries or tennis elbow, PRP Treatment may be able to help. The team at Alpha Men’s Center are here to help answer your questions about musculoskeletal injuries and discuss treatment options including PRP injections. Contact Alpha Men’s Center to book an appointment today by visiting our website or by calling them at 484-685-1301.