Growth Factor Therapy: When To Consider Platelet-Rich Plasma

Understanding Growth Factor Therapy

The human body has almost superhuman abilities. One such ability is the innate ability to repair after injury or illness. When the body is injured, special substances activate cells to repair and even regenerate tissue. Unfortunately, not all parts of the body are efficient in this process. Therefore, growth factor therapy leverages that power by transferring these regenerative properties to other parts of the body that need more help. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is one of several types of growth factor therapies available today.

Some great uses of growth factors

Compared to other medical treatments, growth factor therapy is still in the infant stage. Today, doctors and pain management clinics use different types of growth factors. These include keratin, collagen, platelets, and much more. Some applications include:

• Healing skin and hair conditions
• Burns and other severe wounds
• Arthritis
• Repetitive strain issues like tennis elbow
• Ligament damage, particularly in the knees
• Joint pain
• Sprains and strains

Most are applied via injection or topically. Growth factors improve healing, reduces inflammation, and encourages new tissue growth.

All about PRP

Platelet-rich plasma is the most widely used growth factor therapy by doctors. PRP is popular because of the ease of acquiring and administering platelet-rich plasma. Platelets are millions of colorless cells that clump to form blood clots and reduce bleeding. The cells also have anti-inflammatory and other healing properties. Platelet-rich plasma is created in the bone marrow and forms part of the blood, allowing the cells to move around as needed.

Taking your blood for a spin

PRP therapy is a simple, minimally invasive procedure that’s specifically useful for joint pain. To perform PRP, first, a doctor or nurse takes a blood sample. The sample goes into a unique device called a centrifuge. The centrifuge quickly spins to separate the red blood cells from the plasma and then the platelets. A lab technician or nurse then mixes the high concentration of platelets with plasma. The doctor then injects the PRP into the problem area.

Benefits of PRP

PRP has a range of useful benefits. The growth factors in the platelets encourage anti-inflammatory properties. This can significantly reduce pain and discomfort, especially for arthritis patients. PRP also speeds up healing. In addition, the cells help create new tissue and stem cells, delaying surgery. Best of all, PRP is safe since the treatment uses the body’s natural material. PRP therapy may happen over several sessions lasting several weeks and can be combined with other therapies.

When to consider PRP

There seems to be no severe risk to using PRP and only mild side effects. PRP is great for treating joint injuries, cartilage damage, sprains, and strains. The treatment can also help regrow new tissue. Osteoarthritis patients looking for long-term relief are also great candidates. Because the therapy is all-natural, PRP helps to avoid drugs and delay surgery. The treatment could form part of a comprehensive recovery process that can benefit patients for months.