Platelet rich plasma therapy is a method that's grounded in the idea that the presence of blood that has a large number of platelets will promote healing. It has been used widely in the medical world since the mid-1990s, when it became a popular choice for helping patients who had been through spinal surgeries, where fast healing is absolutely essential. Non operative platelet rich plasma therapy has since been demonstrated to be useful in a variety of applications from aesthetics to sports medicine.
How It Works
One factor that makes platelet rich plasma therapy especially appealing is that it uses blood harvested from the patient, meaning no transfusions from donors are necessary. A lab technician will then subject the blood to processes that separate out white platelets that are known to foster healing. An injection will be made for the doctor to administer in the area where healing is desired. Treatments typically cost $500 to $1,200 per session.
Tendon Problems
Doctors have started regularly using PRP methods to treat an array of tendon problems in the major joints, particularly tennis elbow and jumper's knee. It's also employed to treat plantar fasciitis. Individuals who have unstable hips or necks may also benefit from this form of PRP rehabilitation.
Dentistry
Bone regeneration in patients who've undergone significant tooth extractions, such as the removal of a second or third molar, is important to building a base for the use of dentures or the installation of dental implants. Non operative platelet rich plasma therapy is used to jumpstart the recovery of bone.
Hair Loss
There is continuing debate about the effectiveness of PRP therapies for dealing with hair loss, but it is considered an FDA-cleared technique, meaning it is now seen by the government as demonstrably dangerous. The goal is to use growth-promoting white platelets to revitalize hair follicles. Injections are spread across the scalp, spaced roughly a half-inch apart in regions where hair is thinning or missing. The entire procedure takes about a half-hour, and it may lead to enough discomfort to require an ice pack. It has been shown to be most effective in patients who suffer from androgenic alopecia, a genetic disorder.
Arthritis
Preliminary research into whether PRP rehabilitation might benefit arthritis sufferers has shown some indication of promoting the recovery of cartilage. Used in conjunction with a corticosteroid, PRP may help some patients bounce back from disabling levels of osteoarthritis.
