What Are PRP Injections?

Knee Pain Doctor West Chester, PA

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is used in injections to promote the body’s natural ability to heal and to accelerate healthy cellular growth. It is a developing technology that has shown great promise in its effectiveness and results. If you would like to know more about PRP injections and if you are a good candidate for this treatment for soft tissue regeneration or hair growth, you can connect with health care professionals who have extensive experience with these kinds of injections. After an exam and an objective assessment of your unique medical circumstances, you will learn whether this treatment approach is right for you.

What do PRP injections contain?

The plasma that forms the basis of the PRP injections is taken from the patient’s own blood by isolating and concentrating the plasma. When a West Chester, PA knee pain doctor or other qualified professional administers the PRP injections into an area of the patient’s body that is damaged or in need of accelerated growth, the concentrated plasma stimulates the body to grow new cells. In this way, PRP injections offer an organic way for the body to improve its own healing ability. 

What is the purpose of getting PRP injections?

Many serious athletes use PRP injections to help them recover from injuries. Others who are not necessarily athletes also take advantage of PRP injections to help them heal from soft tissue injuries, to help them heal post-surgery, and/or to avoid the need for surgery. PRP injections, offered by cutting-edge medical centers including  Premier Osteoarthritis Centers of Pennsylvania, can be beneficial for a wide range of applications:

Tendon injury: Tendons connect the muscles to bones. They are a form of tissue that is strong and thick but typically take a long time to heal when damaged. PRP injections can effectively treat chronic tendon conditions such as Achilles tendonitis, patellar tendon knee damage, and tennis elbow.

Osteoarthritis: Those who suffer from osteoarthritis in one or both knees have found relief through PRP injections.

Postsurgical recovery: Following surgery for repairing torn tendons or ligaments, doctors will occasionally use PRP injections to help the patient recover faster.

Acute injuries: When athletes or even non-athletes pull their hamstring muscle, PRP injections can help them heal faster. Knee sprains are also a common acute injury when a person experiences physical trauma such as during an automobile accident.

How long does it take to recover from PRP injections?

Your PRP treatment doctor may instruct you to rest the treatment area following the injections for a particular period of time. Recommendations will depend on the manner and severity of your condition. However, the majority of patients do not experience a disruption in their daily activities after they receive PRP injections.

To find out more about PRP injection treatments, and whether they may be helpful to you for a particular condition, connect with a professional to schedule a consultation.