The natural and miraculous ability of the human body to heal itself is actually not a new thing. Fractured bone can regrow and heal. A cut in the skin can also heal over time. There are many such examples of the human body’s innate ability to heal after injuries.
Regenerative medicine like platelet plasma therapy and stem cell therapy can potentiate the body’s innate healing ability. Regenerative medicine, particularly in orthopedics, offers healing and pain relief to patients suffering from musculoskeletal injuries like tendon and ligament tears, herniated discs, and conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Let’s talk about what PRP is, how it works, and where you can go to receive PRP therapy for your musculoskeletal problem in Little Rock, AR.
What is PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is what its name depicts – it is blood plasma rich in the smallest components of blood called platelets.
Platelets, otherwise known as thrombocytes, are colorless fragments known for their power to clot blood in case of bleeding. These smallest components are the first to move to the injury site, setting off a healing cascade.
Platelet-rich plasma is obtained through a process called centrifugation. To get platelet-rich plasma, a small amount of your blood is taken in a test tube and placed into a centrifuge machine. The machine spins the blood sample at a very high speed and separates your whole blood into layers (based on their density – the heaviest cells sink to the bottom, and the lightest comes at the top).
The plasma and platelet are taken from the test tube and injected into the site of injury.
How PRP Works?
PRP puts the healing properties of the patient’s own blood to work to repair the damaged tissues, joints, tendons, and muscles.
The platelets of the PRP release the growth factors and proteins that help heal the injured tissues, while the plasma of the PRP carries nutrients, electrolytes, and hormones required to nourish the healing cells and tissues.
Most people prefer PRP alone, but sometimes foreign agents that can promote healing can also be added to the PRP.
Benefits of PRP
PRP is well known for its capability to help heal injuries like:
- Tendonitis
- Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, of the shoulder, hip, and knee
- Acute and chronic strains and sprains
- Rotator cuff tears
- Tendon tear
- Ligament tear
- Meniscal tears
- Cartilage injuries
PRP Treatments in Little Rock, AR
If you are considering PRP for your orthopedic condition and want to know whether it could work for you, contact our exceptionally skilled board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. William Hefley.
Our board-certified orthopedic surgeon is specialized in providing treatment for a broad range of orthopedic conditions and injuries affecting the hip, knee, and shoulder joints. Our orthopedic -surgeon provides a variety of surgical and nonsurgical treatments, including platelet-rich plasma therapy and stem cell therapy.
If you would like to make an appointment with us, call our staff today at (800) 336-2412 or use our secure online appointment request form.
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